UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 


"To  The  Goc.ety, 
-->  THE 
Ix)8  Angeles. 

19  >t 


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PUBLIC    PAPERS 


OF 


GEORGE   CLINTON, 

FIRST  GOVERNOR  OF  NEW  YORK. 

1777-1795-1801-1804. 


VOLUME    IV. 


PUBLISHED  BY  THE  STATE  OF  NEW  YORK 

AS  APPENDIX  ''  N,"  THIRD  ANNUAL  REPORT  OF  THE  STATE  HISTORIAN. 


ALBANY: 
JAMES  B.  LYON,  STATE  PRINTER. 

1900. 


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PREFACE  TO  VOLUME  IV. 


The  contents  of  Volume  IV  of  the  George  Clinton  papers  are 
of  more  than  passing  interest  and  vailue.  While  the  grand 
operations  of  the  war,  during  the  period  involved  in  this  volume 
— September,  1778  to  June,  1779 — were  conducted  in  other  parts 
of  the  country,  New  York  occupied  a  strategic  position  of  great 
importance  and  was  forced  to  endure  a  number  of  Indian  atroci- 
ties along  her  unprotected  frontiers,  that  stand  without  a  parallel 
in  the  history  of  the  war.  Many  of  the  details  now  appear  for  the 
first  time  in  print  and  are  so  largely  at  variance  with  generally 
accepted  statements  that  have  stood  unchallenged  for  one  hun- 
dred yeans  and  more,  that  the  historian  in  the  future,  will  be 
compelled,  in  the  interest  of  accuracy  and  truth,  to  revise  and 
remodel  all  of  the  standard  histories  so  far  as  those  histories 
touch  upon  the  border  wars  of  New  York  State. 

These  were  the  dark  days  of  American  liberty.  The  British 
army  continued  to  remain  in  New  York,  an  unyielding  menace 
to  the  American  cause,  ready  at  any  moment,  to  strike  at  any 
opening  afforded  by  the  scattered  American  forces  to  the  East, 
North  or  West;  our  finances  were  tangled  apparently  beyond  re- 
demption; our  debts  already  under  the  increased  cost  of  main- 
taining the  war,  were  swelling  alarmingly;  the  purchasing  value 
of  our  currency  was  diminishing;  while  on  the  other  hand,  the 
prices  of  the  common  necessaries  of  life,  were  advancing,  to  ruin- 
ous rates;  discontent  bordering  upon  mutiny  prevailed  in  the 
army,  a  situation  that  was  not  mollified  by  the  injudicious  bounty 
system  selected  by  the  Congress. 

323180 


iv  PREFACE. 

Governor  Clinton  at  this  time  was  compelled  to  protect  his 
frontiers  with  the  limited  means  at  his  command,  encounter  the 
problems  impinging  upon  the  Vermont  imbroglio,  cooperate  with 
Congress  on  one  side  and  with  the  Legislature  of  his  own  State 
on  the  other,  and  act  as  peacemaker  between  officers  in  the  army 
and  between  statesmen  in  public  life  who  smarted  under  griev- 
ances real  or  fancied.  Next  to  the  frontier  question,  the  problem 
of  distributing  flour  and  of  regulating  the  distribution  gave  him 
the  moist  concern. 

In  view  of  all  that  has  come  down  to  us,  it  is  not  surprising 
that  Washington,  under  date  of  November  27,  1778,  should  ex- 
press himself  in  these  words  to  Joseph  Reed :  "  It  is  also  most 
devoutly  to  be  wished  that  faction  was  at  an  end  and  that  those 
to  whom  everything  dear  and  valuable  is  entrusted,  would  lay 

aside  party  views  and  return  to  first  principles.     Happy,  happy 

v 
thrice  happy  country,  if  such  was  the  government  of  it! ' 

And  again,  March  15,  1779,  to  Thomas  Nelson :  "  I  think  there 
never  was  a  time,  when  cool  and  dispassionate  reasoning,  strict 
attention  and  application,  great  integrity  and  (if  it  was  in  the 
nature  of  things,  unerring)  wisdom  were  more  to  be  wished  for, 
than  the  present.  Our  affairs,  according  to  my  judgment,  .\re 
now  come  to  a  crisis  and  require  no  small  degree  of  political 
skill  to  steer  clear  of  those  shelves  and  rocks  which  tho'  deeply 
buried  may  wreck  our  hopes  and  throw  us  upon  some  inhospit- 
able shore.  Unanimity  in  our  Councils,  disinterestedness  in  our 
pursuits  and  steady  perseverance  in  our  national  duty,  are  the 
only  means  to  avoid  misfortunes.  If  they  come  upon  us  after 
thesr,  we  shall  have  the  consolation  of  knowing  that  we  have 
done  our  best.  The  rest  is  with  the  Gods." 

HUGH  HASTINGS, 

State  Historian. 
State  Capitol,  Albany,  N.  Y.,  November  5,  1900. 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


A  delicate  proposition — The  appointment  of  state  officers  to  Con- 
tinental regiments — The  reorganization  of  the  Fourth  New 
York  Line — Its  officers 3-5 

Colonel  Hathorn  and  his  exempts 6 

Historian  Smith  demands  his  servants — Governor  Clinton  con- 
demns the  proposition  as  unjust  and  unreasonable 6-7 

Colonel  Malcom  denounces  Captain  Van  Allen  and  Tories  gen- 
erally    7-8 

Captain  John  Copp  petitions  Governor  Clinton  for  a  commission . .          8-9 

Association  of  Exempts  for  Albany  County 9-11 

Governor  Clinton  promises  his  good  offices  in  behalf  of  Mr.  Tall- 

madge 11 

Governor  Clinton  diplomatically  attempts  to  harmonize  the  differ- 
ences between  Colonel  Butler  and  the  Commissioners 11-12 

George  Clinton  discredits  John  Stark — Commends  the  aggressive 
policy  of  Colonel  Butler — The  confiscated  cattle  question  not 
decided  12-13 

Governor  Clinton  chafes  under  the  Congressional  resolutions  re- 
lating to  the  loss  of  the  forts  in  the  Highlands 14-15 

Governor  Clinton  requests  that  Abraham  Hammon,  a  prisoner,  be 

forwarded  to  Poughkeepsie 15 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Staats  reports  to  General  Ten  Broeck  that 

Brant  is  contemplating  another  raid 15-1G 

Exciting  times  on  the  Delaware  frontier — Colonel  Cantine's  report 
to  Governor  Clinton  of  an  encounter  between  settlers  and 
Indians 16-19 

Serious  charge  against  John  Stark — Accused  of  encouraging  seiz- 
ure of  cattle,  the  proceeds  of  whose  sale  were  to  be  distributed 
among  the  troops  capturing  them  20-21 

Forage  scarce  and  dear — Washington  requested  to  call  upon  the 
Eastern  states  to  cooperate  with  the  Quartermaster  General 
to  supply  the  army  at  reasonable  prices 22-26 


vi  TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 

PAGES. 

Governor  Clinton  declines  to  commit  himself  to  the  case  of  Cap- 
tain Copp 26 

Albany  utters  a  vigorous  protest — Against  billeting  two  thousand 

troops  in  that  city — And  the  Mayor  gives  his  reason 27-29 

Three  more  Tories  who  refuse  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance 29 

Returns  of  Colonel  Van  Schaick's  regiment  at  White  Plains 30 

General  Ten  Broeck  forwards  correspondence  to  Governor  Clin- 
ton    31 

Marbletown  Exempts 31-32 

Four  of  Colonel  Ludinton's  captains  refuse  to  accept  their  com- 
missions    32-33 

Harvest  before  military  duty — List  of  men  in  Colonel  Peter  R. 
Livingston's  regiment  who  refused  to  go  to  West  Point  when 
ordered 33-36 

General  Ten  Broeck  appeals  to  Private  Secretary  Benson  for  more 

light  on  court  martial  punishment 36-38 

Governor  Clinton  resorts  to  retaliatory  measures 38-39 

Another  foray  in  the  Mohawk  Valley — Colonel  Bellinger  sounds 

the  alarm  and  Colonel  Klock  promptly  rallies  to  his  relief. ...  39 

Ensign  Pendleton  a  prisoner  on  Long  Island  asks  Governor  Clinton 
for  authority  to  allow  Nicholas  Cowenhoven  to  advance  him 
money 40-41 

Colonel  Malcom  ridicules  the  appearance  of  militia  officers 41-43 

The  case  of  Robert  C.  Livingston — James  Duane  vouches  for  him 
— Governor  Clinton,  General  Stark  and  the  Vermont  contro- 
versy    44—47 

Destruction  of  German  Flats — The  enemy's  blighting  foray — 
Heavy  losses  of  the  settlers  in  property — Colonel  Bellinger's 
report  47-50 

The  case  of  Hammell  and  Geake — Governor  Clinton  suggests  to 

Washington  a  court  martial  for  the  former 50-51 

Marbletown  asks  for  a  guard  to  protect  its  western  border 51-53 

Governor  hears  of  the  German  Flats  disaster — And  admonishes 
General  Ten  Broeck  on  the  necessity  of  maintaining  full  quo- 
tas of  the  militia  at  all  times 53-55 

Refractory  soldiers  to  be  sternly  handled — Captain  Talmadge  of 

the  rangers  ordered  to  arrest  the  ringleaders 55-57 

Major  Lush  ordered  "  to  forward  "  Henry  Cuyler  without  delay. .  57 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  vii 

PAGES. 

Governor  Clinton  mildly  rebukes  the  Albany  Conspiracy  Commis- 
sioners    58 

Returns   of  the  militia  at   Schoharie  under  Lieutenant   Colonel 

Philip  Van  Alstyne 59 

George  Clinton  reports  the  German  Flats  disaster  to  the  Comman- 

der-in-Chief  59-60 

Albany  as  a  military  post — Governor  Clinton  disagrees  with  the 

citizens  of  that  city  on  the  question  of  billeting  2,000  troops . . .       60-61 

Exempts  of  South  East  Precinct 61-63 

The  Governor  issues  stringent  orders  to  Colonel  Van  Alstine 63-64 

One  hundred  dollars  reward — For  the  arrest  of  Parks  and  the 

Middaghs — Colonel  Cantine's  troubles 64-66 

James  Duane  writes  despondently — Indian  raids  have  destroyed 
crops,  terrified  the  people  and  desolated  the  frontier — Exor- 
bitant charges  for  meat 66-69 

Commissary  Fisher  makes  a  financial  statement  in  regard  to  flour      69-70 

John  Tayler  requests  that  a  bill  for  rum  be  settled 70 

Order  for  musket  cartridges 71 

Scarcity  of  shoes  and  stockings — Colonel  Curtenius  on  exempt- 
ing certain  workmen  from  military  duty 71-72 

Joost  Garrison  refuses  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance 72 

Robert  Benson  for  the   Governor  on  the  authority  of   General 

officers  in  courts  martial  sentences 72-73 

The  Albany  Conspiracy  Commission  apologize  for  the  slight  to 

Governor  Clinton 73-75 

Robert  R.  Livingston  defends  the  Manor — Governor  Clinton,  how- 
ever, corrects  several  discrepancies — Movements  of  the  Com- 

mander-in-Chief 75-77 

George  Clinton  to  Washington — Fear  of  losing  all  the  settlements 
on  the  Mohawk  River — Stark  regarded  more  as  a  politician. 

than  a  soldier 78-79 

Skeleton  militia  regiments — General  Ten  Broeck  dwells  upon  the 

difficulties  of  his  position — The  losses  at  German  Flats 79-83 

Peter  Colt  asks  the  Governor's  assistance  in  purchasing  supplies 

for  the  Eastern  Department  and  the  French  Fleet 83-84 

General  Ten  Broeck  ordered  to  protect  the  western  frontier 84-85 

Governor  Clinton  reminds  Colonel  Klock  of  previous  orders  that 

have  been  neglected,  concerning  the  frontier 85-8G 


viii  TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 

PAGES. 

A  cry  of  alarm  from  Harington  township 86-87 

Distress  at  German  Flats — An  appeal  to  be  made  to  the  Legisla- 
ture for  the  alleviation  of  the  sufferers 87-89 

The  difficulty  in  procuring  flour — Governor  Clinton  questions  the 
charge  that  Tories  are  holding  up  the  cereal  for  an  advance 
in  price . . 89-92 

Congress  establishes  the  Treasury — Officers,  how  appointed,  their 
oaths  of  office  and  forms  to  be  used  in  the  transaction  of  pub- 
lic business 93-99 

George  Clinton  vindicated — Congress  absolves  him  from  responsi- 
bility in  the  loss  of  the  forts  in  the  Highlands 99 

Politics  in  bestowing  commissions — Ethan  Allen's  commission  of 

Colonel  held  up  by  Gouverneur  Morris 100 

A  report  that  the  enemy  are  moving  up  the  west  side  of  the  Hud- 
son    101-102 

Colonel  Malcom  reluctant  to  use  a  flag — Asks  for  furloughs  for 

his  men 102-103 

The  death  of  Colonel  Dumon — Colonel  William  Butler  furnishes 

affidavits  producing  many  facts  bearing  on  the  case 103-111 

Officers  of  the  Company  of  Exempts  of  Runabout  Patent 111-112 

The  parole  of  Alexander  White,  James  Dole  and  Henry  Cuyler, 

as  made  by  the  Commissioners  of  Conspiracies. 112-113 

Brant  on  the  war  path — A  report  that  his  objective  point  is  Roch- 
ester, Ulster  County 113-116 

Richard  Varick  asks  Governor  Clinton  to  intercede  for  his  father, 

a  prisoner  in  New  York  city 116-117 

Tryon  County  asks  for  assistance — Small  reliance  to  be  placed 

upon  the  militia — The  enemy  preparing  for  another  raid. .. .  117-119 

The  question  of  clothing  for  the  troops  and  officers  and  returns  for 

the  five  regiments  furnished 119-120 

Petition  for  pardon  of  Bartholomew  Hess 120 

Cornelius  Taylor  offers  to  turn  states  evidence 121 

General  Ten  Broeck  orders  one  fourth  of  the  men  of  certain  regi- 
ments to  Tryon  county 121 

Colonel  Moses  Phillips  complains — And  meets  with  a  reproof  from 

Governor  Clinton — Colonel  Can  tine  sustained 121-123 

The  Governor  commends  Colonel  Drake — And  honors  his  requisi- 
tion for  9,000  cartridges  for  his  regiment 123-125 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  ix 

PAGES. 

Exempts  of  Hanover,  Ulster  County 125-126 

Lieutenant  Pendleton  renews  his  application  for  cash 126 

Three  exchanged  Tories  protest  against  restrictions  imposed  upon 

them    127-128 

Colonel  Udny  Hay  complains  against  persons  who  fail  to  qualify 

as  Justices  of  the  Peace .'.'.' 128-129 

Certificate  of  refusal  by  sundry  Tories  of  the  oath  of  allegiance. .          129 
On  the  advice  of  three  members  of  the  Legislature  the  Governor 

assents  to  sending  250  barrels  of  flour  to  Boston 129-130 

Friendly  Oneidas  and  Tuscaroras — They  bring  nine  captives  to 
Fort  Schuyler  and  declare  their  loyalty  to  the  American 

cause  130-133 

The  officers  of  Glover's  Brigade  petition  for  flour  for  tneir  own 

use 133-134 

Colonel  Malcom  desires  to  have  his  regiment  transferred  to  the 

regular  establishment 134-135 

Assistant  Commissary  Flint  asserts  that  causes  and  incidentally 

want  of  cash,  are  responsible  for  the  wheat  and  flour  famine .   135-136 

Returns  of  Colonel  Samuel  Drake's  regiment 137-138 

Flour  for  the  French  Fleet 139 

Governor  Clinton  exonerates  Major  Posey — But  believes  Captain 
Harper  was  responsible  for  the  error  that  cost  Colonel  Dumon 

his  life , 139-141 

Congress  continues  the  embargo  on  provisions — And  passes  an  act 
to  exchange  bills  of  credit  emitted  by  states  for  Continental 

currency  under  certain  conditions 141-144 

A  petition  to  procure  the  exchange  of  Edward  Covenhoven 145 

Major  Nathaniel  Strong  murdered — A  serious  charge  against  Colo- 
nel Woodhull — Verdict  of  the  Coroner's  inquest 145-149 

The  flag  boat  reports  for  Cuyler,  Dole  and  White 149-150 

William  Palfrey  asks  for  a  permit  to  export  flour 150-151 

A  postal  thief  steals  the  Governor's  mail 151-152 

Schaghticoke  Exempts 152-153 

Petition  for  the  pardon  of  Isaac  Scouten 153 

The  Governor  holds  officers  to  blame — Informs  Colonel  Klock  that 
had  his  orders  been  obeyed,  the  country  would  not  have  been 
injured  to  the  extent  it  was 153-155 


x  TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 

PAGES. 

The  Governor's  Legislative  speech — A  brief  account  of  the  move- 
ments of  the  enemy  and  of  the  condition  of  the  state  at  that 
time 155-158 

Colonel  Hawkes  Hay  asks  for  reinforcements — Governor  Clinton 
orders  Captain  Bell's  company  to  protect  the  southern  part 
of  Orange  County 158-161 

Nathaniel  Gorham  requests  a  permit  to  export  flour  to  Massachu- 
setts    162-163 

The  inception  of  the  Sullivan  expedition — Governor  Clinton  calls 
Washington's  attention  to  the  necessity  of  destroying  an  In- 
dian settlement 163-164 

Captain  Jeremiah  Snyder  asks  for  ammunition  for  his  command 

at  Shandaken 164-165 

A  proposition  to  exchange  Edward  Covenhoven  for  John  Cum- 

mings    •. 165 

Colonel  Newkerk's  guards  attacked 166 

A  Company  of  Rangers  for  Ulster  County's  western  frontier 166-167 

Washington  orders  General  Scott  to  detail  small  parties  to  protect 

farmers  in  the  field 167 

Planning  an  expedition  against  Indians — Governor  Clinton  sub- 
mits a  project  to  the  Commander-in-Chief  with  Rochester  as 
the  base 167-169 

Orange  County  protests — Troops  raised  for  that  district  ordered 

elsewhere — The  frontier  unprotected 169-172 

Petition  for  the  pardon  of  Andrew  Bois,  aged  16  years 173 

Petition  for  the  pardon  of  Cornelius  Taylor 173 

Clinton  and  Washington  commended — Patriotic  answer  of  both 
branches  of  the  Legislature  to  the  Governor's  speech — The 
Governor's  replies 173-178 

The  Governor  again  addresses  the  Legislature 178 

The  Governor  notifies  the  Legislature  that  Congress  has  advanced 

one  hundred  thousand  dollars 179 

General  Greene  proposes  an  enumeration  of  all  the  grain  in  the 

state    179-181 

Tarrytown  and  its  neighborhood  harassed  by  the  enemy 181 

Governor  Clinton  prepares  Colonel  Cantine  for  the  contemplated 

movement  against  the  Indians 181-182 

Major  Pawling  instructed  by  Governor  Clinton  to  see  to  it  that 

Mr.  Hake  smuggles  no  goods 183-184 


TABLE  OP  CONTENTS.  xi 

PAGES. 

Congress  in  the  cause  of  good  morals 184 

Depositions  of  William  Thomson  and  Henry  Main,  relative  to  Colo- 
nel Butler's  expedition 185 

A  proposition  to  exchange  prisoners  confined  at  Albany 186-187 

Petition  for  the  pardon  of  Bartholomew  Hess 187 

October  Oyer  and  Terminer — The  Judges'  report  to  Governor  Clin- 
ton— Together  with  the  evidence  in  the  Ducalon  case 187-192 

Putnam  snubs  Colonel  Malcom — The  Colonel  appeals  to  the  Gov- 
ernor and  insists  upon  his  rights 193-194 

Major  Paine  seizes  flour  as  contraband  of  war — The  Governor's 

position 194 

Mr.  Willett  exceeds  his  authority — The  Governor's  stringent  or- 
ders to  Colonel  Malcom  in  regard  to  flags 195-196 

The  dispute  between  New  York  and  Vermont — The  New  York  Leg- 
islature willing  to  submit  the  matter  to  Congress  for  arbitra- 
ment    196-198 

Bold  robberies  in  eastern  Long  Island : 199-200 

The  Putnam-Malcom  misunderstanding — The  latter  places  all  the 

correspondence  before  Governor  Clinton 200-205 

George  Clinton's  old  soldiers  appeal — Exchanged  troops  captured 
at  Fort  Montgomery  ask  for  arms,  wages  and  rations  due 

them 205-206 

Leniency  to  be  shown  prisoners  for  the  time  being 206-207 

The  alleged  infractions  of  the  Saratoga  Convention 207-208 

Associated  Exempts  in  Albany  County 208-209 

Major  John  Frey  makes  a  brief  affidavit  relative  to  the  breach  of 

the  Saratoga  Convention 209-210 

An  Indian  uprising  reported  from  Rochester 210 

Militia  reported  to  be  short  of  ammunition — The  Governor's  quick 

response 211 

The  dispute  with  Vermont — Further  Legislative  deliberation  on 

the  subject — The  Governor  directed  to  issue  a  proclamation. .  212-215 

Petition  for  the  pardon  of  Stephen  Ducalon 216 

Returns  of  Major  Fonda's  corps  of  militia  at  Schoharie 216 

The  Albany  Conspiracy  Commissioners  decline  a  peculiar  request.  216-217 

More  money  required  for  the  five  Continental  battalions 217-218 

Contractor  Lewis  appeals  to  Governor  Clinton  because  lumber 

dealers  have  doubled  their  price 218-219 


xii  TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 

PAGES. 

Tribulations  of  numerous  Tories — The  Albany  Commissioners  to 

Governor  Clinton 219-221 

Jane  Blauvelt  applies  for  a  pass  for  three  Blauvelt  men  in  New 

York    221-222 

Governor  Trumbull  of  Connecticut  asks  for  flour  for  his  troops . . . 

William  Butler's  successful  expedition— His  destruction  of  two 

Indian  settlements — His  interesting  account  from  his  journal 

filed  with  Governor  Clinton 222-232 

The  case  of  Samuel  Hake 232-233 

Commissary  Flint  approves  of  the  act  of  the  Legislature  relative 

to  subsistence  for  the  army 234 

Associated  Exempts  of  Poughkeepsie  District 234-237 

Judge  Robert  Yates  notifies  the  Governor  that  Dr.  Ducalon  has 

been  sentenced  to  death 237-239 

Associated  Exempts  of  Albany  County : 239-240 

Associated  Exempts  of  Albany  City 241 

The  problem  of  proper  treatment  of  military  prisoners 242-243 

Captain""Smith  addresses  a  note  to  a  superior  officer  whose  name 

is  not  given 243-244 

McDougall  disparages  Gates — He  speculates  upon  the  movements 
of  the  enemy — Protection  of  private  property  by  troops  on  the 

march — Question  of  rank  settled 244-249 

Flag  courtesies  suspended — Governor  Clinton   explains   why   he 
cannot    pass    Tory  women    to   New  York — The   Legislature 

adjourns 249-251 

Joshua  Green  requests  a  permit  to  export  flour  from  this  state  to 

Massachusetts 251-252 

The  final  cargo  of  Tories  to  be  despatched  to  New  York 252 

Dr.  Ducalon's  fight  for  freedom  interrupted  by  John  McKesson. .  253 

General   Hand   succeeds   Stark  at  Albany — Discrepancy   of   pay 
between  State  and  Federal  troops — Depredations  of  Tories 

and  Indians 254-255 

Clinton,   Morris  and  Jay — The  latter  carries  a  letter  from   the 

former  to  Morris  with  an  explanation 255-256 

Governor  Clinton  refuses  to  give  a  pass  to  Mr.  Douw  for  Mrs. 

Van  Dyck 256-257 

The   flour    shipping   abuse    question — Commissary  Colt    protests 

against  General  Sullivan's  arbitrary  procedure 257-259 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  xiii 

PAGES. 

An  appeal  from  Cherry  Valley — Prominent  citizens  ask  General 

Hand  to  protect  them  from  their  enemies 259-261 

Congress  strives  to  brace  up  the  Commissary  and  Quartermaster's 

departments  261 

Peter  Livingston  importunes  the  Governor — And  obtains  permis- 
sion to  transport  two  hundred  barrels  of  flour  for  Boston 262-2G5 

Samuel  Hake  again — Asks  for  an  extension  of  his  parole 265-206 

Alarming  news  from  the  north  and  west — Cherry  Valley  again 

reported  attacked — Depredations  along  Lake  Champlain 266-268 

Governor  Clinton  offers  to  assist  in  the  search  for  Gary,  who 

uttered  counterfeit  money 268-260 

Courts  martial  penalties — Governor  Clinton  believes  in  leniency 

as  productive  of  better  results  from  the  militia 269-273 

The  Clove  asks  to  become  a  permanent  military  post 274-273 

Judge  Marvin  requests  a  special  commission  of  Oyer  and  Ter- 

miner  be  issued  for  Orange  County 275-276 

Count  Pulaski  stationed  at  Minisink 276-277 

Governor  Clinton  approves  General  Ten  Broeck's  dispositions •      277 

Governor  Clinton  declines — Sheriff  Nicoll  of  Orange  County  fails 

to  obtain  a  small  militia  guard  for  the  Goshen  gaol 278-279 

President  Laurens  keeps  in  touch  Avith  New  York  State 279-280       i-~ 

Captain  Swartwout  cashiered — Failure  of  his  charges  against 

Colonel  Frear,  who  is  vindicated  by  a  court  martial 280-283 

Mr.  Hillhouse's  permit  to  export  flour  threatened 283-284    u- 

Destruction  of  Cherry  Valley — Reports  from  subordinate  officers 

transmitted  through  Governor  Clinton  to  General  Washington.  284-289 

An  aggressive  movement  necessary — Governor  Clinton's  sugges- 
tions to  John  Jay — Cherry  Valley  the  seventh  valuable  settle- 
ment destroyed  in  this  state 289-290 

"  Wanton  destruction  and  horrid  murders  " — Course  of  the  enemy 

at  Cherry  Valley — False  rumor  regarding  Fort  Alden 290-292 

Militia  not  to  be  discharged — In  consequence  of  the  startling  news 

from  Cherry  and  the  Mohawk  Valleys >  293 

For  money  and  protection — Clinton  delegates  two  agents  to  obtain 
the  one  hundred  thousand  dollars  from  Congress — Continental 
troops  required  on  the  frontier 294-297 

The  unprotected  Westchester  frontier , 297 


xiv  TABLE  OP  CONTEXTS. 

PAGES. 

General  Hand  after  wealthy  misers — Opulent  Tryon  County  citi- 
zens sell  provisions  to  the  Commissary  and  draw  rations  from 
him  at  public  expense 297-299 

A  sergeant  and  a  squad  of  men  detailed  to  escort  the  state's  fin- 
ancial agents 299 

Captain  Swartwout  appeals  to  Governor  Clinton,  unaware  of  the 

court  martial  verdict 299-300 

John  Jay  presents  two  cases  to  Washington  showing  abuse  in  the 

purchase  of  Commissary  stores 300-301 

Colonel  Malcom  writes  a  facetious  letter  regarding  Tories  assigned 

to  work  on  the  fortifications 301-302 

Flour  not  so  scarce  as  represented — Commissary  Wadsworth  ex- 
plains methods  of  attaining  wealth  by  enterprising  citizens. . .  302-303 

Governor  Clinton  corrects  the  errors  contained  in  the  first  reports 

from  Cherry  Valley 304 

Destitution  at  German  Flats 304 

Reducing  the  militia  along  the  Delaware  River  frontier 305 

A  small  supply  of  Commissary  stores 305 

Governor  Clinton  vetoes  a  suggestion  for  a  respite  for  Dr.  Duca- 

lon  from  Judge  Robert  Yates 30&-307 

More  recalcitrant  Tories 307 

Atrocities  along  Lake  Champlain — Colonel  Webster  makes  report 

of  a  daring  Indian  movement  and  of  the  sufferings  of  patriots.  308-310 

Governor  Clinton  utters  a  complaint 310-311 

Abuses  of  flags  of  truce — Lieutenant  Smith  brings  the  subject  to 
the  attention  of  Governor  Clinton  who  promises  to  make  an 
investigation 311-314 

Colonel  Hay  called  upon  for  explanations — Governor  Clinton 
desires-  information  concerning  flags  of  truce  and  Historian 
Smith's  effects  314-317 

John  Doremus  writes  for  the  restoration  of  his  horses  and  cash . . .  317-318 
"    Again  the  question  of  contraband  wheat 318 

Connecticut  relies  upon  New  York  for  bread 319 

William  Miller's  earnest  appeal — Tories  permitted  to  drive  cattle 
to  New  York — Connecticut  and  eastern  Westchester  County's 
defenceless  condition  320-321 

New  York,  Vermont  and  Congress — Opinions  of  our  delegates — 
Ethan  Allen's  subterfuge — New  York  receives  one  hundred 
thousand  dollars — The  treaty  with  France .  321-323 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  xv 

PAGES. 

Living  expenses  of  a  delegate  to  Congress — Gouverneur  Morris 

forwards  facts  and  figures  to  Governor  Clinton 323-325 

Colonel  Malcom  discredits  Colonel  Hay — Governor  Clinton,  how- 
ever, indulgent — Salt  as  a  contraband  of  war 325-328 

Settling  differences  in  rank — Congress  at  last  takes  action  on  this 

long  disputed  matter — Simplifying  the  forage  question 328-332 

An  assault  case  brought  before  the  Attorney-General 333-334 

Distress  and  sorrow  at  Cherry  Valley — George  and  James  Clinton 

and  Mayor  Yates  on  the  question  of  relieving  the  sufferers 334-346 

McDougall  again  in  command  at  the  Highlands — Governor  Clin- 
ton orders  out  three  hundred  militia  at  his  request 346-348 

Colonel  Malcom  to  be  superseded — He  invites  Governor  Clinton  to 

•to  make  him  a  call — The  case  of  Colonel  Hay 348-350 

Colonel  Woodhull  determined  to  preserve  discipline  in  his  regiment  350-351 

McDougall  apprehensive  of  an  attack— A  large  fleet  of  the  enemy 

reported  in  Tappan  Bay — Protecting  both  sides  of  the  river. .  351-352 

Confidence  in  Colonel  Malcom — The  Governor  regrets  he  is  to  be 
superseded  at  West  Point — Requests  Malcom  to  settle  the  Hay 
case 353 

Quarters  for  the  Legislature — Inducement  offered  by  Kingston — 

The  rate  for  board  fixed  at  nine  dollars  per  week 354-355 

The  enemy's  fleet  retires  to  New  York — Merely  off  on  a  foraging 
expedition — McDougall  suggests  the  dismissal  of  the  five  hun- 
dred militia 355-356 

Mr.  Bancker  arrives  at  Goshen  with  the  one  hundred  thousand 

dollars  advanced  by  Congress  to  New  York 356 

Colonel  Malcom  apparently  unwilling  to  surrender  his  command  at 

West  Point 357 

Tories  abandon  their  wives  and  children 358 

John  Jay  elected  President  of  Congress — Succeeds  Henry 
Laurens — Promises  to  devote  his  services  to  New  York — 
Gouverneur  Morris'  tribute 359-361 

Smuggling  cattle  to  the  enemy — Samuel  Lyon's  charge  against 

English  sympathizers  in  Westchester  County 361-362 

Colonel  Malcom  unhappy  at  West  Point— He  speaks  of  Tories ....  362-363 

Albany  citizens  appeal  to  the  Governor  in  behalf  of  the  Cherry 

Valley  sufferers 363-364 

A  threatening  letter  from  four  Indian  chiefs 364 


xvi  TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 

PAGES. 

Violations  of  the  Gates-Burgoyne  Convention — Governor  Clinton 

endeavoring  to  secure  evidence  for  the  use  of  Congress 365-368 

Isaac  Goes  makes  complaint  against  certain  Tories,  and  the  Gover- 
nor replies 368-369 

Governor  Clinton's  suggestion  accepted — A  formidable  expedition 
planned  which  subsequently  culminated  with  Sullivan's  suc- 
cessful advance  against  the  Indians 370-372 

Alarm  in  Charlotte  County — Ebenezer  Clark  brings  its  defenceless 

condition  to  the  attention  of  Governor  Clinton 372-374 

Dirck  Ten  Broeck  furnishes  Governor  Clinton  with  lottery  tickets.  374 

Governor  Clinton  guardedly  notifies  Colonel  Webster  that  offensive 

operations  will  be  taken  against  the  enemy  in  the  spring 375 

Charges  preferred  against  Lieutenant  Robert  Wood,  of  Hopkins' 

regiment 375-370 

Jackson's  regiment  ordered  to  Poughkeepsie — General  McDougall 
presents  a  discouraging  and  demoralizing  condition  of  affairs 
to  Governor  Clinton 377-381 

Governor  Clinton  objects  to  the  proposition — Notifies  General  Mc- 
Dougall that  the  billeting  of  troops  will  interfere  with  the 
work  of  the  Legislature 382-383 

Oneral  McDougall's  manly  reply — A  comprehensive  view  of  the 

condition  of  the  army  and  the  country  at  that  time 383-387 

Governor  Clinton  on  the  general  proposition — Sensible  of  General 
McDougall's  situation — New  York's  suffering  greater  than 
that  of  any  other  state 387-389 

Abraham  Yates  and  the  fugitives  from  Cherry  Valley 389-390 

\     Massachusetts  Board  of  War  ask  leave  to  export  flour  from  New 

York  over  land 390 

Governor  Clinton  through  Robert  Benson  instructs  Colonel  Budd 

in  the  method  of  drawing  ammunition 390-391 

Infraction  of  the  Saratoga  Convention — Congress  appropriates  one 

thousand  dollars  in  specie  to  further  discoveries 391-393 

The  New  York  forage  law  well  executed 393 

One  Imndred  thousand  dollars  arrive  safely — So  the  Governor 
notifies  New  York's  delegates  in  Congress — Settlement  of 
the  Vermont  affair 393-395 

Ira  Allen's  Vermont  address — His  arguments  to  establish  Vermont 

as  an  independent  commonwealth 395-398 

Mr.  Currie  requests  payment  for  sugar  supplied  to  troops 398-399 


TABLE  OP  CONTENTS.  xvii 

PAGES. 

Lieutenant  Wood  vindicated 399-401 

Governor  Clinton  writes  Washington  in  behalf  of  James  Mc- 
Dowell, whose  barn  was  burned  by  captive  British  troops. . . .  401^t02 

Corruption  in  staff  departments — Governor  Clinton  indicates  to 
Qouverneur  Morris  the  possibilities  for  a  dishonest  Commis- 
sary and  Quartermaster 402-405 

Proposition  to  negotiate  an  exchange  of  a  British  officer  and  an 

American  Quartermaster  405 

John  Jay  asks  for  all  the  maps  and  papers  in  the  Vermont  case. .  405-40(3 

John  Nicoll  writes  in  regard  to  timber 406—408 

Jacob  Cuyler  writes  to  Governor  Clinton  in  regard  to  Commissary 

abuses 408-409 

Oliver  DeLancey  asks  permission  to  visit  his  mother 409 

Exchanging  Cherry  Valley  prisoners — The  pathetic  letter  of 
Colonel  William  Harper — Severe  criticism  of  the  Tryon 
County  Militia — Correspondence  on  the  subject 410-417 

The  Oneidas  threatened — Colonel  Van  Dyck  reports  the  result  of 

an  Indian  conference — Fort  Schuyler  on  short  allowance 417-420 

Breaches  of  the  Saratoga  Covenant — Affidavits  of  John  Martin 
and  Lemuel  Roberds  demonstrating  the  truth  of  the  charges 
against  the  British 420-423 

New  Hampshire  asks  for  the  laws  of  New  York  relative  to  con- 
fiscated property _«  423-424 

Governor  Clinton,  the  Long  Island  Whigs  and  Captain  Scudder. . .          424 

Billeting  troops  on  the  Governor — Captain  Nicoll  admits  making 
an  error — Commissary  stores  to  be  forwarded  to  Poughkeep- 
sie  425-426 

Samuel  Frame's  wife  intercedes  for  him — Colonel  Cantine  asks  to 

be  relieved  from  frontier  duty 426-428 

A  family  letter  from  Mrs.  James  Clinton 428-429 

Commissary  Cuyler  asks  permission  to  transfer  a  heavy  supply  of 

flour  from  Claverack  Landing  to  Albany 429 

To  make  an  example  of  marauders — General  McDougall  promises 
to  hang  on  the  public  roads  all  of  those  captured — Cattle 
driven  to  New  York 430-433 

Americans  not  paid  for  provisions  supplied — Robert  Boyd  Jr., 
utters  several  complaints,  one  against  General  Riedesel — 
Governor  Clinton's  reply 433-437 


xviii  TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 

PAGES. 

Subordinate  Janies  to  Commander  George — Exchange  of  the 
Cherry  Valley  prisoners — Scarcity  of  ammunition  in  the 
Albany  Department : 437-438 

Tribulations  of  a  brigadier— General  McDougall  to  Governor  Clin- 
ton—Lieutenant-Colonel Weissenf els  resigns 438-440 

Petition  from  Claverack  that  Richard  Esselstyne  be  commissioned 

as  a  Justice  of  the  Peace 440 

Blank  permit  for  Mrs.  McFarren  and  her  daughter  to  pass  to  New 

York  440-441 

Memorandum  of  articles  to  be  brought  from  New  York  City  for  the 

Misses  Farger : 441 

Instruction  to  officers  commanding  on  the  lines,  relating  to  pro- 
visions    441-442 

A  statement  by  Peter  Dubois 442 

Andrew  Stephenson's  deposition — The  military  situation  in  Can- 
ada— Proof  of  the  violation  of  the  Saratoga  Convention 442-445 

Dr.  John  Bard  expresses  his  gratitude  to  Governor  Clinton  for  a 

display  of  friendship 445^446 

Volunteer  company  in  Charlotte  County 446-447 

Petition  in  behalf  of  Francis  De  Boe  who  was  convicted  of  steal- 
ing a  sleigh  and  a  span  of  horses 447 

A  memorandum  concerning  Brant 448 

A  brutal  attack  on  Robert  Morris — Arthur  Lee  acting  in  a  spirit  of 
revenge  questions  the  management  of  our  finances  by  the 
European  agents 448-455 

Proposals  for  goods  to  be  delivered  at  Southold,  L.  1 455-456 

MANUSCRIPT  VOLUME  VII. 

Walter  Butler  scored — James  Clinton  expresses  his  sentiments  in 

the  matter  of  exchanging  Butler's  mother  and  her  family 457-459 

General  Parsons'  complaint  concerning  the  restriction  on  flour 459 

Troubles  of  Dr.  James  Fallen — He  believes  the  time  has  come  to 
fix  the  limit  between  the  qualified  Whig  and  the  unqualified 

Tory 460-472 

Governor  Clinton  on  the  abuses  in  the  purchase  and  sale  of  flour. .  473 
Colonel  Udny  Hay  asks  for  instructions  in  the  matter  of  transport- 
ing flour  for  public  use 473^74 

Destitute  inhabitants  of  Cobleskill  appeal  to  General  James  Clin- 
ton for  assistance .  474-475 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  xix 

PAGES. 

Colonel  Malcom  petitions  for  the  pardon  of  Sergeant  John  Ryan 

under  sentence  of  death  for  robbery 476-477 

Philip  Schuyler  advocates  the  selection  of  Jeremiah  Van  Rens- 

selaer  as  Surveyor  General > 477 

Abraham  Yates  decries  corruption — Flour  smuggled  to  the  east- 
ward— Helpless  condition  of  the  frontiers 477-480 

Sir  Henry  Clinton  writes  an  entertaining  letter  to  Sir  George 

Germain 480-482 

President  Jay  forwards  newspapers  to  Governor  Clinton 482 

Destitute  John  Hochnell  asks  leave  to  return  to  England  via  New 

York  482-483 

Raids  into  Westchester — Treatment  of  deserters  and  other  matters  483-484 

President  Jay  to  Governor  Clinton  relative  to  a  barn  burned  by 

Continental  troops 484—485 

Anonymous  communication  concerning  spies 485-48(1 

Commissary  Knapp  requests  Governor  Clinton  to  release  flour  that 

was  seized 486-487 

Jeremiah  Chapman  asks  permission  to  remove  his  wheat  from 

New  York  State 487-489 

Massachusetts  desires  the  embargo  raised 489-490 

Commissary  Cuyler  puts  in  a  plea  for  the  army 490 

A  mutinous  spirit  reported— Barrack  Master  Bannister  demands 
straw  and  blankets  for  the  troops — Colonel  Jackson's  com- 
ment    491-492 

Policy  of  the  Indians — Colonel  Van  Dyck  reports  the  result  of  a 

Council  between  the  Tuscaroras,  Oneidas  and  Onondagas. . . .  492-494 

Flour  for  the  French  allies — Private  Secretary  Lush  denies  the 
claim  of  M.  Marigny  that  Governor  Clinton  has  detained  an 
invoice  for  the  French  Fleet 494-497 

Clemency  for  criminals — Sheriff  Nicoll  of  Orange  County  inter- 
cedes for  .prisoners — Governor  Clinton's  position 497-498 

Scarcity  of  flour — Governor  Clinton  writes  General  Putnam  and 

suggests  methods  of  regulation  for  distribution 499-500 

Certificate  and  list  of  booty  taken  on  the  western  frontier  by  a 

scouting  party  501 

Tribulations  of  a  general  officer — General  McDougall  writes  at 
length  to  Governor  Clinton — Without  a  dollar,  deserters  and 
troublesome  militia — His  plan  for  regulating  Commissary  sup- 
plies    501-513 


xx  TABLE  OF  CONTEXTS. 

PAGES. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Weissenfels  solicits  promotion  to  the  rank  of 

Colonel 513-514 

A  compliment  to  John  Jay  from  his  colleagues 514-515 

The  Massachusetts  Council  ask  leave  to  purchase  3,000  barrels  of 

flour  for  Boston 515-516 

Governor  Clinton  through  his  Secretary  writes  a  circular  letter 

bearing  on  the  subject  of  impressing  sleds 516-517 

Brother  Charles  Clinton  writes  to  General  James  in  regard  to  a 

dispute  over  the  sale  of  a  farm 517-519 

Colonel  Malcorn  attacks  dram  shops 519-520 

Massachusetts  War  Office  asks  Governor  Clinton  for  100  barrels 

of  flour  for  the  State  of  Massachusetts 520 

General  McDougall  building  a  log  prison  for  culprits  and  spies. . . .  520-521 
Mr.  DeWitt  writes  of  family  matters  to  General  James  Clinton .  . .  521-522 
Walter  King,  wounded  at  Fort  Montgomery,  petitions  for  relief. . .  522-523 
The  Legislature  reassembles — Governor  Clinton  transmits  recent 
Congressional  legislation  and  emphasizes  the  serious  condition 

General  McDougall's  army  is  in 523-526 

Congress  makes  provision  for  payment  for  certain  Commissary 

stores  on  Governor  Clinton's  certification 526-527 

Monthly  return  of  Colonel  Snyder's  regiment  for  January,  1779.  . .  527 

John   Jay   writes   Governor  Clinton   of   the  battle   between   the 
French  and  English  at  St.  Lucia,  W.  I.,  and  of  d'Estaing's 

defeat  527-528 

James  Clinton  forwards  letters — A  fort  building  at  German  Flats 
Rations  supplied  to  the  sufferers  from  Indian  raids — Exchange 

of  prisoners 528-529 

Lieutenant-Colonel    de    Roussi    makes   a    request   for   a    vacant 

colonelcy    530-531 

Petition  from  Orange  County  for  pardon  of  Thomas  Delarnare 531 

Petition  from  Orange  County  for  pardon  of  James  Ryan 531 

Petition  from  Orange  County  for  pardon  of  Mathew  Dolson .......  531 

Extract  from  a  letter  of  C.  Stewart,  Commissary  of  Issues,  rela- 
tive to  Commissary  magazines  in  Connecticut 531-532 

James  Monell  willing  to  resort  to  extreme  measures  in  order  to 

procure  supplies 532 

George  Clinton  writes  to  Francis  Lewis  on  the  deterioration  of  our 

currency 532-H33 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  xxi 

PAGES. 

Du  Simitlere  writes  to  Governor  Clinton — Desirous  of  adding  his 
portrait  to  the  collection  he  is  making  of  distinguished  Ameri- 
cans   533-535 

George  Clinton  writes  to  Gouverneur  Morris  in  regard  to  pending 

legislation  at  Albany 535-537 

Governor  Clinton  intimates  that  Jeremiah  VaB  Rensselaer  will  be 

appointed  Surveyor-General 537 

The  Governor  writes  William  Floyd  briefly  on  legislative  matters.  537-538 

William    Floyd     writes     to    the     Governor     concerning     Count 

d'Estaing's    St.    Lucia  affair  and  Congressional  matters....  538-539 

Governor  Clinton  acknowledges  official  communications  from  John 

Jay 539-540 

Mr.  Duer  resigns  his  seat  in  Congress 540-541 

The  Governor  writes  to  McDougall — Recognizes  the  difficulties  of 

his  position — Warns  him  against  Tryon's  plots 541-543 

Commissary  Colt  to  Governor  Clinton — Farmers  refuse  to  sell  their 
produce  for  the  army — Abuses  in  the  Commissary  Depart- 
ment— Necessity  for  storing  supplies 543-545 

Rhode  Island  depends  upon  New  York  for  breadstuff's* 545-546 

To  supply  the  army  with  bread — Governor  Clinton  forwards  a 
resolution  of  the  Legislature  and  a  circular  letter  to  the  proper 
persons  546-547 

McDougall  not  credulous — Folly  in  believing  the  enemy  will 
evacuate  the  United  States — Georgia  in  the  hands  of  the 
British 547-549 

The  Legislature  takes  action  on  the  clandestine  shipment  of  flour.  549-552 

John  Jay  writes  Governor  Clinton— And  offers  suggestions  touch- 
ing the  necessity  of  supplying  Rhode  Island  with  provisions. .  552-553 

Clinton  writes  to  Jay  on  local  matters — Tax  bill  expected  to  raise 
one  million  dollars — Fears  the  destruction  of  valuable  papers 
respecting  the  State's  boundaries 554-555 

Necessity  of  protecting  our  frontiers — Governor  Clinton  to  dele- 
gates in  Congress — Blank  letters  of  marque  and  reprisal 555-550 

Progress  of  the  tax  bill — Passes  the  Assembly  successfully,  but  it» 

fate  in  the  Senate  dubious 556-557 

A  general  press  warrant 558 

Commissary  General  Wadsworth  offers  Governor  Clinton  a  bit  of 

patronage  558-559 


xxii  TABLE  OP  CONTENTS. 

PAGES. 

Colonel  Hay  acknowledges  receipt  of  Governor  Clinton's  impress 

warrant  letter 559 

Colonel  Gansevoort  makes  a  requisition  for  clothing 559-560 

\    Again  the  question  of  flour  for  the  French  Fleet 560 

Returns  of  Fourth  Regiment,  Westchester  Militia,  under  Major 

Crane 560-561 

Deputy  Commissary  Cuyler  writes  on  the  all-absoimbing  topic 561-562 

Petition  from  Mamakating  for  a  force  to  protect  the  frontier 562-563 

The  Vermont  dispute — Micah  Townsend  offers   several  sensible 

suggestions  on  the  questions  at  issue 563-566 

Colonel  Hay  reports  to  Governor  Clinton  the  indifference  of  Judge 

Umphrey  to  assist  him 566-568 

To  seize  British  vessels  on  Lake  Ontario — Governor  Clinton  sub- 
mits a  project  to  James  Clinton — The  Legislature  indemnifies 

the  military  for  aiding  the  Cherry  Valley  sufferers 568-569 

Massachusetts  makes  acknowledgement  for  flour  privileges 569-570 

Proceedings  of  a  general  court  martial  at  Goshen,  for  three  com- 
missioned officers  and  one  private 570-572 

The  Governor  dreads  the  fate  of  our  frontier  settlements 572 

Mainly  in  regard  to  Mr.  Furrnan  a  prisoner  in  New  York 573-574 

Captain  William  Harper  attacks  Klock — He  declares  the  Colonel 
is  inefficient  and  that  leniency  to  Tories  is  responsible  for 

much  of  the  suffering  in  the  Mohawk  Valley 574-578 

General  McDougall  makes  a  request  on  Governor  Clinton  for  sev- 
eral orders 578-580 

Governor  Clinton  submits  an  act  of  Congress  relating  to  flour  for 

Rhode  Island  to  the  Legislature 580 

To  co-operate  with  Washington — Our  delegates  in  Congress  sug- 
gest that  Clinton  advise  with  the  Commander-in-Chief  on  cer- 
tain matters 580-582 

The  case  of  Dr.  Anthony  and  Captain  Scudder 582-583 

Correspondence  with  members  of  Congress — Francis  Lewis  reports 
closer  relations  on  the  part  of  France  carrying  a  strong  moral 

effect 583 

William  Floyd  writes  of  financial  matters 584 

Gouverneur  Morris  urges  the  enactment  of  a  tax  law — Maps  and 

papers  relating  to  Vermont 584-585 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  xxiii 

PAGES. 

"  The  good  news  from  Europe " — Frauds  Lewis  declares  it  is 
withheld  from  the  public  for  state  reasons — Necessity  for  a 
respectable  army  in  the  field. 585-586 

John  Copp  reports  the  approach  of  two  parties  of  the  enemy  from 

the  west 586 

Returns  of  Colonel  Klock's  battalion  of  Tryon  County  Militia 586-587 

The  murder  of  John  Clark — Sheriff  Nicoll  of  Orange  County  fur- 
nishes Governor  Clinton  with  an  account 587-589 

Commissary  supplies  for  the  troops — The  Legislature  called  upon 
to  appoint  disbursing  officers  in  whom  confidence  can  be 
placed  589-592 

Commissary  Colt  writes  confidentially — His  private  opinion  of  the 

capabilities  of  several  of  his  subordinates 592-596 

Bread  and  flour  in  the  several  state  stores 596 

Returns  of  Colonel  Duboys'  regiment  commanded  by  Capt.  Rose- 

krans 597 

A  brief  letter  from  John  Jay 598 

Strength  of  the  British — General  McDougall  furnishes  Governor 
Clinton  with  a  detailed  estimate  of  the  enemy's  forces  in  New 
York  City  and  vicinity. 598-601 

General  McDougaJl's  instructions  to  Captain  Merely  on  the  flour 

question  601-602 

Schuyler  and  our  exposed  frontiers — Apprehension  that  the  inhab- 
itants will  abandon  them  unless  proper  protection  is  afforded.  602-605 

Mr.  Constable  of  Schenectady  given  his  citizenship 606-607 

The  Swiss  painter  du  Simitiere  sends  Governor  Clinton  a  list  of 

books  found  in  Philadelphia 607-609 

Commissary  Flint,  George  Clinton  and  the  Commissary  Depart- 
ment   609 

Captain  Hallett  prefers  charges  against  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hold- 
ridge  610 

Governor  Clinton  requests  Commissary  General  Wadsworth  to 

furnish  him  with  a  monthly  report  of  prices  for  grain. .......  610-611 

Clinton  appeals  to  Washington — For  assistance  in  protecting  the 
frontiers — Suggests  that  Marinus  Willett  be  detailed  to  com- 
mand    611-613 

George  Clinton's  answer  to  the  petition  from  Tryon  County  for 

protection 613 


xxiv  TABLE  OP  CONTENTS. 

PAGES. 

The  new  act  of  the  Legislature  to  provide  an  immediate  supply  of 

flour  for  the  army 013-614 

Governor  Clinton  satisfied  with  the  Commissary  Department  as  at 

present  constituted 614 

Preparing  for  the  Sullivan  expedition — Washington's  views  on  the 

composition  of  the  troops  to  undertake  it 615-618 

Sheriff  Nicoll  regards  Captain  Fletcher  Mathews  as  an  exceed- 
ingly bad  man 618-619 

Encouraging  news   from  Europe — Washington   willing   to   detail 
Colonel  Willett,  provided  James  Clinton  thinks  he    can    be 

spared  619-620 

Alarming  Indian  rumors 620 

The  Hallett-Holdridge  imbroglio 620-621 

William  Tryon's  orders  to  the  Queens  County  Exempts  for  coast 

guard  duty 621-622 

Commissary  Reed  favors  a  general  seizure — Urges  General  Mc- 
Dougall  to  use  his  influence  with  Governor  Clinton  to  secure 

that  end ' 622-624 

George  Clinton  refers  John  Jay  to  Mr.  Sands  for  legislative  news.          624 
General  Schuyler  apprehensive  of  an  Indian  raid  on  the  frontiers .  624-625 

Returns  of  Colonel  Bellinger's  regiment 625-626 

Returns  of  Colonel  A.  Hawkes  Hay's  regiment 626 

McDougall's  plan  for  capturing  Tryon 626 

Associated  Exempts  at  Goshen,  Orange  County 627-628 

Returns  of  Colonel  Jesse  Woodhull's  regiment t 629 

Captain  Edsall's  Company  of  Orange  County  Exempts. 629 

McDougall  forced  to  act  as  a  despot — Insists  upon  radical  treat- 
ment for  enemies  and  traitors — The  militia  proposition 630-633 

Robert  R.  Livingston  fears  the  Tories  may  again  prove  trouble- 
some      633-634 

Returns  of  Colonel  Fisher's  regiment 634-635 

Governor  Clinton  tenders  the  command  of  one  of  the  new  frontier 

regiments  to  Colonel  Willett 635-636 

Washington  orders  a  system  of  beacon  signals  in  the  Highlands. .  636-638 
A   critical  situation — Commissary   Colt  and   the   flour   supply- 
Gloomy  prospect  in  Rhode  Island  and  Massachusetts,  and  for 

Gates'  and  Sullivan's  troops 638-639 

Commissary  General  Wadsworth  sustains  Colonel  Colt — Distress- 
ing scarcity  of  flour 639-640 


TABLE  OP  CONTENTS.  xxv 

PAGES. 

Lynde  Lord  urges  the  settlement  of  his  account  for  keeping  pris- 
oners    G41 

Compensation  for  state  officers — The  Legislature  defeats  a  bill  of 

attainder — Governor  Clinton  opposes  the  bill 641-642 

Washington  notifies  McDougall  that  the  enemy  on  Staten  Island 

are  in  motion , 642-643 

Massachusetts  looks  to  New  York  for  breadstuff s 643-644 

McDougall's  jurisdiction  over  the  militia 644-646 

Clinton  to  Washington — Defence  of  the  frontier — Two  new  mili- 
tary posts  to  be  erected  on  the  Susquehanna 646-648 

Signals  of  alarm 648-649 

Returns  of  Captain  Thomas  Jansen's  Company 649-650 

Governor  Clinton  approves  Commissary  accounts 650-651 

Claverack  Exempts 651-652 

Governor  Clinton  notifies  his  brother,  the  General,  of  the  threat- 
ened Indian  outbreak  on  the  frontier 652 

For  the  relief  of  the  frontier  sufferers 653 

Return  of  Brigadier  General  Ten  Broeck's  command  at  Albany. .          654 
Organizing  the  militia — Clinton  notifies  Washington  of  arrange- 
ments made  to  repel  an  attack  of  the  enemy — Reduction  of 

the  infantry  quota 655-656 

Colonel  Willett  declines — Because  he  ranks  Colonel  Regnier  de 
Roussi  wno  lias  been  promoted  over  him  to  the  command  of 

a  Continental  regiment 656-657 

Governor  Clinton  and  Francis  Lewis  interchange  views 658-659 

Act  of  Congress  as  to  the  Clothing  Department 659-660 

Handicapped  by  Tories  and  jobbers — Commissary  Reed  reports 
progress  to  Governor  Clinton  on  the  flour  question — The  Gov- 
ernor's reply 661-662 

Returns  of  Colonel  Hardenbergh's  regiment 662-663 

James  Clinton,  the  western  frontier  and  Colonel  Willett 663-664 

Loath  to  call  on  the  militia — General  McDougall  also  compelled 

to  stop  furloughs — Dismal  prospects  from  his  point  of  view. .  664-666 

McDougall  apprehensive  for  the  Highland  forts 666-667 

In  relation  to  a  pass 667 

Governor  Clinton  adopts  plans  to  protect  the  frontier 667-668 

Jonathan  G.  Tompkins  accepts  as  an  Assistant  Commissary 668 

Jelles  Fonda  offers  suggestions — Necessity  of  forming  the  militia 

on  new  lines — Tryon  County  in  a  state  of  uncertainty 669-670 


xxvi  TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 

PAGES. 

Ruinous  prices  for  the  necessaries  of  life 670-671 

Preparing  to  protect  the  frontiers — Governor  Clinton  directs  Gen- 
eral McDougall  to  call  upon  the  militia  if  necessary — Opposes 

trusting  women  with  passes 671-673 

Governor  Clinton  promises  to  add  a  few  curiosities  to  du  Simit- 

iere's  collection  673-674 

List  of  Cherry  Valley  sufferers 674-675 

Commissary  Leek  makes  a  requisition  for  more  flour 675 

Commissary  Leek  requests  Egbert  Benson  to  intercede  in  his  behalf 

with  Governor  Clinton 676 

Drafts  to  be  made  from  the  militia .- . . .  676-677 

Governor  Clinton  authorized  to  procure  an  immediate  supply  of 

flour 677-678 

Returns  of  Colonel  Swartwout's  Brigade. -.          679 

Returns  of  men  to  be  raised  from  General  Ten  Broecii's  brigade  as 

part  of  the  1,000  men  for  the  defence  of  the  frontiers 680 

Petition  of  Andrew  Layton  and  others  for  pardon 681 

Dragoons  and  citizens  quarrel  over  flour 681 

Captain  Merely  reports  to  General  McDougall  that  his  men  are 

gaoled  for  stopping  flour 681-682 

Relating  to  the  sale  of  goods  belonging  to  Samuel  Hake,  confis- 
cated under  an  act  of  the  Legislature,  and  sold  in  detail  by 
Peter  Tappen  and  John  Ferris,  at  Poughkeepsie  May  12,  1779, 

under  authority  of  the  Legislature 682 

List  of  sufferers  on  the  Ulster  frontier  entitled  to  bounty 683-685 

Francis  Lewis  reports  the  loss  of  British  transports  at  Egg  Harbor 

and  Fisher's  Island 685 

Commissions  for  Commissary  agents  under  the  act  of  the  Legis- 
lature    686-687 

Returns  of  Colonel  Van  Bergen's  regiment 687 

The  enemies  in  the  rear — General  McDougall  calls  attention  to  the 
trials  imposed  upon  him  for  obeying  orders  and  enforcing  the 

laws 687-689 

The  defence  of  New  York's  frontier — President  Jay  furnishes  Gov- 
ernor Clinton  with  a  copy  of  the  act  of  Congress 689-690 

Governor  Clinton's  instructions  to  one  of  the  new  Commissary 

Commissioners  .  .  690-691 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  xxvii 

PAGES. 

His  instructions  to  Walter  Livingston 691-692 

Repudiates  a  guard — Governor  Clinton  declares  it  is  inconvenient 
to  keep  one — What  is  expected  of  the  new  Commissary  Com- 
missioners   ' 692-698 

Magistrate  Grout  in  duress — Micah  Townsend  brings  the  matter 
with  the  papers  in  the  case  to  the  attention  of  Governor  Clin- 
ton    693-700 

List  of  distressed  families  in  Mohawk  District 700-701 

John  Jay  transmits  two  acts  of  Congress  to  George  Clinton 701-702 

War  against  the  Onondagas — A  secret  expedition  sent  to  attack 

their  Castle — Failure  of  a  flag  to  Niagara 702-704 

Returns  of  Dutchess  Brigade  under  Colonel  Swartwout 705-706 

Governor  Clinton  indulgent  in  the  case  of  Mrs.  Cregier 707 

Richard  Harison,  Tory,  makes  an  appeal  in  behalf  of  his  family. .  707-708 

Peter  Colt  reforms  his  opinion  of  Mr.  Leek 708 

For  the  aid  of  the  frontier  sufferers — Governor  Clinton  calls  Major 

Lush's  attention  to  the  necessity  of  prompt  action 709-710 

Arranging  for  the  exchange  of  prisoners — Governor  Clinton  sub- 
mits the  proposition  of  Walter  Butler  to  the  New  York  dele- 
gates in  Congress 710-711 

Governor  Clinton  believes  the  legislative  appropriation   for  the 

frontier  sufferers  inadequate 711-712 

Petition  in  behalf  of  sundry  convicts,  viz.  Andrew  Layton,  Peter 

Lansing,  Jacobus  Kidney  and  Samuel  Johnston 712 

Experiences  of  Vather  and  Rodingburg — Judge  William  Harper 

sends  their  depositions  to  Governor  Clinton 712-717 

Commissary  Cuyler  urges  the  seizure  of  wheat  in  Albany  County.  717-718 
Governor    Clinton    permits    Sheriff    Nicoll    to    show    leniency    to 

Thomas  Bull,  a  sick  prisoner 718-719 

Clothing  accounts 719-721 

Lists  of  sufferers  in  Tryon  County 721-723 

Johannes  Ball  recommended  to  distribute  the  relief  for  the  Coble- 
skill  sufferers  723-724 

The  original  sixteen  to  one — Major  Lush  replies  to  his  chief  In 
regard  to  the  distribution  of  supplies  among  the  frontier  suf- 
ferers    724-726 

Jelles  Fonda  calls  for  troops  to  protect  Tryon  County  from  another 

Indian  foray. 726-727 


xxviii  TABLE  OP  CONTENTS. 

PAGES. 

Abraham  Biiiiugcr's  accusation — In  effect  that  the  Commissioners 

of  Sequestration  have  robbed  him — A  list  of  goods  stolen 727-730 

Returns  of  Captain  Israel  Young's  Troop  of  Horse,  of  the  enemy's 

militia,  on  Long  Island 730-731 

Petitions  for  the  pardon  of  William  Jaycocks 731 

The  Governor  sends  directions  to  Major  Lush  relative  to  supplies 

for  frontier  sufferers  and  the  prices  of  breadstuff s 731-733 

Governor  Clinton  powerless — Unwilling  to  advise  frontier  inhab- 
itants— Advises  Colonel  William  Harper  to  bring  charges 
against  the  Commissioners  of  Conspiracies 733-734 

General  James  Clinton  suggests  a  company  of  Rangers  to  scout 

the  Schoharie  Valley 735-736 

President  Jay  sends  George  Clinton  two  acts  of  Congress,  relating 
to  persons  going  within  the  enemy's  lines,  and  to  the  export  of 
flour 736-737 

William  Jaycocks'  self-sacrificing  relatives 737-738 

Steuben's  ideas  of  the  militia — Submits  his  system  of  organiza- 
tion to  Governor  Clinton  for  his  judgment 738-739 

The  Jaycocks  case — The  culprit  appeals  for  a  respite — The  Gover- 
nor refuses  to  interfere — Correspondence  with  the  Reverend 
Isaak  Rysdyk 740-743 

The  frontiers  unprotected,  Lackaway  burned,  Colonel  Malconi's 

regiment  consolidated  and  he  is  to  leave  the  service 743 

Governor  Clinton  drops  a  hint  to  his  brother  James 743-744 

New  York  soldiers  in  the  Invalid  Corps 744-745 

Delinquency  of  peace  officers — A  report  that  the  enemy  contem- 
plate an  attack  on  the  Highland  Forts 745-746 

Rudolph  Shoemaker  denounced — A  delegation  from  German  Flats 

lay  the  facts  before  Governor  Clinton 746-749 

Commissary  Commissioner  Graham  reports  progress 749 

Colonel  Udny  Hay  writes  despondently 750 

The  defence  of  the  northern  frontier — Captain  Stockwell  selected 

to  command  a  company — Governor  Clinton's  directions 751-754 

Ulster  County  troopers  pay  a  complimentary  tribute  to  Captain 

Salisbury  754-755 

Clinton  reports  his  dispositions  to  Washington — Drafts  from  the 

militia — Troops  for  the  frontier 755-757 

Recommendations  for  Commissary  Commissioners  for  -the  Scho- 
harie District  and  Tryon  County 757-759 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  xxix 

PAGES. 

Governor  Clinton  promises  Jelles  Fonda  protection  against  Indian 
.  incursions  759-760 

Governor  Clinton  instructs  Colonel  Bellinger  to  submit  his  com- 
plaints to  the  Conspiracy  Commissioners 7GO 

Lieutenant  John  Smith  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  levies 

from  the  four  Tryon  County  regiments 761 

James  Duaue  grieves  over  the  extravagance  of  living  and  the  in- 
tolerable burdens  of  public  business 761-762 

Benjamin  Tusten's  heart  clearly  not  in  his  work 762-763 

General  McDougall  writes  at  length — Captain  Sloo  a  villain — In 
doubt  whether  the  enemy  are  going  south  or  contemplate  an 
attack  on  the  Highland  Forts 763-764 

The  defence  of  the  frontiers — Governor  Clinton's  soldierly  instruc- 
tions to  Major  Van  Benscoten — Non-commissioned  officers  to 
be  appointed  on  merit  in  militia  service 764-767 

Rochester,  Ulster  County,  makes  a  request  that  Governor  Clinton 

has  anticipated  767-768 

An  earnest  petition  from  Saratoga 769-770 

James  Clinton  as  an  Indian  hunter — His  modest  allusion  to  his 
great  victory  at  Onoudaga — The  situation  in  Tryon — A  new 
post  established 770-77:.' 

Colonel  Cortlandt  ordered  to  Minisink 772-773 

A  line  of  grievances  from  the  inhabitants  of  lower  Orange  County.  773-775 

The  Orange  County  robbers — Prisoners  to  be  held  as  hostages — 

James  Clinton's  victory  over  the  Onondagas 775-777 

Colonel  Cortlandt  reports  he  has  on  hand  one  hundred  barrels  of 

flour  more  than  he  needs 777-778 

General  Schuyler's  instructions  to  Captain  Stockwell 779-780 

Governor  Clinton's  instructions  to  Sheriff  Nicoll  touching  the 

Orange  County  robbers 780-782 

.Jelles  Fonda  writes  Major  Lush  relative  to  the  money  for  the 

frontier  sufferers ; .  782-783 

Return  of  flour  seized  in  April  for  the  use  of  the  army  by  Hen- 

drick  Wyckoff  : 784 

Returns  of  flour  and  wheat,  purchased  from  13th  to  30th  April,  'by 

Hendrick  Wyckoff 785 

Tryon  County  asks  for  a  special  Court  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  for 

the  trial  of  twelve  conspirators 786 

A  list  of  sufferers  in  Canajoharie  District,  entitled  to  State  relief.   786-788 


xxx  TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 

PAGES. 

George  Clinton  to  Colonel  Curtenius  as  to  the  Clothing  Depart- 
ment   788-789 

Returns   of   the   battalion   under   Lieutenant   Colonel   Regnier — 

between  788-789 

Commissary  Townsend,  for  permit  to  send  100  barrels  flour  to 

troops  outside  of  the  state 789 

Colonel  Curtenius  appeals  for  the  exemption  from  military  service 

of  Matthias  Warner 789-790 

Robert  Yates  reports  that  fifty  depredators  are  working  the  woods 

on  the  west  bank  of  the  Hudson 790-791 

Governor  Clinton  approves  of  James  Clinton's  expedition  up  the 

Mohawk 791-792 

Complications  in  Vermont — Committees  from  nine  towns  oppose 

the  creation  of  the  new  state  and  appeal  to  Governor  Clinton.   792-795 
Essex  County,  New  Jersey,  officers  appeal  to  Governor  Clinton  to 

procure  the  exchange  of  Captain  Joseph  Crane 795-790 

General  Washington  commends  Governor  Clinton's  services 796-797 

Tryon  County  to  obtain  a  special  Court  of  Oyer  and  Terminer. . . .  797-798 

Another  raid  on  the  Ulster  frontier 798-799 

The  Governor  sends  instructions  to  Colonel  Cantine. 799 

Colonel  Paterson  suggests  civil  war — Unless  the  people  of  Ver- 
mont acknowledge  the  rights  and  privileges  of  citizens  of 

New  York 800-802 

Returns  of  wheat  and  flour  found  in  sundry  mills  and  purchased 

by  Henry  and  Paul  Schenck 802-803 

Drafts  slow  in  coming  up — James  Clinton  forwards  to  the  Gover- 
nor, Lieutenant  McClennan's  report  of  the  Oswegatchie  Expe- 
dition   803-806 

The  Sullivan  expedition — Governor  Clinton  notifies  the  General  of 

the  preparations  made  by  New  York  State 806-807 

Isaac  Davis  forwards  intangible  rumors 807-808 

Stephen  Lush's  receipts  for  funds  for  the  frontier  sufferers 808 

John  Frey's  receipt  for  £1800,  to  Stephen  Lush 808-809 

George  Clinton  gives  directions  for  the  distribution  of  the  £1800 

among  the  Tryon  County  sufferers 809 

Cornering  breadstuffs — Mr.  Watson  as  an  inspector  files  an  inter- 
esting report  with  Governor  Clinton 809-810 

Fort  Dayton  again  attacked  by  Indians  and  Tories. .  .  811-812 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  xxxi 

PAGES. 

Copy  of  a  pass  signed  by  the  British  Lieutenant-General,  Jones. .  812-813 
The  Vermont  matter — Governor  Clinton  advises  Mr.  Minott  to  act 
with  firmness  and  prudence — Confident  that  every  effort  will 

be  made  to*%ecure  a  decision  from  Congress 814-816 

Samuel  Mabbitt  makes  an  appeal  to  Governor  Clinton 816-817 

The  wheat  situation  in  lower  Orange  County 817 

A  guard  asked  for  the  frontier  of  northern  Ulster  County 818-819 

George  Clinton  praises  General  Schuyler — And  trusts  arrange- 
ments will  be  made  that  the  delegates  in  Congress  may  relieve 

one  another  in  their  attendance 820-821 

Major-General  McDougall  ordered  to  Albany  to  report  to  General 

James  Clinton 822 

Commissary  Commissioner  James  Hunter  makes  a  report  to  Gov- 
ernor Clinton 822-823 

Major  Van  Benscoten  receives  his  orders  to  march  to  the  Ulster 

County  frontiers  without  delay 823 

Deficiency  in  two  regiments  of  levies — Governor  Clinton  threatens 

to  put  two  colonels  in  arrest,  unless  the  full  quota  is  made. . .  823-825 
Governor  Clinton  asks  Sir  Henry  Clinton  to  permit  the  wives  of 

captured  American  officers  to  visit  them  in  New  York 825-826 

Captain  Robert  North's  flag  of  truce 826-827 

Sheriff  Nicoll  vouches  for  Downing,  a  suspect 827 

Clinton  deplores  Schuyler's  resignation — And  explains  why  mili- 
tary operations  are  hindered  in  New  York  State 828-829 

Delays  in  filling  new  organizations — Schoharie  District  the  most 
exposed — Extirpation  of  the  savage  the  only  guarantee  for 
the  security  of  the  frontier  in  the  opinion  of  Governor 

Clinton  829-S31 

Governor  Clinton  extends  a  favor  to  a  captive  British  half-pay 

officer   831-832 

Frontier  sufferers  of  Albany  County 832-833 

For  the  Cobleskill  sufferers 833 

Holding  up  the  prices  of  bread  and  flour — New  England  discrimi- 
nating against  New  York — The  cause  and  effect 833-835 

The  Governor  acknowledges  the  receipt  of  letters  from  John  Jay.  .  835 

The  Vermont  Affair  reaching  a  crisis — Governor  Clinton  places  the 

responsibility  on  Congress  should  civil  war  ensue 835-83G 

Relative  to  the  exchange  of  prisoners  and  removal  of  Tory  fami- 
lies to  New  York .  .  837 


xxxii  TABLE  OF  CONTEXTS. 

PAGES. 

James  Clinton  worried— Apprehensive  that  Washington's  instruc- 
tions for  the  Indian  expedition  have  fallen  into  the  hands  of 
the  enemy 838 

George  Clinton  revokes  his  action  in  the  Mabbitt  matter,  unless 

the  effects  of  Mr.  Sands  are  shipped  from  New  York 839 

John  Haring  desires  the  release  of  John  Nagel 840 

Congress  and  the  Vermont  affair— President  Jay  forwards  a  set  of 
resolutions  which  were  introduced  by  Gouverneur  Morris  with 
an  appropriate  speech 840-842 

General  James  Clinton  receives  the  instructions  he  feared  were 

lost S43 

Colonel  Van  Schaick  utters  a  complaint — Compelled  to  reward  In- 
dians out  of  his  own  pocket  for  making  captures — A  scout  to 
Oswego 843-844 

Relating  to  exchanges 844-845 

Colonel  Levi  Pawling  forwards  rumors  and  facts 845-846 

Ethan  Allen  makes  a  raid — Captures  New  York  Militia  officers, 
bids  defiance  to  New  York  and  declares  he  will  establish  Ver- 
mont by  the  sword 846-847 

Governor  Clinton  invokes  the  aid  of  Westchester  magistrates  in 

securing  teams  for  the  army 847-848 

Colonel  Udny  Hay  asks  for  an  impress  warrant  and  the  Governor 

rebukes  him 848-849 

Governor  Clinton's  response  to  Colonel  Levi  Pawling's  letter.  .. .          850 

Orders  to  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer 850-851 

Colonel  Cortlandt  in  the  Indian  country — Constructing  a  road  for 

the  passage  of  the  artillery  for  the  Sullivan  expedition 851-852« 

George  Clinton's  brief  letter  to  James  Clinton 852 

Soldiers  complain  because  of  the  sufferings  of  their  families 853 

Governor  Clinton  sends  secret  instructions  to  Commissary  Elmen- 

dorph 853-854 

Governor  Clinton  makes  a  proposition  to  Lieutenant-General  Jones, 

the  British  Commander  in  New  York  City 854-855 

Johannes  Ball  renders  an  accounting 1 856 

A  British  diversion  up  the  Hudson  River «. 856-858 

Governor  Clinton  lays  before  Congress  papers  on  the  Vermont 

affair  .  858 


TABLE  OP  CONTENTS.  xxxiii 


Civil  war  threatened — Governor  Clinton  notifies  the  New  York  del- 
egates in  Congress  of  his  determination  to  repel  the  Vermont 

outrage 859 

Major  Cochran's  land  grant  application 859-860 

Movements  of  the  enemy — General  McDougall  forwards  an  im- 
portant communication  from  Major  Hatfield 860-861 

The  New  Levies  and  the  Ulster  frontier — Major  Van  Benscoten's 

disposition  of  his  forces 861-863 

Captain  Stockwell  sends  in  a  report  from  Skeenesboro 863-864 

Commissary  Elmendorph  reports  progress 864-865 

Major  Albert  Pawling  receives   his   commission   of   Lieutenant- 
Colonel  865-866 

Preparations  for  meeting  the  enemy 866 

Signals  for  alarm 867 

Governor  Clinton  directs  Commissary  Elmendorph  to  rely  on  his 

own   resources 867 

Forty  British  sail  reported — And  the  Commissary  and  Quarter- 
master departments  more  or  less  disconcerted 867-869 

The  fort  at  Kings  Ferry  attacked — Colonel  Udny  Hay  begs  for 

teams  and  Governor  Clinton  on  the  way  down  with  militia. . . .          869 
The  enemy  reported  in  great  force — General  McDougall  anxious 
for  the  stores — Governor  Clinton  orders  out  teams  and  the 

militia 870-871 

The  militia  on  the  west  bank  ordered  out — Governor  Clinton  be- 
lieves the  objective  of  the  enemy  is  Fishkill 871-872 

Returns  of  flour  seized  by  Hend'k  Wyckoff 873 

A  return  of  flour  purchased  by  Hend'k  Wyckoff 874 

iii 


CALENDAR  FOR  THE  YEAR  1778. 


Jan. 


Feb. 


Mar. 


April 


May 


June 


Sun. 

Mon. 

Tues. 

Wed. 

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27  . 

28 

Sun. 

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XXXVI 


CALENDAR  FOR  THE  YEAR  1778. 


July 


Aug. 


Sept. 


Oct. 


Nov. 


Dec. 


Sun. 

Mon. 

Tues. 

Wed. 

Thurs. 

Fri. 

Sat. 

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2 

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31 

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Mon. 

Tues. 

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Thurs. 

Fri. 

Sat. 

1 

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9 

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17 

18 

19 

20 

21- 

22 

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25 

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27 

28 

29 

30 

31 

Sun. 

Mon. 

Tues. 

Wed. 

Thurs. 

Fri. 

Sat. 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

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30 

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Mon. 

Tues. 

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31 

CALENDAR  FOR  THE  YEAR  1779. 


XXXYll 


1779. 


Jan. 


Feb. 


Mar. 


April 


May 


June 


Sun. 

3 

10 
17 
24 
31 

Sun. 


14 
21 

28 

Sun. 

7 

14 
21 

28 

Sun. 

4 
11 

18 
25 

Sun. 

2 

9 
16 
23 
30 

Sun. 

6 
13 
20 
27 


Mon. 

Tues. 

Wed. 

Thurs. 

4 

5 

6 

7 

11 

12 

13 

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18 

19 

20 

21 

25 

26 

27 

28 

Mon. 

Tues. 

Wed. 

Thurs. 

1 

2 

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4 

8 

9 

10 

11 

15 

16 

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18 

22 

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24 

25 

Mon. 

Tues. 

Wed. 

Thurs. 

1 

2 

3 

4 

8 

9 

10 

11 

15 

16 

17 

18 

22 

2a 

24 

25 

29 

30 

31 

Mon. 

Tues. 

Wed. 

Thurs. 

1 

5 

6 

7 

8 

12 

13 

14 

15 

19 

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22 

26 

27 

28 

29 

Mon. 

Tues. 

Wed. 

Thurs. 

3 

4 

5 

6 

10 

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12 

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17 

18 

19 

20 

24 

25 

26 

27 

31 

Mon. 

Tues. 

Wed. 

Thurs. 

1 

2 

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7 

8 

9 

10 

14 

15 

.   16 

17 

21 

22 

23 

24 

28 

29 

30 

Fri. 

1 

8 
15 
22 
29 

Fri. 
5 

12 
19 
26 

Fri. 

5 

12 

19 

26 

Fri. 

2 

9 

16 

23 

30 

Fri. 

7 

14 
21 

28 

Fri. 
4 
11 
18 
25 


Sat. 

2 

9 

16 

23 

30 

Sat. 
6 

13 
20 
27 

Sat. 

6 

13 

20 

27 

Sat. 

3 

10 

17 

24 

Sat. 

1 

8 

15 

22 
29 

Sat. 
5 

12 
19 
26 


xxxvm 


CALENDAR  FOR  THE  YEAR  1779. 


July 


Aug. 


Sept. 


Oct 


Nov. 


Dec. 


Sun. 

Mon. 

Tues. 

Wed. 

Thurs. 

Fri. 

Sat. 

1 

2 

3 

4 

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Sun. 

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31 

ILLUSTRATIONS. 


No.  1 — GEORGE  CLINTON'S  NEW  YORK  CITY  RESIDENCE — Frontispiece. 

No.  2. — CHARLES  JAMES  Fox — opposite  page  150. 

No.  3 — EDMUND  BURKE — opposite  page  210. 

No.  4 — ISAAC  BARRE — opposite  page  306. 

No.  5 — ROCHAMBEAU — opposite  page  494. 

No.  6 — EARL  OF  CHATHAM — opposite  page  560. 

No.  7 — RICHARD,  LORD  HOWE,  ADMIRAL — opposite  page  640. 

No.  8 — LORD  CORNWALLIS — opposite  page  710. 

xxzlz 


Public   Papers  of  George 
Clinton. 


MSS.  VOLUME  VI  (Continued), 


MANUSCRIPT  VOL.  VI. 

(CONTINUED). 


[No.  1737.] 
A  DELICATE  PROPOSITION. 

The  Appointment  of  State  Officers  to  Continental  Regiments — The 
Reorganization  of  the  Fourth  New  York  Line — Its  Officers. 

Dear  Sir,  By  the  Bequest  of  the  Committee  of  Congress,  now 
Setting  in  Camp  for  the  arrang't  of  the  Officers  of  the  army,  I 
Send  you  the  within  inclosed  List,  which  is  a  Coppy  of  one  given 
to  the  Said  Committee,  Last  Feb'y  at  Valley  Forge,  by  Colonel 
Livingston,  few  alterations  Excepted,  which  have  happened 
Since,  by  the  Resignation  of  Several  officers,  then  Included  in 
that  List,  which  names,  I  thought  not  necessary  to  incert,  as  they 
are  no  more,  in  the  Regim't.  I  have  Coppied  it,  with  as  less 
partiality  as  possible,  I  have  had  the  Greatest  regard  for  their 
former  Ranks,  to  place  them  in  this  according  to  the  new  ar- 
rangem't.  But  Captain  Samuel  Sackett,  Captain  Johnatan  Titus, 
Lieut.  Norton  and  Lieut.  Benschoten,  which  Colonel  Livingston 
Chose  to  be  left  out,  or  not  to  recommend  in  his  arrangem't,  which 
as  I  am  ignorant  of  the  Cause  for  which  he  Left  them,  I  have 
left  them  out,  yet  in  Ihis  not  to  appear  partial  by  his  absence  or 
disoblige  him,  only  if  they  are  Left,  I  recommand  them  to  you 
to  Be  reinplaced  in  some  of  the  other  Regts.,  if  there  is  possibility, 
as  I  am  a  witness  of  their  having  served  well,  and  it  .would  be  a 
pity  to  turn  them  out  at  this  Juncture,  without  some  reward. 

Also  John  Franks,  paymaster  which  Colonel  Livingston  had 
recommanded  for  the  6th  Captain  upon  his  List,  which  Recom- 


4  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

madion  is  now  refused,  by  the  Committee,  as  a  paymaster  had  no 
Bank  in  the  Line  of  officers,  and  it  would  have  been  superceding 
all  the  Lieuts.  of  the  Kegt.  &  create  more  Discontentement. 

And,  as  there  is,  by  this  arrangem't  if  it  takes  place,  ten  vancan- 
cies  to  be  filled  up,  and  refered  to  your  Excellency  for  Recom- 
mendations I  Beg  you  would  recommand,  John  Franks  for  the 
Lieutenancy  vacant.  Likewise,  Azariah  Tuthill,  sergt.  major  in 
the  Regt.,  Andrew  Hartness,  Qr.  master  sergt.,  &  Samuel  Tal- 
mage  also  sergt.,  and  Brother  to  Major  Talmage,  of  Colo.  Shel- 
don's Dragoons,  if  you  think  proper  to  recommand  them  to  the 
Committee  of  arrangem't  for  Ensiegncies.  I  am  with  Respect  of 
your  Excellency  the  most  ob't  serv't 

P.  Regnier  Lt.  Col.  4th  N.  York. 
Camp  White  Plains  August  31st  1778. 
His  Excellency  Governor  George  Clinton. 


Poughkeepsie  7th  Sep'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  am  favoured  with  your  Letter  of  the  31st  Ultimo  inclos- 
ing a  List  of  the  Officers  of  the  4th  New  York  Regiment,  as  ar- 
ranged by  the  Committee  of  Congress  &  containing  a  Recomen- 
dation  of  several  Gentlemen  to  fill  the  Vacancies  in  the  same. 
I  some  Time  since,  informed  the  Committee  of  Congress  that  no 
Mode  was  pointed  out,  either  by  the  Constitution  or  any  Law 
of  this  State,  for  the  Appointment  of  Officers  to  our  Continental 
Regiments.  The  next  Session  of  the  Legislature  is  to  commence 
on  the  first  of  next  Month,  when  I  mean  to  recomend  some  suit- 
able Provission  to  be  made  for  this  Purpose;  till  this  shall  be 
effected,  I  can  give  no  other  Answer  to  your  Letter  than  that  I 
have  great  Reason  to  believe  such  Persons  of  Merrit  as  are  recom- 
mended to  fill  the  Vacant  Offices  will  be  appointed.  I  am  Sir 

with  great  Respect  Your  most  Obed't  Serv't 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Lieut.  Colo.  Regnier,  4th  New  York  Regiment. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


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John  Daviss 
Nathan  Strong 
Benjamin  Walker 
Israel  Smith 
Jonathan  Titus 

1st  Lieutenai 
Nathaniel  Norton 
Theodoricus  Fowler 
Edward  Dunscomb 
Silas  Grey 
Peter  Ellsworth 
Silvanus  Conkllng 
Peter  Van  Benschoten 

2d  Lieutenai] 
Thomas  Hunt 
Abraham  Hyatt 
Rodolphus  Van  Howe: 
Joseph  Fry  lock 
James  Barrett 

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13 

6  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  1738.] 
Colonel  Hathorn  and  His  Exempts. 

Warwick  7th  September  1778. 

Sir,  Inclosed  I  transmit  the  Honourable  the  Council  of  appoint- 
ment, the  Recommendation  of  the  principal  Number  of  the 
Exempts  of  my  Regiment,*  a  variety  of  Circumstances  hath  pre- 
vented my  Compliance  with  that  part  of  the  Militia  Law,  respect- 
ing the  Association  of  the  Exempts  Untill  this  time.  I  have  the 
Honour  to  be  your  Excel'ys  and  the  Council  most  Obt.  Servant 

John  Hathorn. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  1739.] 
HISTORIAN  SMITH  DEMANDS  HIS  SERVANTS. 

Governor    Clinton    Condemns    the    Proposition    as    Unjust    and 

Unreasonable. 

Poughkeepsie  7th  Sep'r  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  I  have,  received  your  Excellency's  Letters  of  the  27th 
of  last  Month  &  1st  Instant.  I  am  greatly  concerned  for  the 
Unhappy  Fate  of  .Van  Tassel,  who' I  am  informed  always  main- 
tained a  good  Charecter  &  his  Familly  have  afforded  many  Proofs 
of  their  Attachment  to  the  Cause  of  their  Country  in  which  some 
of  them  have  been  great  Sufferers.  At  the  same  Time  as  Capt. 
Colson  has  already  Quit  the  Army  Until  It  can  be  discovered'  to 
what  Place  he  is  gone  I  think  it  will  be  most  prudent  to  make  as 
little  stir  about  the  Matter  as  possible.  When  this  is  the  Case, 
if  your  Excellency's  aid  in  securing  him  shall  be  necessary,  I  will 
take  the  Liberty  of  asking  it.  In  the  mean  Time  your  Excel- 
lency will  please  to  accept  my  warmest  acknowledgments  for  the 
Regard  you  have  paid  to  the  Rights  of  the  Civil  Authority. 

*  See  pages  734-735,  Vol.  III. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  7 

Before  Mr.  Smith  left  the  Country,  he  applied  to  me  concerning 
his  Male  Servants,*  which  the  Commissioners  did  not  conceive 
themselves  authorized  to  permit  him  to  take  with  him  as  they 
might  be  imployed  to  fight  against  their  Country.  The  Slaves  he 
might  have  sold  if  he  had  pleased.  The  white  Servants  he  men- 
tions in  his  Letter  to  your  Excellency,  tho  they  are  hardy  Scotch 
Hierlings  in  whom  he  has  no  Property,  yet  I  promised  to  send 
them  into  him  in  Exchange  for  any  Two  subjects  of  this  State 
in  the  Power  of  the  Enemy  which  he  shoud  procure  to  be  sent 
out  for  that  Purpose.  This  being  the  Case  I  cant  help  thinking 
Mr.  Smith's  Letter  to  your  Excellency  complaining  of  Injustice 
in  the  Commissioners  as  well  as  his  Request  of  having  his  Ser- 
vants sent  into  him  not  only  exceptionable  but  very'  unjust  & 
unreasonable.  I  am  with  the  highest  Respect  Your  Excellency's 

Most  Obed't  Serv't  , 

G.  C. 
His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington. 

[No.  1740.] 
Colonel  Malcom  Denounces  Captain  Van  Allen  and  Tories  Generally. 

Fort  Clinton  Sep'r  7  1778. 

IVr  Sir,  Capt.  Vanallen,  who  commands  the  Flagg  Sloop,  it 
seems  has  been  making  friends  with  the  mammon  of  unrighteous- 
ness. One  of  my  soldiers,  (a  lad  of  veracity),  who  went  as  Ser- 
vant to  Major  Stagg — overheard  him  giving  the  Officers  of  the 
man  of  war  an  account  of  this  Garrison  &  the  Comparative  value 
of  our  paper  mony  &c.  From  his  Character,  as  Disafected,  I  am 
amazed  that  he  was  permited  to  have  such  an  opportunity.  And 
I  shoud  have  sent  him  in  Irons  to  Poughkeepsie  if  I  had  the  least 
reason  to  expect  that  any  notice  woud  have  been  taken  of  him. 

*See  pages  484-487,  Vol.  II. 


8  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Your  Commiss's  to  Defeat  or  rather  to  encourage  Conspiracies 
would  have  thought  me  a  fool  for  noticing  so  triffling  a  matter 
as  it  certainly  would  appear  to  them. 

Inclosed  is  a  Copy  of  one  of  their  adjudications — which  I  shall 
hand  to  several  men  who  I  suppose  will  not  thank  them  for  their 
services — the  face  of  the  judgement  I  am  sure  will  raise  your 
Indignation.  Shall  a  Villain  be  allowed  to  hire  another  to  bear 
the  punish't  of  his  Guilt.  This  is  carrying  the  practice  of  sub- 
stitution a  great  Length.  Surely  as  the  first  magistrate  of  the 
State,  you  will  correct  these  things  or  point  out  the  defects  in  our 
Constitution  that  restrains  your  power — that  the  people  at  Large 
may  not  be  imposed  on  any  Longer. 

The  Day  is  not  far  off  when  there  will  be  another  Tribunal  to 
handle  these  parricides  &  their  abettors. 

I  have  hoped  to  see  you  here  this  week  past  &  must  break  out 
&  come  to  you  as  I  want  to  see  you  much,  being  D'r  Sir  most 

respectfully  yrs. 

W.  Malcom. 

I  shall  [  ]  the  soldier  up  if  Vanallen  is  detained  to  answer  for 
his  Delinquency. 
[To  Gov.  George  Clinton.] 


[No.  1741.] 

Captain  John  Copp  Petitions  Governor  Clinton  for  a  Commission. 
May  it  please  your  Excellency,  Hearing  that  I  was  left  out  of 
the  Arrangement  of  Colonel  Goose  Van  Schaick's  Regiment  for 
the  new  Establishment,  in  Justice  to  myself  I  take  the  Liberty 
to  lay  the  inclosed  Copies  of  Letters,*  (which  were  sent  to  the 
Commissioners)  before  you,  being  informed  with  what  gives  me 
much  Satisfaction,  that  the  Arrangement  is  to  receive  your  Ap- 

*See  pages  722-724,  Vol.  Ill,  and  page  26  In  this  volume. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  9 

probation  before  it  takes  Place.  I  am  at  a  Loss  to  know  how  to 
inform  your  Excellency  of  the  Reason  of  my  being  neglected,  as 
Colonel  Van  Schaick  who  solely  recommended  his  Officers  &  was 
the  Occasion  of  my  being  left  out,  never  accused  me  with  the 
least  Fault  in  any  Respect,  and  has  to  the  great  Astonishment 
of  all  that  have  heard  it,  promoted  two  Subalterns  to  Companies. 
Give  me  Leave  to  assure  your  Excellency,  I  have  no  other  Views 
at  Heart,  by  wishing  to  continue  in  Service  than  an  ardent  Ambi- 
tion to  become  serviceable  to  my  Country,  and  a  Solicitude  to 
preserve  what  'though  apparently  trifling  to  my  Colonel,  is  of 
the  last  Importance  to  me,  my  Reputation. 

Should  any  farther  Recommendations  prove  necessary,  I  flatter 
myself  that  I  can  easily  procure  what  will  be  satisfactory  from  a 
Number  of  respectable  Gentlemen  in  the  Army.  I  have  the 
Honor  to  be  with  the  greatest  Respect  your  Excellency's  most 

obedient  humble  Servant. 

John  Copp. 
Camp,  White  Plains  Sept'r  7th  '78. 

His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  1742.] 
Association  of  Exempts  for  Albawy  County. 

Albany  8th  Sept.  1778. 

Sir,  The  enclosed  association  was  a  few  days  ago  delivered  me 
with  a  request  to  forward  it  to  your  Excellency.  I  told  the 
Gentleman  that  delivered  it,  as  there  was  another  association 
going  'about,  and  as  the  Council  of  Appointment  were  not  met, 
to  "wait  and  get  the  whole  together  when  Signed  and  then  recom- 
mend their  Officers  and  make  a  Return  to  your  Excellency,  but 
he  rather  chose  it  in  the  way  it  is. 


10  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

In  this  association  your  Excellency  will  observe  that  the  three 
Persons  first  on  the  list  are  those  who  have  been  chosen  for 
Officers.  I  have  the  Honor  to  be  with  the  greatest  Respect  Your 

Excellency's  Most  Obt.  Serv't 

Mat:  Visscher. 

His  Excellency,  George  Clinton,  Esqr.  Governor  of  the  State 
of  New  York  &c. 


Whearas  in  and  by  an  Act  of  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of 
New  York  entiteled,  an  act  for  Regulating  the  Melitia  of  the 
State  of  New  York,  it  is  Declaired  that  the  Persons  under  the 
Age  of  Fifty  five  yeares,  who  have  held  Cevil  or  Melitary  Com- 
missions, and  are  not  or  should  not  be  Reappointed  to  ther^  Res- 
pecktive  Rancks  of  Office,  and  all  other  Persons  between  the  age 
of  Fifty  and  Fifty  five  yeares  who  had  not  associated  and  Elected 
their  officers  and  should  associate  them  Selves  in  the  manner  in 
the  said  act  mentioned,  Should  be  Exempted  from  serving  as  part 
of  the  Enroled  Melitia,  We,  the  Subscribers  do,  therefore,  in  per- 
suance  of  the  said  act  hereby  Promise  and  Engage,  that  we  will 
Severally  on  all  occations,  obey  the  orders  of  our  Respective  Com- 
manding Officers,  and  will  Severally  in  case  of  Invasion  of  Incur- 
sions of  the  Enf  mey  or  Insurrections  march  to  repell  the  Enemy 
or  Suppress  Such  Insurrections  in  the  Like  manner  as  the  En- 
rolled Melitia  are  Compelled  to  do  as  witness  Our  hands. 
Capt.  Corn's  Van  Santvoordt,  Let.  David  Groesbeeck,  2d  Marte 
Mynderse. 

Teunis  Bradt,  Isaac  Van  Aernam,  John  Roseboom,  Jur,  Saml. 
Pruyn,  Paul  Hogstrasser,  William  Verplanck,  Jon.  James  Abbet, 
John  Cluet,  Jun'r,  Anthony  E.  Bratt,  John  J:  Bleecker,  Casparus 
Pruyn,  Jellis  Winne,  Wouter  Deforest,  Jno.  Van  Ness,  William 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  11 

Dewitt,  R.  Visscher,  Isaac  Verplanck,  Hendrick  Bogert,  Dirck 
Roseboom,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Richard  Lush. 


[No.  1743.] 

Governor    CTmton    Promises    His    Good    Offices    in    Behalf    of 

Mr.  Tallmadge. 

Poughkeepsie  8th  Sep'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  am  favoured  with  your  Letter  of  the  3d  Instant.  I  am 
not  Ignorant  of  the  Character  of  your  Familly,  or  the  Merrit  of 
your  Brother,  and  you  may  rest  assured,  that  if  his  being  prop- 
erly provided  for  in  the  Regiment  in  which  he  has  served,  depends 
on  my.  good  Offices  they  shant  be  wanting.  At  present  we  have 
no  Mode  established,  Either  by  the  Constitution  or  any  Law  of 
this  State,  for  the  Appointment  of  Officers  to  our  Continental 
Battalions.  It  is  probable  some  Provision  will  be  made  for  this 
Purpose  by  the  Legislature  at  their  next  Session  which  is  to  con« 
vene  the  1st  of  next  Month.  I  am  Sir  Your  Most  Obed't  Serv't 

[G.  0.] 
To  Major  Benjamin  Tallmadge. 


[No.  1744.] 

Governor    Clinton    Diplomatically    Attempts    to    Harmonize    the 
Differences  Between  Colonel  Butler  and  the  Commissioners. 

Poughkeepsie  Sept'r  8th  1778. 

Gentlemen,  I  have  rec'd  your  Letter  of  the  1st  Inst.  with  the 
enclosure. 

I  commend  your  Conduct  in  the  exercise  of  your  Office  with 
respect  to  the  Cattle  taken  by  Colo.  Butler's  Troops,  &  fully 
agree  with  you  in  Sentiment  that  it  would  be  very  dangerous  to 


12  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

encourage  the  Soldiery  to  plunder  the  farms  of  the  Inhabitants 
on  the  frontiers.  I  am  not  authorized  to  make  any  Decision  rela- 
tive to  the  Disposal  of  the  monies  arising  from  the  Sale  of  the 
Cattle  alluded  to  in  your  Letter,  but  at  the  same  time  (consider- 
ing the  critical  Situation  of  our  Western  Frontiers  &  the  necessity 
of  keeping  in  good  humour  the  Troops  stationed  for  their  Protec- 
tion), I  cannot  but  approve  of  the  mode  addopted  by  you  &  Colo. 

Butler  as  the  most  prudent  untill  the  matter  can  by  proper  au- 

» 

thority  be  finally  determined.  The  Service  of  those  employed  on 
the  frontiers  is  naturally  Hazardous  &  fatiguing  &  they  undoubt- 
edly are  entitled  to  all  reasonable  Encouragem't,  but  I  could  wish 
that  this  might  be  given  them  in  some  other  way.  I  am  with 
great  Esteem  Gentlemen  Yr.  most  Obed't  Serv't 

Geo:  Clinton. 

Myndert    Roseboom    Floris    Bancker    Esqrs,    Commiss'rs    of 
Sequestration  in  the  County  of  Albany. 


[No.  1745.] 
GEORGE  CLINTON  DISCREDITS  JOHN  STARK. 

Commends  the  Aggressive  Policy  of  Colonel  Butler — The  Confiscated 
Cattle  Question  Not  Decided. 

Poughkeepsie  Sept'r  8th  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  I  have  received  your  two  Letters  of  the  13th  &  31st 
Ultimo  (both  which  came  to  hand  much  about  the  same  time)  & 
thank  you  for  the  Intelligence  they  contain.  In  answer  to  that 
part  of  your  last  Letter,  which  respects  the  Cattle  bro't  in  by 
your  Scouts  I  have  to  inform  you  that  I  am  not  authorized  to 
make  any  Decision  respecting  them  and  altho'  I  agree  with  you, 
that  the  Troops  should  have  all  reasonable  encouragem't  given 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  13 

them  for  any  extraordinary  Exertion;  yet  I  am  not  without  my 
fears  that  a  Reward  arising  in  this  way  among  the  most  virtuous 
Soldiery,  might  be  productive  of  dangerous  Consequences  by 
lead'g  them  (on  the  principle  of  encreasing  their  Reward)  to  acts 
highly  prejudicial  to  the  well  affected  Inhabitants  in  preference 
to  that  of  destroying  the  Enemies  of  the  Country.  By  the  Affi- 
davits which  I  inclosed  you  in  my  Letter  of  the  6th  Inst.,  w'th 
respect  to  the  murder  of  Dumond  &  the  plundering  of  several  of 
the  well  affected  Inhabitants  who  were  removing  with  their 
Effects  from  the  Delaware,  I  am  confirmed  in  this  Opinion.  I  do 
not  however  mean  to  disapprove  of  the  mode  you  &  the  Com- 
miss'rs  have  agreed  upon  of  selling  the  Cattle  &  detain'g  the 
monies  aris'g  from  the  sale  until  the  Disposition  thereof  shall  be 
properly  determined. 

I  am  more  then  ever  convinced,  that  offensive  Operations  ag't 
the  Savages  &  Tories  is  absolutely  necessary,  &  could,  therefore, 
have  wished  that  the  plan  by  you  proposed  to  Genl.  Starke  had 
been  carried  into  execution,  especially  as  (if  I  know  the  man)  it 
must  have  been  much  better  than  any  he  can  devise. 

Some  short  time  ago  our  Guards  stationed  on  the  Delaware  in 
Ulster  County  destroyed  the  Grain  &c.  to  prevent  its  falling  into 
the  hands  of  the  Enemy,  since  which  a  small  Party  of  Indians  & 
Tories  who  stole  past  our  Guards  burnt  3  or  4  Houses  &  Barns 
near  Rochester,  killed  two  men  &  carried  off  another.  I  have 
received  no  Intelligence  from  the  southern  or  eastern  Quarter 
lately. '  I  remain  with  great  Esteem  D'r  Sir  Your  most  Obed't 

Serv't 

Geo:  Clinton. 
Colo.  Butler. 


14  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLIXTON. 

[No.  1746.] 

Governor    Clinton    Chafes    Under    the    Congressional    Resolutions 
Relating  to  the  Loss  of  the  Forts  vn  the  Highlands. 

Poughkeepsie  Sept'r  9th  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  I  have  rec'd  your  favor  of  the  18th  Ulto.  I  have  not 
as  yet  been  able  to  hear  of  a  trusty  Person  coming  this  way  from 
the  Southw'd  to  bring  forward  the  Cash  you  mention.  If  no' 
oppertunity  should  offer  for  this  purpose  before  the  meeting  of 
the  Legislature,  (which  is  to  be  on  the  first  of  next  month  for 
the  purpose  of  mak'g  the  annual  Election  of  Delegates  to  Con- 
gress &  other  Business)  I  shall  recommend  it  to  them  to  take  the 
proper  measures  for  getting  the  money  into  the  Treasury. 

As  I  do  not  conceive  myself  left  in  the  most  agreable  Situation 
by  the  Resolution  of  Congress  respect'g  the  Loss  of  the  Posts  in 
the  Highlands,  I  have  written  to  the  President*  requesting  cer- 
tified Copies  of  the  Proceed'gs  of  the  Court  of  Enquiry  &c.  in 
Order  that  I  may  be  enabled  to  evince  the  Propriety  of  my  own 
Conduct  on  that  Occassion. 

I  have  inclosed  in  a  Letter  to  you  &  your  Brethren  Copies  of 
sundry  Papers  respect'g  the  Conduct  of  the  usurped  Gov't  of  the 
People  on  the  Grants  towards  some  of  the  Subjects  of  this  State 
to  which  I  am  persuaded  you  will  pay  due  attention. 

Capt.  Smith  the  bearer,  hereof,  who  formerly  saild  out  of  New 
York  &  has  suffered  much  in  the  Contest  bears  the  Character  of 
a  very  deserving  man  &  well  qualified  for  the  naval  Department; 
he  is  lately  arrived  from  on  board  the  French  fleet  in  which  he 
went  in  Character  of  a  Pilot  from  Sandy  Hook  &  continued  on 

'Under  date  of  September  first  Governor  Clinton  had  written  to  Congress  demanding  an 
Investigation  into  his  conduct  as  commander  of  the  Forts  at  the  Highlands.  He  followed 
this  letter  up  with  the  above  letter  to  William  Duer  September  21.  Congress  "ordered 
that  Governor  Clinton  be  furnished  with  copies  of  the  papers  desired  and  that  the 
president  inform  him  that  Congress  are  well  satisfied  of  the  propriety  of  his  conduct 
as  commander  of  the  forts  on.  Hudson's  River." — STATE  HISTORIAN. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  15 

board  until  their  arrival  at  Boston.  I  should  be  happy  if  he 
could  meet  with  some  public  Employment  on  board  some  of  the 
Continental  vessels  by  which  he  may  have  an  Opportunity  of 
serving  the  public  &  acquiring  a  Livelyhood.  I  believe  Mr. 
Lewis  is  acquainted  with  his  Character  better  than  I  am.  I 

remain  with  great  Esteem  D'r  Sir  Yrs.  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
The  hon'ble  Wm.  Duer  Esqr. 


[No.  1747.] 

Governor  Clinton  Requests  that  Abraham,  Hammon,  a  Prisoner  be 
Forwarded  to  PoughJceepsie. 

Sept'r  9th  1778. 

S'r,  I  thank  you  for  your  Letter  inclosing  a  List  of  the  Prisoners 
of  this  State  &  for  the  attention  you  have  p'd  to  that  Business. 

The  friends  of  Ab'm  Hammon,  one  of  the  Prisoners,  mentioned 
in  the  List  are  desirous  of  his  being  permitted  to  return  to  thia 
State  &  Capt.  Scott,  w'th  whom  you  have  placed  him,  giv'g  him  a 
good  Character,  I  have,  therefore,  to  request  that  you  will  put  him 
on  his  Parole,  to  repair  directly  to  this  Place  and  appear  before*  the 
Commiss'rs  for  Conspiracies  &  receive  their  further  Order  re- 

spect'g  him.     I  am  Sir  Yrs. 

Geo:  Clinton. 

Ezekiel  Williams  Esqr.  D'y    Commis'y    Prisoners  at    Hartford. 


[No.  1748.] 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Staats  Reports  to  General  Ten  Broeck  that  Brant 
is  Contemplating  Another  Raid. 

Cherry  Valey  9th  Sep'r  1778. 

"  Dear  General,  This  afternoon  arrived  our  Scout  from  the 
TJnindilla,  Commanded  by  Capt.  McCeen  &  have  brought  three 
Prisoners  from  there,  which  he  has  taken  in  the  night  of  the  7th 


16  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Instant;  the  one  is  an  Inhabitant  of  that  Place;  he  saith  that 
Brant  has  issued  Orders  for  a  meeting  on  the  8th  of  this  Instant, 
in  order  to  draw  ammunition;  that  there  was  an  Expedition  ago- 
ing on  in  short,  but  Could  not  tell  which  way,  their  number  he 
says  is  Reported  to  be  Two  Thousand  men ;  the  other  two  Prisoners 
are  from  Col.  Quackenboss's  Regt.,  their  names  are  Andries 
Ostrande  &  Joachim  Van  Alstyn,  who  was  Tryed  at  the  Genl. 
Court  martial.  They  tell  one  Story.  They  say  that  they  had 
been  down  9  days  at  Unindilla,  that  Frederick  Oliver  &  Gerrit 
Sixbee,  Persuaded  them  to  go  along  &  that  Oliver  was  taken  also 
with  them,  but  made  his  Escape,  but  is  Supposed  to  be  Dead  as 
they  fired  Several  shot  at  him,  Van  Alstyn  &  Ostrande  say  as 
the  former  Relating  to  the  Expedition  &  the  ammunition  but 
differ  in  the  number;  their  account  is  between  400  &  600  men  as 
they  have  heard,  but  have  not  seen  more  than  100  which  were  at 
the  Unindilla  the  others  where  at  Ochquaga." 

The  above  is  Extract  of  a  letter  from  Lt.  Col.  Staats*  to  General 
Ten  Broeck. 


[No.  1749.] 
EXCITING  TIMES  ON  THE  DELAWARE  FRONTIER. 

Colonel   Cantine's  Report  to   Governor   Clinton  of  an  Encounter 
Between  Settlers  and  Indians. 

Marbletown  9th  Sept.  1778. 

Sir,  The  Day  after  I  came  from  Paghkataghkan  to  this  Place, 
I  received  Intelligence  that  the  Enemy  had  burnt  three  Barns  or 
Barracks,  Viz.  of  Andries  Shurker,  Peter  Millar  and  Jacob  Baker, 
The  two  first  they  have  killed  and  scalped,  Baker  and  a  Boy  of 
Millar  are  not  found,  therefore  think  they  have  taken  them  along. 
I  came  to  Hunk  last  Saturday  at  two  O'Clock  After  Noon,  as  the 

*See  page  31. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  17 

Mischief  had  been  committed  that  morning  about  Break  of  Day. 
Capt.  Telford  with  the  advice  of  the  Neighbours  had  ordered  a  . 
Party  to  go  upon  the  Papacton  Eoad,  and  waylay  them,  when 
they  should  return  under  the  Command  of  John  Graham,  who 
acted  in  the  Station  of  a  Lieut  The  Party  consisted  of  fourteen ; 
they  went  up  the  Road  about  seventeen  miles,  it  being  then  late 
in  the  Afternoon,  they  intended  to  stay  there,  as  there  was  no 
Tract.  From  whence  they  concluded  they  were  ahead  of  them 
if  they  intended  to  return  that  way.  But  what  could  have  in- 
duced them  to  choose  a  place  so  disadvantegeous  to  themselves 
I  cannot  account  for.  The  place  in  my  Opinion  was  neither  cal- 
culated for  Defence,  or  to  save  a  Retreat.  They  had  been  there 
about  half  an  hour,  and  heard  the  Enemy  coming.  An  Indian 
came  about  thirty  Yards  before  the  rest,  and  when  he  came  op- 
posite to  them,  he  perceived  them  as  they  were  in  no  way  properly 
concealed.  The  Indian  on  seeing  them  squatted,  and  then 
Abraham  Vancamp  shot  at  him.  Several  of  the  others  came 
within  forty  Yards  of  our  Men,  who  then  discharg'd  their  Pieces 
upon  them,  but  believe,  did  Little  or  no  Execution,  at  Least  I 
could  see  no  Signs  thereof;  It  appears  to  me  that  the  greater  part 
of  our  Men  then  endeavoured  to  make  their  Escape,  but  the 
Enemy  was  between  them  and  the  Inhabitants,  &  our  Men  be- 
tween them  and  the  Indian  Country,  or  else  probably  the  greater 
Part  of  both  parties  would  have  fled.  In  Justice  to  Mr.  Graham 
and  Ens'n  McBride,  I  must  say  they  were  the  Last  who  left  the 
Ground,  as  I  am  informed.  They  were  obliged  to  go  up  a  Hill 
as  steep  as  the  Roof  of  a  House,  which  was  just  back  of  them. 
Had  the  Enemy  pursued  with  Vigour,  I  have  reason  to  believe 
from  the  Situation  of  the  Ground,  that  few  of  them  would  have 
escaped.  Mr.  Graham,  Robert  Temple  and  Adam  Ambler  were 
2 


18  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

killed  and  scalped  in  this  Fray,  the  Remainder  are  all  safe  re- 
turned. The  Enemy  consisted  as  near  as  I  can  learn  between 
seventeen  and  Twenty  four.  When  I  found  that  Mr.  Graham's 
Party  was  so  small  and  not  provided  with  Provisions  to  pursue 
them  far,  I  immediately  ordered  five  Days  Provisions  to  be  made 
ready  for  fifty  two  Men,  which  was  the  whole  fit  for  such  a 
Journey,  who  march'd  early  the  Morning  following  under  the  Com- 
mand of  Capt.  Clark,  to  pursue  them  as  far  as  where  the  Middaghs 
Live,  unless  apprized  of  a  superior  Number  of  the  Enemy  to  be 
there,  for  which  purpose  I  directed  them  to  send  a  Spy  to  that 
Place  when  they  should  come  to  Pappacton. 

The  Inclosed  is  a  Copy  of  the  Orders  I  gave  to  Capts.  Nichols* 
and  Vankeuren,  when  they  went  to  Delaware.  When  they  re- 
turned, they  told  me  they  had  brought  off  the  Effects  of  Burch, 
who  was  gone  to  the  Enemy,  and  of  several  others.  They  ask'd 
me  whether  I  would  admit  the  Men  to  have  it  as  plunder,  I  told 
them  it  was  not  in  my  power  to  give,  thought  it  my  Duty  to 
write  to  one  of  the  Commissioners  of  Sequestration,  informing 
them  that  the  Guard  who  had  been  to  Papacton,  had  brought  off 
some  Cattle,  Horses  &c.  Capt.  Vankeuren  took  the  Letter  to  him. 
Colo.  Pawling  desired  my  Coming  down  the  same  Day  to  go  and 
look  to  the  Post  at  Shandekan,  which  I  did.  When  I  returned 
to  Hunk,  they  had  sold  Part  there,  and  some  was  carried  over 
the  mountain.  Capt.  Vankeuren  also  was  gone  home.  I  en- 
quired whether  the  Commissioners  had  given  them  Leave  to  sell. 
I  was  told  by  Capt.  Nichols  they  had;  I  then  thought  I  had  dis- 
charged my  Duty,  if  I  have  erred  in  applying  to  the  wrong  Person, 
I  confess  it  has  been  for  want  of  Judgement,  for  I  directly  thought 
I  was  in  the  Line  of  my  Duty. 

*  See  page  626,  Vol.  III. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  19 

The  twelve  Men,  which  were  last,  had  no  other  Orders  than  to 
fetch  down  John  Middagh,  Hendrick  Bush  and  Nathan  Parks- 
I  promised  them  a  Reward  (for  each  of  them)  of  Fifteen  pound* 
and  as  much  more  as  I  could  collect,  and  to  destroy  the  Grain  on 
the  Eiver.    Before  they  return'd,  I  had  Information  of  Dumond's 
being  shot  at  Paghkataghkan,  and  that  five  hundred  Indians  & 
Tories  were  at  that  Place.     I  then  went  to  Paghkataghkan,  and 
before  I   return'd,  they  were   come  and   had   sold  what  they 
brought.    The  greater  Part  of  these  twelve  men  did  not  belong 
to  my  Detachment,  and  went  voluntarily  for  the  above  Reward 
promised  by  my  Self  &  Coll.  Pawling  to  them,  so  that  it  will  be 
impossible  for  me  to  correct  what  is  past.     For  the  future  I  will 
endeavour  to  prevent  it,  for  I  am  well  satisfied  it  will  not  answer 
a  good  End. '  I  am  equally  of  Opinion  with  your  Excellency,  that 
our  frontiers  will  not  have  peace,  till  the  places  where  they  harbour 
are  destroyed.     But  it  is  my  humble  Opinion,  that  so  long  a  rait 
cannot  be  taken  without  pack  horses  to  carry  provisions  to  sub- 
sist on,  especially  with  a  number  of  men  sufficient  to  subdue  that 
place.     I  have  also  received  a  Letter  from  Coll.  Pawling,  who 
says  he  has  been  informed,  that  there  are  many  Indians,  who  are 
our  friends,  at  Oquago.    The  Villains  who  disturb  us  are  at 
Cokehouse  and  Delaware.     I  have,  heretofore,  given  my  Opinion 
of  the  Post  at  Laghewack;  if  you  judge  best  that  the  Guard 
should  occupy  that  place,  I  will  immediately  remove  there.     And 
in  the  mean  Time  remain,  Your  Excellency's  Most  humble  & 

obed't  Serv't 

John  Cantine. 

P.  S.    The  fifty  two  Men  are  not  yet  returned,  expect  them 
next  Day  after  tomorrow. 
His  Excellency,  George  Clinton,  Esq're. 


20  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  1750.] 
SERIOUS  CHARGE  AGAINST  JOHN  STARK. 

Accused  of  Encouraging  Seizure  of  Cattle,  the  Proceeds  of  Whose 
Sale  Were  to  be  Distributed  Among  the  Troops  Capturing  TJiem. 

Albany  10th  Sept'r  1778. 

Sir,  We  beg  .leave  to  inclose  your  Excellency  Copy  of  an  Affi- 
davit of  Mr.  Isaac  Bogert,  from  which  you  will  perceive  that 
General  Stark  has  given  Orders,  (or  at  least  his  Sanction),  for  the 
Sale  of  a  Number  of  Cattle  the  Property  of  several  of  the  Sub- 
jects of  this  State  and  intends  to  have  the  Amount  distributed 
among  the  Troops. 

From  the  best  Information  we  have  been  able  to  collect,  we 
cannot  learn  that  the  People  from  whom  the  Cattle  were  taken 
have  acted  such  a  Part  as  to  forfeit  their  Property. 

The  Spirit  of  plundering  is  so  apparent  among  the  Troops  on 
the  Frontiers,  particularly  those  at  Cherry  'Valley,  that  unless 
some  Steps  are  soon  taken  to  put  a  Stop  thereto,  our  Frontiers 
will  be  ruined;  we  have  had  Persons  sent  down  by  them  upon 
Pretence  of  being  Guilty  of  Treason,  but  suspect  in  fact  that  the 
motive  proceeded  only  from  having  a  better  Oppertunity  to  ap- 
propiate  their  Effects  for  the  above  Purposes. 

We  are  with  Respect  your  Excellencies  Hum'e  Servants. 

John  M:  Beeckman,  Mat:  Visscher,  Isaac  D.  Fonda. 
His  Excellency  George  Clinton,  Esq. 

Governor  of  the  State  of  New  York. 


Isaac  Bogart  of  the  City  of  Albany  being  duly  sworn,  deposeth, 
and  saith  that  he  was  lately  at  Cherry  Valley,  where  he  was  in- 
formed by  Capt.  Robert  McKeen,  that  he  went  on  a  Scout  with 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  21 

Captain  Ballard  of  Colo.  Alden's  Regiment,  and  that  while  on 
their  way  they  proposed  to  Capt.  Ballard  to  proceed  on  in  Order 
to  take  Prisoners,  and  Brant  in  particular;  that  Ballard  answered 
he  did  not  desire  to  see  Brant  nor  to  fight  with  him  as  his  Orders 
from  General  Stark  were  to  bring  off  the  Cattle  from  the  Butter 
Nuts  and  other  Places  which  amounted  to  upwards  of  an  hun- 
dred besides  Horses  and  Sheep;  that  several  other  Persons  gave 
him  much  the  same  Information,  and  the  Deponent  further  says 
that  from  the  best  account  he  could  obtain,  there  then  were  at 
Cherry  Valley  of  the  Cattle  &c.  brought  in  by  Capt.  Ballard  from 
the  Butter  Nuts  &c.,  forty  two  Head  of  neat  Cattle,  four  at  Goose 
Van  Alstyne's  ten  Horses,  twenty  nine  Sheep  and  one  Iron  Shod 
waggon;  that  Capt.  Ballard  and  Party  killed  and  made  use  of 
nine  or  ten  Sheep  on  their  way  to  Cherry  Valley.  And  this 
Deponent  further  says,  that  he  was  informed  by  Weter  Johnson, 
Deputy  Commissary  of  Purchase,  that  of  the  Cattle  so  brought  in 
as  aforesaid,  seven  Head  weighing  1715  wt.  and  three  or  four 
Sheep  had  been  killed  at  Cherry  Valley  by  Order  of  the  Com- 
manding Officer,  and  this  Deponent  further  says,  that  the  said 
Ballard  informed  him  that  General  Stark  had  or  would  give 
Orders  for  the  Sale  of  the  Cattle  so  taken  and  brought  in,  and  for 
the  Division  of  the  Proceeds  of  such  Sale  among  the  Party  that 
brought  in  the  Cattle  &c.  And  this  Deponent  further  says  that 
the  General  talk  at  Cherry  Valley  was  that  the  Cattle  &c.  was  to 

be  sold  for  the  use  of  the  Troops. 

Isaac  Bogert. 
Sworn  before  me  10th  Sept'r  1778. 

John  M.  Beekman  Justice, 
a  true  Copy  from  the  Original. 

Leon.  Gansevoort,  Jnn'r,  secy,  to  the  Commissioners  of  Con- 
spiracies. 


22  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  1751.] 
FORAGE  SCARCE  AND  DEAR. 

Washington  Requested  to  Call  Upon  the  Eastern  States  to  Cooperate 
with  the  Quartermaster  General  to  Supply  the  Army  at  Reasonable 

Prices. 

Camp  White  Plains,  10th  Sept'r  1778. 

Sir,  The  Scarcity  of  Forage,  and  the  Reluctance  with  which  the 
Farmers  part  with  what  they  have  to  Spare,  has,  for  some  Time 
past,  filled  me  with  more  Alarming  apprehensions  than  I  have 
felt  on  acc't  of  any  other  branch  of  the  Quarter  Master's  Depart- 
ment. The  necessary  Comsumption  of  Forage  not  only  in  and 
about  the  Army,  but  for  the  numerous  Teams  employed  in  the 
inland  Transportation  of  Provisions  and  Stores,  has  so  far  ex- 
hausted the  Recourses  of  former  Crops,  that  every  Farmer  in  the 
middle  States  discerns  that  the  Demand  for  Grain  is  equal,  if  not 
more  than  equal,  to  all  that  can  possibly  be  furnished,  and  of 
course  that  the  Purchasers,  whether  for  publick  or  private  use, 
must  of  necessity  pay  whatever  Price  shall  be  insisted  on.  The 
Discretion  of  each  Individual  is,  therefore,  the  only  Boundary  to 
the  Price  Demanded.  Hence  we  find  it  impossible  without  the 
Interposition  of  legislative  Authority,  to  adhere  Steadily  to  any 
fixed  Price,  and  at  the  same  Time  obtain  the  necessary  Supplies. 
For  altho'  many  of  the  better  disposed  among  the  Farmers  would 
be  willing  to  sell  their  Forage  at  the  Present  Current  Prices,  if 
they  were  not  apprehensive  their  most  avaricious  neighbours 
would  obtain  a  higher  Price  for  theirs,  yet  while  they  see  Prices 
constantly  rising  and  unbounded,  they  are  unwilling  to  preclude 
themselves  from  the  Advantages  which  Experience  has  taught 
them  may  be  obtained  by  withholding  their  Commodities  from 
the  present  Market.  This  increases  the  Avidity  of  the  Demand, 
and  of  course  obliges  the  Purchaser  to  submit  to  the  Terms  im- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  23 

posed  by  the  Seller.  The  enormous  increase  of  the  Publick  Ex- 
ditures,  tho'  perhaps  the  greatest,  is  but  one  of  the  Evils  which 
must  attend  the  permitting  the  Prices  of  Grain  to  continue  rising 
without  any  other  Limitation  than  the  capricious  Discretion  of 
the  Sellers  of  it.  The  mischief  is  increased  both  in  Size  and 
Velocity  by  every  Step  it  advances,  and  must,  if  permitted  to 
continue,  produce  the  most  pernicious  consequences.  On  the 
other  Hand,  if  the  Legislatures  of  the  respective  States  will  give 
us  their  Aid,  by  fixing  a  Table  of  Prices  between  Individuals  and 
the  Publick,  and  establishing  a  legal  Mode  as  well  for  the  obtain- 
ing at  such  Prices  what  each  Individual  can  spare,  as  for  ascer- 
taining the  Quantity  which  may  be  taken  in  Case  of  Dispute,  I 
imagine  the  Quantity  of  Grain  in  the  Country  will  be  found  more 
adequate  to  the  demand  than  present  Appearances  indicate. 

From  the  Scarcity,  whether  real  or  artificial,  which  we  now  feel, 
and  have  for  some  Time  past  experienced  in  the  States  northward 
of  Chesapeak  Bay,  we  have  been  under  a  necessity  of  drawing 
considerable  Quantities  of  Grain  from  Virginia,  Maryland  and 
Delaware;  the  Transportation  of  which,  not  only  enhances  the 
Price,  but,  by  employing  more  Teams  in  the  publick  Service,  in- 
creases the  Consumption.  If,  therefore,  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
States  more  contiguous  to  the  Army  could  be  induced  to  deliver, 
in  a  short  Time,  what  they  can  with  Propriety  spare,  it  would  not 
only  enable  us  to  form  our  Magazines  in  due  Season,  but  might 
authorize  us  to  relax  our  Demand  on  the  distant  Places  from 
whence  Supplies  are  transported  at  so  great  an  Expence. 

I  take  the  Liberty  of  troubling  your  Excellency  with  these 
Facts  and  observations,  together  with  a  Letter  from  Col.  Biddle, 
Com'y  Gen.  of  Forage,  which  is  inclosed  herewith,  on  a  Confi- 
fidence  that  a  Representation  of  the  Matter  from  your  Excellency 


24  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

to  the  Legislatures  of  the  respective  States,  either  immediately  or 
thro'  Congress,  will  be  the  most  likely  way  to  have  the  Business 
speedily  and  effectually  attended  to,  and  to  procure  it  that  dis- 
patch which  its  Importance  demands.  I  have  the  Honour  to  be, 
with  the  greatest  Respect,  Your  Excellency's  most  obedient  & 

most  humble  Servant 

Cha.  Pettit,  A.  Q.  M.  G. 
His  Excellency  General  Washington. 

(Copy.) 


Camp  White  Plains  Sep'r  6th  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  The  consumption  of  Forage  is  so  great  &  from  the  dis- 
tance it  is  brought,  subject  to  so  many  delays,  &  disappointments, 
that  I  wish  to  fall  on  every  method  that  will  be  most  likely  to 
answer  a  certain  &  regular  supply;  at  this  time  we  draw  consider- 
able quantities  of  Corn  &  Oats  from  Virginia  &  Maryland  by  the 
way  of  the  Head  of  Elk  to  Trenton  &  thence  by  land  to  this  Camp. 
The  same  from  the  Delaware  state  &  these  supplies  must  be  con- 
tinued as  long  as  the  Season  will  permit,  the  middle  States  being 
much  drained. 

However  I  think  much  more  might  be  drawn  from  Penns'a, 
Jersey,  New  York  &  Connecticut,  if  the  Legislatures  of  those 
States  would  take  effectual  measures  to  bring  out  their  Hay  & 
Grain  for  the  use  of  the  Army.  And  we  shall  have  occasion  for 
all  that  can  possibly  be  spared  from  each  of  those  States  to  sub- 
sist our  Horses.  At  present  N:  Jersey  cannot  furnish  a  suf- 
ficiency to  Forage  the  great  number  of  Teams  passing  through 
there,  altho'  the  Gentleman  imployed  in  that  State  has  as  much 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  25 

Interest  &  Industry  as  any  one  in  it.  He  complains  of  the  great 
Prices  demanded;  the  same  complaints  from  my  Agents  in 
Penns'a,  N:  York  &  Connecticut;  &  all  agree  that  from  various 
causes  the  Forage  is  not  brought  to  Market.  The  absence  of  the 
Militia  in  service  in  some  places  has  been  one  cause  of  their  not 
threshing  &  in  many  the  expectation  of  a  rising  Price  induces 
them  to  keep  it  back — some  measures  are  necessary  to  bring  them 
to  thresh  &  deliver  all  that  can  be  spared  for  the  use  of  the 
Army.  The  limitting  a  generous  Price  beyond  which  they  would 
not  have  an  expectation  of  a  rise  would  have  a  good  effect  &  they 
should  deliver  it  at  the  Seasons  in  which  it  is  most  wanted :  Viz. 
Fall,  Winter  &  Spring;  therefore,  I  would  propose  that  his  Ex- 
celFy  Genl.  Washington,  should  be  informed  of  this,  &  be  re- 
quested to  write  to  the  different  Legislatures  to  take  the  most 
effectual  means  to  assist  my  Agents  in  the  different  districts  in 
the  Collection  of  Forage  by  limitting  the  Prices  &  enforcing  a 
Delivery  of  the  Hay  &  Grain  that  can  be  spared  at  stated  Periods, 
also  in  furnishing  Carriages  to  hawl  the  same  in  their  respective 
States  to  such  places  as  it  may  be  wanted  at. 

If  the  Prices  should  be  limitted  from  Penna.  to  Connecticut  in- 
clusive, it  may  be  necessary  to  make  an  application  to  the  Legis- 
latures of  Delaware,  Maryland  &  Virginia  on  the  same  occasion, 
as  the  conveniency  of  water  carriage  &  from  the  great  abund- 
ance of  Corn  &  Oats  in  those  States  as  well  as  the  insufficiency  of 
Grain  in  the  other  States  will  make  it  necessary  to  draw  regularly 
from  them.  The  proposition  you  made  of  a  number  of  Ox  Teams 
would  be  a  great  relief  if  they  could  be  procured,  as  the  Oxen 
could  be  subsisted  on  Grass  and  a  very  little  Hay.  In  the  winter 
a  small  quantity  of  Grain  would  be  necessary. 


26  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

I  submit  it  to  you  lay  such  part  of  this  as  you  may  think  neces- 
sary before  the  General  &  am  D'r  Sir  Your  most  Obedient  servant 

Clement  Biddle,  C.  G.  F. 
(Copy) 

P.  S.  There  is  so  little  Grain  threshed  in  this  &  the  adjoining 
States  &  our  present  situation  requiring  imriiediate  supplies  there 
is  no  time  to  be  lost  in  adopting  sonic  method  to  get  the  Farmers 
to  work. 

To  Colonel  Charles  Pettit,  A.  Q.  M.  Genl. 

(Copy) 


[No.  1752.] 

Governor  Clinton  Declines  to  Commit  Himself  to  the  Case  of  Captain 

Copp* 

Poughkeepsie  Sept'r  llth  1778. 

Sir,  I  have  rec'd  your  Letter  of  the  7th  Inst.  with  the  enclosure. 
I  have  never  heard  of  your  having  acted  unbecoming  the  Char- 
acter of  an  Officer;  and  the  Letters  from  the  Gentlemen  (of  whom 
I  have  the  best  Opinion)  in  your  favor,  convince  me  that  you 
have  acted  with  Propriety.  Neither  the  Constitution  or  any  Law 
of  this  State  has  made  Provision  for  the  Appointment  of  Officers 
to  the  Cont'l  Regts.  raised  under  the  Direction  of  this  State.  If, 
therefore,  the  Arrangem't  of  the  Committee  of  Congress  is  to  be 
submitted  to  me  for  my  approbation,  I  am  at  pres't  Ignorant  of 
the  principle  on  which  it  is  to  be  done.  But,  if  this  should  be 
the  Gase&  the  Legislature  should  also  authorize  me  thereto  I  shall 
endeavor  to  do  ample  Justice  to  the  merit  of  the  Diff't  Officers. 

I  am  &c. 

Geo:  Clinton. 
Capt.  Copp. 

•See  pages  722-724,  Volume  III,  and  pages  8-9  in  this  volume. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  27 

f 

[No.  1753.] 

ALBANY  UTTEKS  A  VIGOROUS  PROTEST. 

Against  Billeting  Two  Thousand  Troops  in  that  City — And  the 

Mayor  Gives  His  Reason. 

Albany  llth  September  1778. 

Sir,  A  Report  that  2,000  Troops  are  to  be  stationed  here  the 
ensuing  winter  renders  it  our  indispensible  duty  in  behalf  of  the 
Inhabitants  of  this  City  and  its  Suburbs,  to  write  to  your  Excel- 
lency on  the  Subject  and  to  request  your  directions  in  the  Prem- 
isses, to  which  End  we  deem  it  necessary  to  observe: 

Thait  this  City  (from  the  Nature  of  its  Situation)  has  been,  dur- 
ing the  present  war,  a  Magazine  of  Stores  and  Provisions,  and  the 
Place  for  Confinement  of  disaffected  Persons,  both  from  the 
Northern  and  western  Parts  of  the  State  and  as  such  always  was 
a  Capital  object  by  the  Enemy  to  be  subdued.  In  Consequence 
of  which,  it  has  for  upwards  of  three  years  past  undergone  in- 
numerable distresses  and  Inconveniences  necessarily  attending 
the  operations  of  war. 

The  Inhabitants  of  this  City  were  some  of  the  first  who  stepped 
forth  in  the  Cause  of  their  Country  and  took  an  active  Part  in 
the  Contest.  They  have  from  time  to  time,  endeavored  to  con- 
ciliate the  affection  of  the  Indians  and  to  their  utmost  furnished 
arms,  Blankets,  Ammunition,  Camp  Equipage,  Intrenching  Tools 
and  Provisions,  and  Specie  in  exchange  for  Continental  Currency 
to  supply  the  wants  and  necessities  of  the  Northern  army. 

This  County  (exclusive  of  the  Manors),  includes  a  large  Quan- 
tity of  Lands  setteled  of  late,  Chiefly  by  Emigrants  from  Europe, 
as  well  as  from  other  American  States  and  the  Southern  Counties 
of  this  State;  that  from  the  Tenure  under  which  many  hold  their 
Lands,  and  the  Monies  due  on  Mortgages  from  others,  together 


28  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

with  their  necessitous  Circumstances  they*  have  by  these  means 
been  more  open  to  Seduction  by  the  disaffected,  and  more  readily 
induced  to  distress  the  well  affected  by  Robberies,  Plots  and  Con- 
spiracies against  the  State;  besides  the  well  affected  among  us, 
in  subduing  and  apprehending  the  Tories  and  in  rendering  other 
public  Services  to  their  Country  have  so  wasted  their  Time  and 
Substance,  that  many  of  them  are  now  reduced  to  the  utmost 
necessitous  Circumstances. 

The  Inhabitants  of  this  City  were  usually  supplied  with  many 
of  the  necessities  of  Life  as  well  as  food  for  their  Cattle  from 
small  inclosed  Lotts  of  Ground  within  the  Bounds  of  this  City, 
the  Fences  whereof  were  last  Fall  &  winter  burnt  and  destroyed 
by  the  Continental  Troops,  which  Lotts  by  means  thereof  have 
been  thrown  into  Commons,  and  have  ever  since  lain  waste, 
which  together  with  the  great  Drought  of  the  Summer  has 
greatly  diminished  the  necessities  of  Life  among  the  Citizens. 

There  is  also  a  greater  Scarcity  of  Firewood  here  than  ever 
was  known  in  this  City,  owing  to  the  Consumption  thereof  by 
the  Troops  that  were  last  winter  billetted  on  the  Inhabitants, 
who  supplied  them  therewith  and  for  which  no  recompence  has 
been  made. 

From  this  State  of  Facts  we  beg  leave  to  inform  your  Excel- 
lency, that  however  willing  we  have  always  been  and  still  are  to 
risk  our  all  in  supporting  the  Freedom  and  Independance  of  our 
bleeding  Country,  yet  it  is  our  earnest  request  (and  we  deem  it 
no  more  than  reasonable)  that  in  the  distribution  of  the  Troops 
for  winter  Quarters,  a  due  respect  may  be  had  to  the  former  dis- 
tresses and  present  sufferings  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Albany  and 
its  Suburbs.  And,  as  there  are  Barracks  in  this  Place  which 
may  contain  about  400  Troops,  exclusive  of  an  Hospital  which 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  2!> 

will  contain  800,  tho  we  presume  the  latter  will  be  appropriated 
for  the  use  of  the  Sick,  we  would  deem  it  equitable  that  no  more 
Troops  may  be  allotted  to  us  than  the  Barracks  and  Hospital  (if 
not  used  as  such)  may  contain.  That  the  strictest  orders  be 
issued  against  Pilfering  and  stealing  from  and  insulting  the  In- 
habitants and  that  the  Officers  be  enjoined  in  punishing  the  re- 
fractory and  disobedient.  We  have  the  Honor  to  be  Your  Excel- 
lency's most  Obt.  &  most  Hum'e  Serv'ts 

By  order  of  Common  Council.  John  Barclay,  Mayor. 

His  Excellency,  George  Clinton,  Esqr.  Governor  of  the  State  of 
New  York  &c. 


[No.  1754.] 
Three  More  Tories  Who  Refuse  to  Take  the  Oath  of  Allegiance. 

State   of   New   York    Ss, 

To  his  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esquire  Governor  of  the  State  of  New  York,  General 
and  Commander  in  chief  of  all  the  militia,  and  admiral  of  the  navy  of  the  same. 

In  pursuance  of  an  act  of  the  Legislature  of  this  State  Entitled  "  an  act  more 
"  effectually  to  prevent  the  mischiefs  arising  from  the  Influence  and  Example  of 
"  persons  of  equivocal  and  suspected  Characters  in  this  State,"  We  do  hereby  notify 
your  Excellency  that,  Joseph  Mabbet,  Benjamin  Lapham  and  Richard  Bartlett,  all  of 
Dutchess  County,  having  severally  appeared  before  us,  and  being  respectively  by  us 
tendered  the  Oath,  in  the  said  act  contained  did  severaKy  refuse  to  take  the  same, 
and  that  unless  your  Excellency  shall  think  proper  to- detain  them,  for  the  purpose  of 
exchanging  them  for  any  of  the  Subjects  of  this  State,  in  the  power  of  the  Enemy,  we 
shall  Cause  them  respectively  to  be  removed  to  some  place  within  the  Enemy's  lines. 

Peter  Cantine,  Jur.,  Robt.  Harpur,  Egb't  Benson,  Commissioners.* 
Poughkeepsie  12th   September  1778. 

*By  accounts  from  Fort  Clinton,  on  Hudson  River,  we  learn  that  the  magistracy 
of  the  State  of  New  York  send  their  disaffected  inhabitants  into  that  place,  from 
whence  they  are  transmitted  in  vessels,  under  a  flag  of  truce,  to  New  York  city.  These 
persons  are  discriminated  by  their  refusal  to  make  attestations  of  their  allegiance  to 
the  State,  and  to  renounce  the  tyrant  of  Britain.  It  appears  that  the  highest  char- 
acters are  not  winked  at.  The  Honorable  William  Smith,  Esq.,  formerly  of  the  royal 
council  under  the  former  government,  and  author  of  the  History  of  New  York,  &c., 
forced  out  of  his  inglorious  neutrality,  has  been  lately  brought  to  the  test,  and  refus- 
ing the  oath,  was  about  four  or  five  weeks  since  delivered  to  the  enemy  through  this 
channel.  His  Majesty  of  Britain  will  be  difflculted  to  provide  for  his  faithful  adher- 
ents, and  may  think  In  earnest  of  selling  Hanover  and  his  other  German  dominions 
to  raise  a  fund  equal  to  their  expectations.  Where,  then,  will  such  as  Mr.  Smith, 
who  are  justly  despised  both  by  royalists  and  Americans,  find  shelter  and  relief? — 
Pennsylvania  Packet,  September  17. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


Returns  of  Colonel  Van  SchaicKs  regiment  at  White  Plains. 

A  RETURN  OF  THE  FIRST  NEW  YORK  REGIMENT  COMMANDED  P>Y  GOOSE  YAN  SCHAICK 
ESQR.  COLONEL 

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PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  31 

[No.  1756.] 
General  Ten  Broeck  Forwards  Correspondence  to  Governor  Clinton. 

Albany  13th  Sep'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  inclose  your  Excellency,  Copy  of  a  letter  from  Joseph 
Brant*  to  Colonel  Jacob  Klock  &  Extract  of  a  letter  from  Lieut. 
Colonel  Staatsf  to  me  &  am  with  great  Respect  Your  Excel- 
lency's most  Obedient  Humble  Servant 

Ab'm  Ten  Broeck. 
His  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esqr. 


[No.  1757.] 
Marbletown  Exempts. 

Marbletown  14th  Sep'r  1778. 

Sir,  As  there  was  an  Act  or  Resolve  passed,  that  all  such  per- 
sons as  were  exempt  from  doing  military  Duty,  should  associate 
themselves  by  such  a  certain  Day,  as  in  the  said  Act  or  Resolve 
was  prescribed. 

I  have,  therefore,  thought  proper  herein,  to  inform  your  Excel- 
lency, that  on  the  Last  Day  of  said  Limited  Time,  this  Number  of 
Exempts  (herein  inclosed)  of  Marbletown  assembled  &  associated 
themselves,  according  as  the  said  Act  or  Resolve  prescribed. 
Some  Time  after,  I  went  to  Col.  Cantine,  and  shewed  him  the 
said  List  of  Exempts.  Col.  Cantine  apprehensive  that  there 
might  perhaps  be  some  who  had  no  Notice,  notified  them  by  Ad- 
vertisements, that  they  should  associate  on  the  1st  of  Aug't  Last 
past,  otherwise  that  he  would  enrol  them  along  with  the  Militia, 
I  Remain  at  the  same  Time  Sir,  Your  Excellency's  Most  Obt.  & 

humble  serv't 

John  Broadhead. 

[Endorsed:  "Agreed  to  &  Entred  Nov'r  4th,  1778."] 

•Brant's  letter  not  found. 
t  See  page  15. 


32  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

That  the  Associators  will  Severally  on  all  Occasions,  obey  the 
Orders  of  there  Kespective  Commanding  Officers,  and  will  in 
Oasses  of  invasions,  or  Incursions  of  the  Enemy,  or  Insurrections, 
march  to  Repel  the  Enemy,  or  suppress  sutch  Insurrections,  in 
the  Like  manner  as  the  Enrolled  militia  are  Compelled  to  do: 
so  that  they  shall  not,  when  Called  out  in  Detachments,  be  an- 
nexed to  any  other  Regiment  or  Company,  or  be  under  the  Im- 
mediate Command  of  any  Other  then  there  Own  Officers; 

We  the  subscribers  being  the  magoritey  of  the  Companey  of 
associated  Exempts  inrolled  on  this  Paper  do  Hearby  Recom- 
mend to  the  Honorable  the  Councel  of  Appointment  for  Officers 
for  said  Company.  Witness  our  Hands. 

Frederick  Shurter,  Wilhelmus  Roosa,  Benjamin  Louw,  Jur, 
John  Brodhead,  Jacob  Gn.  Louw,  Gradus  Hardenbergh,  Tobias 
Dubois,  Johannes  Vendermark,  Abraham  Catine,  Jacob  Snyder, 
Isack  Davis,  Cornalus  Bogart,  Thomas  Eltenge,  John  C.  Dewitt, 
William  Arnold,  Oswald  Dewald,  Jonas  Smith,  Thos.  Brinckle, 
Mortynus  Oosterhout. 

John  Broadhead,  first  in. Command;  Garardus  Hardenbergh, 
Second  in  Command;  Tobias  Dubois,  third  in  Command. 


[No.  1758.] 

Four   of    Colonel   Ludinton's    Captains   Refuse   to   Accept    Their 

Commissions. 

Fishkills  Septem'r  14th  1778. 

D  S'r,  Inclosed  you  have  a  Letter  I  Reciv'd  of  Col.  Ludinton 
acquainting  me  that,  Foure  of  his  Capts.  had  Refused  to  Except 
of  theire  Commissions  and  the  Consequence  was  That  he  Cou'd 
not  Turn  out  the  Fourth  man  agreeable  to  his  orders — and  De- 
siares  I  Sou'd  acqaint  his  Excellency  Theire  with.  I  Live  the 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  33 

matter  with  his  Excellency  to  act  as  he  Shall  Think  most  proper 
in  the  premises.  If  I  can  be  of  any  Service  I  am  at  his  Excel' 
lency's  Command.  I  am  with  Due  Respect  his  Excell'ys  most 

Humbl.  Sarvant 

Jacob's  Swartwout. 
His  Excellency  George  Clinton. 


Sir,  I  have  Had  my  offisars  together  in  order  to  give  out  the 
Commisons  and  there  is  fore  of  the  Capts.  Refuses  to  take  them 
to  wit:  John  Haight,  John  Crane,  David  Waterbery  and  Nathan- 
iel Scribner  which  Renders  it  imposable  for  me  to  turn  out  my 
Coto  of  men;  therefore,  Shall  Exspect,  Sir,  that  you  will  acquaint 
His  Excelency  of  the  Diferculty  that  atends  me  on  that  acount 
in  order  that  the  abov  mentind  Oapt.  Be  Brought  Beforfe  His 
Excelency  to  Shew  Cause  wrhy  they  Did  not  Exsept  of  their  Oom- 
misions  and  Likewise  to  Enable  me  to  Comply  with  your  orders 
which  I  am  Disposed  to  do  as  Soon  as  the  Diferculty  is  Removed 

and,  am,  Sir,  your  verry  Humble  Servant 

Henry  Ludinton. 
Fredrecksburg  Sept.  8th  1778. 

to  Colo'll  Comedant  Jacobes  Swoughought. 


[No.  1759.] 
HARVEST  BEFORE  MILITARY  DUTY. 

List  of  Men  in  Colonel  Peter  R.  Livingston's  Regiment  Who  Refused 
to  Go  to  West  Point  when  Ordered. 

Manor  Livingston  ye  15th  Sep'r  1778. 

D'r  Sir,  Agreeable  to  orders  Rec'd  from  Brig'r  General  Ten 
Broek,  I  have  now  ordered  the  7  &  8  Clases  of  our  Regement  a 
Second  time,  to  march  Down  to  Fourt  Arnald,  and  find  that  it 
3 


34  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

• 

is  only  Lost  Labour  to  order  out  any  part  of  our  Kegement  any 
more  without  the  Delinquents  are  punished,  as  there  Semes  to 
be  No  dread  of  any  Such  thing.  I  have  been  under  the  Necessity 
of  takeing  those  few  who  where  willing  To  go,  to  drive  the  wag- 
gons which  where  required  from  This  Destrict,  as  no  Suficiant 
Nomber  of  drivers  Could  be  procured,  and  I  understood  the 
waggons  where  very  Necessaryly  waunted  to  remove  Contenental 
Stores,  which  Lay  much  Exposed  to  the  Enemy;  it  is  at  present 
a  very  Pressing  time  with  the  farmers  in  this  quarter,  as  they 
are  mostly  Imployed  at  present  in  Sowing  There  wheat  &  rye, 
Some  Say  they  are  willing  to  Go  as  Surie  as  they  have  done  Sow- 
ing and  that  They  are  partly  Eewned  (ruined)  if  they  must  go 
Now.  Inclosed  you  have  a  list  of  the  above  mentioned  Classes 
belonging  to  our  Begement,  I  hope  his  Excellency  the  Governor 
will  do  aa  he  in  his  wisdum  Shall  thinck  proper  in  this  Case, 

I  am  Sir  Your  Frind  &  Sar't 

Samll.  Ten  Broeck,  Major. 

P.  S.  Those  who  are  gone  as  Drivers  out  of  those  Clases  you 
will  find  it  mentioned  opposit  there  Names  on  the  List. 
To  Colo.  Robt.  Banson. 


A  List  of  the  7  and  8  Clases  belonging  to  Colo.  Peter  R.  Liv- 
ingston's Regemeut  ordered  to  go  Down  to  Fourt  Arnald  in  the 
Highlands  Under  the  Command  of  Capt.  Tiel  Rockafeller,  Sep'r 
llth  1778. 

Capt  Tiel  Rockafeller,  Thomas  Bayley, 

Leut.  Jacob  Haugedorn,  George  Leaman, 

Coenradt    Patrie    Cor:,     wag-  Duncan  Mac  Intire,  Sar't,, 

goner,  Nickolus  Traver, 

Samuel  Rosaman,  waggoner,        Handrick  Schut,  waggoner, 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


35 


Patrick  Mac :  Fall, 
Thomas  Denels, 
John  Silvernail, 
Mikle  Jorgh, 
Will'm  Morrisson, 
John  Sha,ts  Sar't, 
Peter  Shaver, 
Kobt.  Mac:  Fall, 
Coenradt  Cris'r  Patrie, 
Teunis  Sower, 


Wandle  Pulver, 
William  Frts,  waggoner, 
Zachariah  Ray, 
Asa  Holams,  Cor., 
Arthor  Mac :  Arthor, 
Johan's  Loot,  Cor.,, 
Abrham  Van  Deusen, 
Fredrick  Schut, 
Antony  Kline, 
Wilhalmus  Vielie,  waggoner, 


John  Cor's  Backer,  waggoner,    Johan's  Nicko's  Brusie,  Do, 


Coenradt  Ham,  Jun'r, 
Johan's  Wiest,  Sar't, 
Siemon  Migihael,  waggoner, 
Coenradt  Rosaman,  Jun'r, 
David  Mincaler,  Sar't, 
Jacobus  J.  Dacker, 
Andries  Gardner, 
Josiah  Minckaler, 
Barnard  Sipperley,  Cor., 
Henry  Shultis, 
John  Salbaugh, 
Marks  Lasher, 
John  Pierce,  waggoner, 
Saml.  Snyder, 
Henry  Dick, 
Phillip  Ringsdorph, 
Barnard  Albertie, 


Martin  Wash  Burn,          Do, 

Abraham  Frayr, 

Casparus  Lantman,  Jun'r,, 

Jacob  L.  Dacker, 

Peter  Crine, 

William  Siemon,  Cor., 

Andries  Reghter, 

Johan's  Pulver, 

Johan's  Kilmer, 

Peter  Colwell,  waggoner, 

William  Merryfield,  waggoner, 

Johan's  Denius,  waggoner, 

Johan's  Miller, 

Handrick  Heysradt, 

Phillip  Duff,  waggoner, 

Cristayan  Denius, 

Johan  Adam  Denius, 


Johan  Jost   Donspaugh,   wag-  Michael  Wauters,  waggoner, 
goner,  Handrick  Baner,  Sar't, 


36  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Hand'k  Best,  waggoner,  John  Harris, 

William  P.  Linck,  Cor.,  Adam  Mincaler, 

Banjamin  Dacker,  Handrick  Rypenbergher, 

Adam  Frease,  Jacob  Saulpaugh,  Sar't,    : 

Jurry  Coen,  Johan's  Shaver, 

William  Livingston,  Jacob  Aligh,  Cor., 

Harmen  Snyder,  Sar't,  Petrus  Brusie,  Jun'r, 

Peter  Berenger,  Winesan  Brusie, 

Hand'k  Teus.  Klum,  waggoner,  Peter  Proper, 

David  Bosarune,  Handrick  Proper, 

William  Linck,  William  Ackerman, 

Joseph  Bayley,  Daniel  Rypenbergher,  waggoner, 

Jacob  Finger,  Johan's  Niver,  Do, 

Minderd  Schut,  Jun'r,,  Cristophel  Mver,  Do, 

Harme  Taylor,  James  Boucher,  Do, 

John  Finger,  Jun'r,  Peter  Showerman,  Do. 

Emrigh  Dacker, 


[No.  1760.] 

General  Ten  Broeck  Appeals  to  Private  Secretary  Benson  for  More 
Light  on  Court  Martial  Punishment. 

Albany  16th  Septem'r  1778. 

Sir,  Your  favour  of  the  10th  Instant  I  have  Received  &  as  I  am 
Still  not  Clear  on  the  Subject  matter  to  which  your  letter  Referrs 
I  would  beg  leave  again  to  state  the  same  as  I  conceive  more  fully; 
I  am  under  no  doubt  but  that  all  Capital  offences  Cognizable  be- 
fore a  General  Court  martial  &  Capitally  found,  I  mean  that  of 
Death,  ought  &  must  have  the  approbation  or  Disapprobation  of 
the  Commander  in  Chief,  but  my  Doubt  is  whether,  if  a  militia 
General  Court  martial  Trying  a  man  for  Desertion  &  Sentence 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  37 

him  to  Receive  a  Corporal  Punishment  of  whipping  or  a  fine  in 
Commutation  thereof,  is  a  matter  that  Requires  the  approbation 
or  Disapprobation  of  the  Commander  in  Chief  or  whether  I,  as 
Brigadier  General  of  the  militia  of  this  County,  who  ordered  this 
Court  martial  can  officially  approve  or  Disapprove  any  Sentence 
above  mentioned  &  under  that  of  Death.  I  am  led  to  believe  I 
can,  &  that  from  his  Excellency  the  Governor's  letter  to  me  of  the 
1st  Instant,  in  which  he  advises  me  to  Remitt  the  Punishments 
Sentenced  by  the  Court  martial  against  the  Delinquents  of  Kings 
District  lately  Referred  to  him,  which  was  Corporal  Punishment 
or  a  Commutation  by  paying  a  fine,  this  I  have  done  in  Con- 
formity to  his  Excellency's  desire;  Please  to  set  me  Right  in  this 
with  his  Excellency's  opinion  as  soon  as  Possible."  I  am  the  more 
Pressing  as  I  have  order'd  two  new  Courts  martial  to  Try  every 
Delinquent  in  my  Brigade  that  can  be  brought  before  them  for 
Trial  with  all  Possible  dispatch.  I  Expect  their  Report  in  a  few 
days  &  I  shall  think  my  self  not  at  liberty  to  approve  or  disap- 
prove their  Sentences  untill  I  am  better  Informed,  whether  I  am 
to  send  them  for  his  Excellency's  approbation  or  not. 

I  am  much  averse  to  Corporal  Punishment  in  the  first  Instance, 
(in  the  field  it  may  be  Perfectly  Right),  &  I  hope  the  Legislature 
at  their  next  meeting  will  Judge  it  Expedient  to  amend  that  Part 
at  least  of  the  militia  Law,  &  Instead  of  Corporal  Punishment,  lay 
a  fine  to  be  Levyed  on  the  Goods  &  Chattels  of  the  offenders,  in 
default  of  which  Imprisonment;  this  I  humbly  Conceive  will 
answer  better  Purposes  then  Corporal  Punishment;  the  Sentences 
of  the  Court  are  gone  forth  &  I  do  not  know  but  some  of  the  yeo- 
manry of  Kinderhook  &  Claverack  have  before  now  been  Tyed  up 
to  the  Post;  this  I  must  Confess  (Refractory  as  they  are)  Dis- 
quiets me  much;  the  fine,  many  Cannot  pay  from  their  Indigent 

32318O 


38  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

/ 

Circumstances;  I  cannot  be  Supposed  to  be  acquainted  with  the 
abilities  of  every  Person  in  my  Brigade,  but  Conceive  the  Court 
to  be  from  their  Personal  knowledge  and,  therefore,  (with  Respect 
to  the  Quantum),  I  have  Confirmed  their  Several  Sentences  &  have 
order'd  them  to  be  put  into  Execution;  from  their  obstinacy  or 
Ignorance,  not  one  application  for  Pardon  or  Remission  (safe  that 
of  Kings-District)  has  been  made  to  me.  We  Expect  Important 
news  from  below,  such  as  you  have  will  at  all  times  be  gratefully 
Received  by  Sir  Your  Most  Obedient  Humble  Servant 

Ab'm  Ten  Broeck. 
Robert  Benson  Esqr.  at  Poughkeepsie. 


[No.  1761.] 
Governor  Clinton  Resorts  to  Retaliatory  Measures. 

Poughkeepsie  Sept'r  16th  1778. 

Gentlemen,  His  Excellency  the  Governor  being  informed  by  the 
Officer  who  conducted  the  last  flag,  that  the  Enemy  at  New  York 
have  determined  to  suffer  no  more  flags  to  come  down  by  water 
untill  a  flag  with  notice  thereof  be  previously  sent  in  by  hand, 
&  their  consent  for  the  purpose  obtained,  supposes  the  sending 
down  those  Persons  who  refuse  to  take  the  Oath  is  become  rather 
disagreeable  to  them  &  that  they,  therefore,  mean  to  retard  this 
Business  as  much  as  possible.  He  is,  therefore,  determined  for 
this  as  well  as  for  other  Reasons  to  detain  Messrs.  Fletcher  Mat- 
thews &  Thomas  Bull  for  exchange  &  directed  me  to  inform  you 
of  this  &  to  request  that  you  will  cause  them  to  be  confined  in 
Goal  accordingly;  where  it  is  his  Pleasure  they  receive  similar 
treatment  w'th  that  of  our  friends  who  have  been  confined  in  the 
Provost  Goal  at  New  York  untill  they  can  effect  their  Exchange. 
This  letter  deliv'd  to  the  Sharif  will  be  a  suff't  warr't  to  him  for 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  39 

receiving  the  Prisoners  into  his  Custody  &  confin'g  them  accord- 
ingly.   I  am  £c. 

Eobt.  Benson,  P.  Secy. 

To  the  Commiss'rs  for  detect'g  Conspiracies  &c.  Orange  County. 
Similar  letter  to  the  Albany  Commissioners. 


[No.  1762.] 
ANOTHER  FORAY  IN  THE  MOHAWK  VALLEY. 

Colonel  Bellinger  Sounds  the  Alarm  and  Colonel  Klock  Promptly 
Rallies  to  His  Relief. 

Palenitine  .September  16th  1778. 

Sir,  This  Evening  came  John  Helmer  one  of  the  Nine  Men  of  the 
Bangers  which  we  sent  out  on  Monday  last;  they  was  attacked  at 
Major  Edmerson's  place  and  only  one  has  escaped,  the  said  (John 
Helmer);  what  is  become  of  the  rest  he  cannot  tell.  The  Enemy 
after  he  making  his  Escape,  passed  by  him  in  the  Bush;  about 
two  O'Clock  this  afternoon  about  Nine  Miles  from  the  German 
Flats  he  laid  behind  a  Tree  and  counted  about  200  Men,  but  he 
thinks  that  he  did  not  count  above  half  and  as  we  expect  them 
this  Night  or  at  farthest  to  Morrow  Morning  now  is  the  Time  for 
you  to  assist  us.  Therefore,  I  humbly  beg  for  God  sake  to  assist 
u<  all  that  lays  in  your  power  and  let  your  people  travel  all  Night 
for  our  assistance.  I  am  yours 

(Copy  of  Collo.  Bellinger's  Letter.) 

You  are  hereby  Ordered  to  march  up  to  the  German  Flats  im- 
mediately with  your  Regiment  without  a  moment's  loss  of  Time 
with  three  Days'  provision.  I  have  Ordered  the  rest  of  the  Regi- 
ments to  march  on  immediately.  I  am  Sir  your  humble  Serv't 

Jacob  Klock,  Collo. 
To  Collo.  Fisher. 


40  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  1763.] 

Ensign  Pendleton  a  Prisoner  on  Long  Island  Asks  Governor  Clinton 
for  Authority  to  Allow  Nicholas  Cowenhoven  to  Advance  Him 
Money. 
To  His  Exelency  George  Clinton  Esqr.  Governor  of  the  State  of 

New  York  &c. 

Sir,  I  beg  leave  to  inform  your  Exelency,  that  I  have  received 
no  other  money,  or  supply  from  without  these  lines,  then  that 
your  Exelency  was  pleased  to  send  me  last  winter  in  conjunction 
with  the  other  Officers  Captivated  at  Forts  Clinton,  and  Mont- 
gomery: the  reasons  are  to  me  unknown.  The  former  marks  of 
favour  your  Exelency  has  been  pleased  to  show  the  Officers  Cap- 
tivated as  above,  Imboldens  me  to  beg,  that  your  Exelency  will 
favour  me,  with  your  request  to  Nickoles  Covenhoven,  Esqr., 
living  about  a  mile  from  my  present  station,  in  the  same  town- 
ship; that  he  will  furnish  me  with  hard  money  to  ariswer  my 
present  nesessetys;  or  such  a  Certain  sum  as  your  Excelency  shall 
think  proper.  Mr.  Covenhoven  will  readily  comply  with,  the  re- 
quest, and  take  pleasure  in  serving  your  Exelency,  or  any  prisoner 
at  your  request  nor  does  he  want  his  money;  but  will  patiantly 
wait  till  futer  events  shall  put  it  in  our  power  to  make  a  return: 
If  your  Exelency,  after  due  consideration  shall  think  proper  to 
send  directions  to  Mr.  Covenhoven  as  above,  and  should  not  think 
it  prudent  to  send  in  plain  words  by  way  of  the  Office,  sumthing 
like  the  following  words  in  a  Letter  to  me  will  answer  the  same 
purpose  and  come  unsuspected  which  I  think  the  most  prudent, — 
Tell  the  man  you  mentioned  to  deliver  you  that  money  proposed) 
who  I  am  confident  will  take  my  word  for  the  rest.  I  should 
have  mentioned  some  other  Officers  wants  besides  my  own;  but 
know  of  no  other  so  nesesseated  as  myself,  as  I  have  had  less 
supplys  then  any  one  Captivated  with  me  by  far,  without  Excep- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  41 

tion;  I  therefore  leave  your  Exelency  to  Judge  of  the  rest.  The 
sooner  your  Exelency  will  pleas  to  answer  me  the  better,  as 
events  are  very  uncertain  here,  for  present  security  against  un- 
certain events  untill  my  enlargement,  my  wagers,  and  subsistance 
are  at  your  Exelency's  servis  for  the  favour  proposed,  which  is 
twice  the  sum  I  shall  think  of  spending  during  my  Captivity; 
unless  a  great  alteration  of  times  should  Justifie  me  in  making 
more  fredom  with  econemy  than  at  present.  The  prisoners  are 
generally  in  good  helth.  Mrs.  Godwin  is  here,  by  whome  I  shall 
take  the  fredom  to  write  to  your  Exelency  at  her  departure, 
which  I  expect  will  be  in  about  ten  days.  This  Letter  goes  out 
by  a  safe,  trusty  hand,  who  is  exchanged;  so  that  I  remain  sure 
that  it  will  be  inspected  by  none,  till  it  reaches  your  Exelency.  I 
have  the  honer  to  be  Your  Exelency's  most  obedient  and  very 

humble  servant 

Solomon  Pendleton. 

New  Utrecht  Long-Island  Sept'm  16th  1778. 
P.  S.  I  hope  your  Exelency  will  pardon  my  freedom,  after  con- 
sidering that  nesessety  is  the  Soul  cause. 


[No.  1764.] 

The  subject  matter  under  documents  1764  to  1767  inclusive, 
will  be  found  subjoined  to  document  1807,  to  which  it  was  origi- 
nally attached. 

STATE  HISTORIAN. 


[No.  1768.] 

Colonel  Malcom  Ridicules  the  Appearance  of  Militia  Officers. 
Dear  Sir,  Capt.  Lewis  has  Occassion  for  an  anchor  &  Cable 
which  he  says  is  on  board  the  sloop  Com'dd  by  Cap.  Benson — and 


42  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

as  that  vessell  is  not  imediately  to  be  employd  I  beg  your  Ex- 
cellency will  be  pleased  to  give  him  orders  for  it  &  for  any  other 
articles  at  Poughkeepsie  which  he  wants — About  300  of  the  mili- 
tia are  come  in — pardon  me  for  saying  that  as  a  Subject  of  the 
State  I  am  ashamed  of  their  officers — do  pray  call  down  &  look 
at  us.  I  hear  the  Doctor  is  recovering — are  the  Torys  coming 
down — woud  it  do  to  inlist  any  of  them  if  so  I  w'd  let  Albert 
come  up — is  the  Substitute  Law  in  force  if  so  can.  I  derive  any 
benefit  from  it.  I  can  get  the  men.  My  respects  to  your  Lady 
&  family — &  believe  me  to  be  with  the  greatest  regard  &  respect 
Your  Excellency's  much  obligd  &  most  Hble.  Serv't 

W.  Malcom. 

Fort  Clinton  Sep.  16  1778. 

[To  Gen.  George  Clinton.] 


Poukeepsie  17th  Sep'r  1778. 

D'r  Sir,  I  have  rec'd  your  Letter  of  yesterday  by  Capt.  Lewis. 
Whether  the  Sloop  commanded  by  Capt.  Benson  is  the  Property 
of  the  State  or  the  Continent  I  cant  determine,  She  was  pur 
chased  &  fitted  by  the  Committee  of  Convention  who  formerly 
had  the  Management  of  obstructing  the  navigation  of  the  River 
&  I  believe  tho'  never  formally  delivered  up  by  them  is  charged 
in  their  account  ag't  the  Continent.  I  dont  chuse,  therefore,  to 
give  any  Order  for  the  removal  or  Disposition  of  any  of  her 
Stores;  but  I  will  readilly  consent  that  the  Qu'r  Master  Genl. 
take  the  Sloop  &  all  that  belongs  to  her  giving  his  Receipt  to  the 
State  for  the  same  &  then  he  can  dispose  of  her  &  her  Stores  as 
shall  to  him  seem  best  for  the  public  Service.  I  have  no  doubt 
even  as  Matters  now  stand  Capt.  Benson  will  deliver  up  the  An- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  43 

•chor  &  Cable  or  any  Part  of  the  Sloop's  Stores  to  the  Q'r  Master's 
Orders. 

I  am  not  in  the  least  surprised  at  your  Feelings  on  account  of 
-our  Militia  Officers.  We  are  at  best  scan  of  proper  Materials  but 
better  might  perhaps  have  been  found  had  we  not  been  oblidged 
to  pay  defference  to  former  Rank  founded  upon  the  Choice  of 
the  People  which  in  too  many  Instances  was  influenced  by  a 
Dram  Shop  Interest  &  had  almost  ruined  our  Militia.  The  Tories 
will  be  forwarded  to  you  as  they  come  in;  unless  the  Whiggs  pre- 
vent it.  In  the  Case  mentioned  in  your  last  Letter  the  Com'rs 
were  influenced  to  depart  from  the  Plan  I  had  advised  (to  wit  an 
absolute  Confinement  &  hard  Labour  till  the  Meeting  of  the  Legis- 
lature who  alone  have  Power  to  pardon  Treason)  by  the  Impor- 
tunity of  a  Whigg  neighbourhood  in  Behalf  of  the  Culprit  who 
it  seems  is  a  Black  Smith  &  they  wanted  one. 

The  Legislature  is  to  meet  the  first  of  next  Month.  I  am  per- 
swaded  it  woud  be  for  the  Interest  of  the  State  to  put  your  Regt. 
&  part  of  Colo.  Lamb's  on  the  same  Footing  with  Respect  to  re- 
cruiting at  least  with  the  5  N.  York  Regts.  (which  is  not  the  Case 
at  present) ;  and  I  w ill  chearf ully  render  any  aid  in  my  Power  to 
•effect  it  shoud  any  application  for  this  Purpose  be  made.  I  wish 
you  had  confined  Van  Allen.  I  consider  every  Person  on  Board 
.a  Flagg  subject  to  Military  Authority.  Mrs.  Clinton  joins  in  best 
Respects  to  yourself  &  Mrs.  Malcom,  with  D'r  Sir  Your  Most 

Obed't  Serv't 

G:  Clinton. 

I  cant  promise  myself  the  Pleasure  of  seeing  you  at  the  Fort 
lill  the  End  of  next  Session  at  soonest. 
•Colo.  Malcom. 


44  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  1769.] 
THE  CASE  OF  ROBERT  C.  LIVINGSTON. 

James  Duane  Vouches  for  Him — Governor  Clinton,  General  Stark 
•    and  the  Vermont  Controversy. 

Manour  Livingston  14th  Septem'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  have  examined  Mr.  Rob.  C.  Livingston's  Case  with  Im- 
partiality and  attention.  From  all  his  Conversation  he  appears 
to  me  to  be  a  firm  Friend  to  our  Cause.  The  Enemy  looked  upon 
him  in  this  Light.  They  have  treated  him  as  Prisoner,  exacting 
a  Parol  that  he  shall  return  within  their  Lines  when  required, 
tho'  they  forgot  to  seal  his  Lips.  It  is  consistent  with  the  Knowl- 
edge of  hundreds  that  he  went  from  hence  in  1775,  by  the  advice 
of  his  Phycisians,  in  a  very  low  State  of  Health;  supposed  to  be 
in.  a  deep  decline.  The  Council  of  Safety  gave  him  a  Pass  & 
Testimonial  in  the  words  following — 

"  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New  York  during  the 
Recess  of  the  provincial  Congress. 

City  of  New  York  September  9th  1775. 

Robert  C.  Livingston,  of  this  City  Esqr.  several  days  ago  in- 
formed this  Committee  of  his  Intention  to  go  to  Brittain  for  the 
Recovery  of  his  Health  at  present  very  much  impaird.  The  Com- 
mittee firmly  perswaded  of  his  attachment  to  the  Liberties  of  this 
Country,  approve  of  his  intended  Voyage,  wish  him  the  Restora- 
tion of  his  Health  &  a  happy  Return  to  his  native  Country." 

By  order 

John  Haring,  Chairman. 
Attest        John  McKesson,  Robt.  Benson,  Secrys. 

He  returned  at  the  Request  of  his  Father  &  because  his 
Finances  were  nearly  exhausted  in  an  expensive  Excursion  of 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  G-BORGE  CLINTON.  45 

three  years.  His  Health  in  my  Opinion  very  little  betterd,  not- 
withstanding the  benefit  of  the  air  &  waters  of  France  where  he 
has  chiefly  resided. 

The  only  thing  Questionable  in  his  Case,  is,  why  he  did  not 
return  by  the  way  of  France?  To  this  he  answers  that  he  was  in 
a  bad  State  of  Health;  that  the  Eisk  of  Capture  by  the  English 
Cruizers  was  very  great — that  if  he  had  been  taken  he  must  have 
been  thrown  into  a  Goal  &  have  perished  as  he  was  utterly  unable 
to  bear  Hardships.  That,  on  the  other  hand,  if  he  had  been  taken 
by  an  American  Cruizer  he  had  no  doubt  of  being  able  to  vindi- 
cate himself  and  of  being  treated  with  Kindness. 

I  may  be  partial  to  a  Friend  of  whose  Honour  &  Integrity  I 
have  the  highest  Opinion;  but  really  this  Justification  appears  to 
me  sufficient;  &  I  think  Mr.  Livingston  may  be  permitted  to  stay 
with  his  Friends,  as  long  as  the  Enemy  will  suffer  him.  Under- 
standing it  was  your  Excellency's  wish  that  he  shoud  consult  with 
me  I  have  stated  these  facts  &  submit  them  to  Consideration. 

If  Mr.  Livingston  understood  your  Excellency  right,  it  is  your 
wish  to  see  me  about  the  time  of  the  Legislature's  assembling. 
Shoud  they  reelect  me  as  a  Delegate,  I  shall  think  it  my  duty  to 
set  out  immediately  afterwards  to  relieve  Mr.  Duer,  &  to  wait 
on  you  &  them  for  your  Commands.  This  I  suppose  to  be  what 
your  Excellency  woud  advise.  If  I  err  I  shoud  be  glad  of  the 
Honour  of  a  Line  to  set  me  right;  indeed  it  woud  be  very  accept- 
able at  all  Events  as  we  are  out  of  the  way  of  Intelligence.  With 
most  respectful  Complim'  to  your  Lady  and  the  highest  Respect 

I  am  Sir  Your  Excellency's  most  Obed't  hum'e  Serv't 

Jas.  Duane. 

P.  S.    The  Fever  has  left  me  &'I  gain  strength  daily. 
His  Excellency,  Governour  Clinton. 


46  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Poughkeepsie  18th  Sep'r  1778. 

D'r  Sir,  I  am  favoured  with  your  Letter  of  the  14th  Instant.  I 
have  not  the  least  Objection  to  Mr.  Robt.  C.  Livingston's  con- 
tinuing with  his  Friends  at  the  Manor  if  you  think  it  adviseable. 
I  mentioned  (with  great  Freedom)  to  Mr.  Livingston  the  Reasons 
which  occassioned  some  Difficulties  in  my  Mind  on  this  Subject. 
I  considered  this  due  to  the  Friendship  I  owe  to  himself  and  the 
Familly.  Knowing  you  to  be  not  only  his  Relation  but  his  most 
cordial  Friend  &  placing  the  greatest  Confidence  in  your  Prud- 
ence, I  desired  him  to  repeat  to  you  what  had  passed  between  us  & 
to  govern  himself  by  your  good  advice. 

The  Hurry  of  Business  &  Want  of  a  Convenient  Opportunity 
have  prevented  my  answering  your  Letter  of  the  29th  Ultimo 
before  this.  I  perfectly  agree  with  you  in  Sentiments  respecting 
Gfjul.  Schuyler;  when  he  was  at  Poughkeepsie  on  his  Way  to 
Camp  I  expressed  mine  to  him  freely.  I  mentioned  in  a  former 
Letter  his  Intentions  to  proceed  from  Camp  to  Congress  if  his 
Tryal  was  not  likely  soon  to  take  Place.  I  omrnitted  to  add  it 
only  was  in  order  to  expedite  his  Tryal. 

Last  Sessions  I  mentioned  as  well  by  public  Message  as 
privately  to  several  Members  of  the  Legislature  the  Propriety  or 
rather  the  necessity  of  the  State's  raising  Men  &  erecting  Posts 
for  the  Defence  of  our  Western  Frontiers.  It  was  however  in 
great  Measure  neglected  &  I  fear  will  till  it  is  too  late.  I  shoud 
not  be  surprized  to  hear  that  Genl.  Stark  &  the  Green  Mountain 
Boys  claim  the  whole  Western  Country  by  Right  of  Conquest  if 
they  Shoud  take  it  in  their  Heads  to  go  scouting  that  Way  &  kill 
one  Tory  or  Indian  it  woud  go  far  tow'ds  establishing  their  Title. 
I  mean  at  the  ensuing  Session  to  submit  this  Matter  a  second 
Time  to  the  Legislature  &  as  I  am  desirous  of  doing  it  in  a  manner 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  G-EORGE  CLINTON.  47 

equal  to  its  Importance,  I  should  be  happy  in  having  your  advice 
&  assistance  on  this  as  well  as  other  public  Business.  I  am  with 
best  Respects  to  Mrs.  Duane  in  which  Mrs.  Clinton  Joins  me,  with 

great  Regard  Your  Most  Obed't  Serv't 

[G.  0.] 
[To  James  Duane.] 


[Nos.  1770-1771.] 
DESTRUCTION  OF  GERMAN  FLATS. 

The  Enemy's  Blighting  Foray — Heavy  Losses  of  the  Settlers  in 
Property — Colonel  Bellinger's  Report. 

Caugnawaga  Sept.  the  18th  1778. 

Sir,  I  just  now  received  an  Express  from  Collo.  Klock*  that 
the  Enemy  have  destroyed  the  whole  German  Flats  and  also  the 
South  Side  of  the  River  and  took  with  them  all  the  Cattel;  went 
up  this  week — also  the  Cattel  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  German 
Flats.  Collo.  Klock  is  marched  last  Night  to  Charivaley  [Cherry 
Valley]  in  order  to  cut  off  the  Enemy's  Retreat,  and  as  soon  as 
the  lower  part  of  my  Regiment  comes  up  I  am  to  march  to  the 
aforesaid  place.  Sir,  I  am  Your  humble  Serv't 

Fred'k  Fisher. 

P.  S.  The  Enemy  left  the  German  Flats  yesterday  about  Noon. 
To  Collo.  Wemple. 


Colonel  Bellinger's  Report  to  Governor  Clinton. 

German  Flatts,  Sept'r  the  19th  1778. 

May  it  please  Your  Excellence.  I  humbly  beg  to  lay  our  Dis- 
tresses open  to  Your  Excellency.  On  Thursday  the  17th  instant, 
about  six  in  the  morning,  the  Enemy  attacked  Fort  Dayton,  on  the 
north  side  of  the  German  Flatts  and  Burned  and  Destroy'd  all  the 

*See  page  39. 


48  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLIXTOX. 

Houses,  Barns,  and  Grain,  and  drove  a  great  number  of  Horses, 
and  horned  Cattle  away  with  them.  The  Church,  Fort,  together 
with  two  houses,  is  all  that  is  left  on  that  side,  and  they  had  two 
men  kilPd  and  one  wounded,  The  enemy  tried  to  take  Fort  Day- 
ton, but  they  kept  them  off.  On  the  south  side  the  River,  they 
began  about  six  miles  above  Fort  Herkimer,  and  Burn'd  all  the 
Houses,  Barns,  and  Grain  quite  down  to  the  Church;  at  Fort 
Herkimer  they  tried  to  set  fire  to  the  Barn,  but  we  sallied  out  with 
what  men  we  could  spare  and  kept  them  from  Destroying  any  more 
louses. 

We  have  Built  in  our  District  four  Garrisons,  and  have  none  but 
my  Regiment  to  Guard  them,  and  a  few  Rangers.  I  sent  out  a 
scout  of  the  Rangers,  nine  men,  three  days  before  this  happen'd. 
They  met  the  Enemy,  at  Major  Edmonston's  place,  at  the  head 
Branch  of  Tunadella  River,  the  enemy  attack'd  them,  and  drove 
them  into  the  River,  they  have  kill'd  two  of  the  Rangers,  and 
scattered  the  rest.  One  of  them  came  in,  the  night  before  the 
Flatts  was  attacked.  And  immediately  I  wrote  pr.  Express  to 
Col.  Klock,  and  another  to  be  sign'd  by  him,  to  be  sent,  to  the 
nearest  place  for  Assistance,  as  the  enemy  was  within  9  miles  of 
Us,  when  the  Rangers  saw  them  last.  In  my  letter  to  Col.  Klock, 
I  beg'd  him  for  God's  sake  to  assist  us  with  men,  and  if  he  had 
march'd  his  men  on  directly,  he  might  have  been  at  the  Flatts 
before  we  was  attacked,  and  if  he  had  sent  200  men,  we  might 
in  all  Probability,  have  saved  a  great  many  houses,  and  a  great 
deal  of  Grain,  and  Creatures.  But  alas,  we  could  get  no  assist- 
ance. Several  times  this  Summer  we  have  intelligence  that  they 
intended  to  Destroy  this  place,  and  I  have  wrote  to  General  Starks 
in  Albany  for  assistance,  but  could  get  none,  and  once  I  wrote 
to  Your  Excellency,  but  I  imagine  You  did  not  receive  it. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  49 

Our  Case  is  really  very  hard,  as  the  Enemy  threatens  us  yet. 
Therefore,  I  am  oblig'd  to  be  thus  troublesom  to  Your  Excellency, 
to  desire  the  Favour  of  a  Reinforcement,  otherwise  I  cannot  pre- 
tend to  keep  the  Inhabitants  here  any  longer.  I  have  given  Or- 
ders to  the  A.  D.  C.  of  Issues  at  Fort  Dayton,  to  supply  those 
who  have  lost  their  Effects  with  Provision,  as  they  was  Crying  to 
me  for  Bread.  But  if  Your  Excellency  does  not  approve  of  it,  I 
hope  You'll  send  me  Orders  how  I  must  behave  in  the  said  Affair. 
After  the  enemy  had  finish'd  the  destruction  of  the  Flatts,  they 
went  off  about  Noon.  In  the  afternoon  I  sent  an  Express  again  to 
Col.  Klock,  desiring  him  to  send  to  Col.  Alden  at  Cherry  Valley, 
that  if  he  would  turn  out  with  about  400  men,  and  strike  across  to 
the  Creek  at  Tunadella,  where  I  was  certain  they  would  come  up 
with  the  Enemy  they  might  have  recover'd  most  part  of  the  Plun- 
der again,  but  as  far  as  I  can  learn,  they  did  not  mind  it. 

I  have  had  a  great  deal  of  Trouble  I  can  assure  Your  Excellency 
to  keep  the  inhabitants  from  moving  off,  on  the  account  of  having 
no  Assistance.  I  was  oblig'd  to  threaten  them,  that  I  would  take 
their  Effects  from  them.  But  as  the  Place  is  mostly  Destroy'd, 
I  have  prevail'd  on  them  to  wait  till  I  have  Orders  from  Your 
Excellency  how  to  Behave  in  our  Distressed  Circumstances,  But 
if  there  is  no  Reinforcement  comes  up,  I  shall  not  be  able  to 
hinder  them  from  moving  off. 

I  here  send  Your  Excellency  an  Account  of  the  Damage  done  by 
the  Enemy  on  both  sides  of  the  River.  They  Burn'd  Sixty  three 
Dwelling  houses,  Fifty  seven  Barns,  with  Grain  and  Fother,  Three 
Grist  mills,  One  Saw  Mill,  and  they  have  taken  away  with  them, 
Two  Hundred  Thirty  five  Horses,  Two  hundred  Twenty  nine 
horned  Cattle,  Two  hundred  Sixty  nine  Sheep,  and  they  kill'd  and 
Destroy'd  a  great  number  of  Hogs,  and  they  have  Burn'd  a  great 
many  Out  houses. 


50  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

I  humbly  hope  Your  Excellency  will  take  our  Circumstances 
into  Consideration,  and  grant  us  a  reinforcement  sufficient  to  hin- 
der the  enemy  from  utterly  ruining  of  us.     So  relying  entirely  on 
Your  Excellency, 
I  Beg  leave  to  Subscribe  myself,  Your  Excellencies  most  Obedient, 

humble  Servant 

Peter  Bellinger,  Colo. 

To  His  Excellency,  George  Clinton,  Esqr. 


[No.  1772.] 
THE  CASE  OF  HAMMELL  AND  GEAKE. 

Governor  Clinton  Suggests  to  Washington  a  Court  Martial  for  the 

Former. 

Poughkeepsie  Sept'r  19th  1778. 

D'r  Sir,  By  the  last  flag  which  arrived  from  N.  York  I  received 
Certificates  from  the  Commiss'y  Genl.  of  Prisoners  there  with 
Proposals  for  exchang'g  Stephen  Lush,  (late  my  Brigade  Major  & 
taken  at  Fort  Montgomerie)  for  Henry  Cuyler — Corn's  Van  Tas- 
sel for  Alex'r  White  &  James  Dole  for  Ab'm  Maybie.  As  I  con- 
ceive the  Exchanges  advantageous,  I  mean  to  agree  to  the  Pro- 
posals &  to  direct  the  Persons  (who  are  all  confined  in  Albany)r 
together  with  a  few  more  Exiles  to  be  sent  down  to  Posts  in  Fish- 
kill  there  to  wait  till  further  Orders.  I  am,  therefore,  again  under 
the  necessity  of  request'g  your  Excellency  (if  you  shall  deem  it 
expedient)  to  appoint  an  Officer  to  conduct  them  with  a  Flagg  to 
the  Enemy's  Lines. 

On  my  arrival  from  headq'rs  Major  Hamel  was  put  in  close  con- 
finement in  consequence  of  the  Information  of  Gakes  [Samuel 
Geake]*  who  was  tried  &  convicted  at  Fort  Schuyler.  He  had 

*Samuel  Geake  was  an  American  soldier,  who  while  a  prisoner  in  New  York,  met 
Major  Hammell,  who  had  been  captured  when  Forts  Clinton  and  Montgomery  fell. 
Both  yielded  to  British  temptation,  forsook  the  American  cause  and  joined  the  English 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  51 

previous  thereto  confessed  that  he  was  sent  out  for  the  purpose 
of  discovering  what  effect  the  conciliatory  Bills  had  on  the  minds 
of  the  People,  but  alleged  that  tho  he  had  consented  to  the 
Measure  to  obtain  his  Liberty  he  never  attempted  or  meant  to 
execute  the  Business.  As  Major  Hammell  at  the  Time  of  his  being 
made  Prisoner  was  Brigade  Major  to  my  Brother  &  subject  to  the 
Articles  of  War,  I  humbly  conceive  .his  case  is  properly  cognizable 
before  a  Court  Martial.  If  your  Excellency  is  in  Sentiment  with 
me  I  could  wish  how  soon  as  convenient  that  he  be  brought  to 

Tryal.*     I  am  &c. 

Geo:  Clinton.  • 

P.  S.  I  forgot  to  mention  that  the  Officer  who  conducted  the  last 
Flag  informed  the  Commiss'rs     that  the  Enemy  declared  they 
would  receive  no  more  flags  by   water  unless  previous  notice 
thereof  was  sent  in  by  land  for  their  approbation. 
His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington. 


[No.  1773.] 

Marbletown  Asks  for  a  Guard  to  Protect  Its  Western  Border. 

To  his  Excellency  George  Clinton,  Es'quire,  Governor  of  the 
State  of  New  York  General  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  all'  the 
Militia  and  Admiral  of  the  Navy  of  the  same. 

The  Petition  of    the  Subscribers  Inhabitants  of  the  Township 

army.  Geake  accompanied  Hammell  to  Poughkeepsie  where  they  joined  Captain  Abra- 
ham Swartwout's  Company,  and  were  subsequently  ordered  to  Fort  Schuyler  as  part  of 
General  Gansevoort's  command.  Both  men  were  acting  under  instructions  from  Sir 
Henry  Clinton,  with  the  ultimate  object  of  betraying  the  American  forces.  As 'early  as 
June,  1778,  Colonel  Varick  notified  Gansevoort  that  he  suspected  Geake  of  being  a  con- 
federate with  Major  Hammell,  and  of  attempting  to  corrupt  American  soldiers  and  en- 
couraging them  to  desert. 

Geake  was  promptly  arrested,  as  he  was  on  the  point  of  deserting  to  join  the  British 
army  in  Philadelphia.  He  admitted  he  was  sent  by  an  aide-de-camp  of  Sir  Henry  Clin- 
ton's, as  a  spy  for  the  purpose  of  enlisting  Irishmen,  from  the  American  army.  He  was 
tried  by  a  general  Court  Martial,  where  he  made  a  full  confession,  In  which  he  de- 
clared that  Hammell  had  been  promised  by  the  English  authorities,  the  Colonelcy  of 
the  new  Irish  regiment,  and  he  himself  a  commission  as  Lieutenant.  He  was  sentenced 
to  death,  but  Washington  spared  his  life  in  order  to  use  his  testimony  against  Major 
Hammell. — STATE  HISTORIAN. 

*See  page  624,  Vol.  II. 


52  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

of  Marble  Town,  in'  the  County  of  Ulster,  in  Said  State  Humbly 
Sheweth, 

That  your  Petitioners  chiefly  preside  on  the  Western  Borders  of 
Said  Township.  That  from  the  late  incursions  of  the  enemy  in 
these  quarters,  your  Petitioners  from  their  Situations  conceive 
themselves  in  eminent  danger  from  the  like  depredations  especially 
as  from  a  deficiency  in  Guards  a  communication  is  left  open  from 
the  Westward  to  this  Town,  from  which  circumstance  your  Peti- 
tioners are  induced  to  apprehend  that  a  Speedy  attack  will  be  made 
upon  the  Western  Parts  thereof.  That  a  number  of  the  Inhabit- 
ants of  Said  Town  especially  at  and  in  the  Vicinity  where  the 
danger  is  apprehended  are  now  Called  upon  to  turn  out  their 
Classes  which  are  to  compose  the  Guard  for  the  Western  frontiers 
and  which  from  the  present  disposition,  thereof,  adds  nothing  to 
their  immediate  Security. 

Your  Petitioners,  therefore,  humbly  pray  that  your  Excellency 
Will  be  pleased  to  order,  That  a  sufficient  Guardi  may  be  Sta- 
tioned on  the  Western  borders  of  This  Town,  to  Scout  along  the 
Same,  North  &  South,  in  such  manner  as  the  commanding  offi- 
cer on  this  Station  Shall  think  most  conducive  to  the  Security, 
thereof,  and  your  Petitioners  as  in  duty  bound  Shall  ever  pray. 
Marble  Town  Sept'r  15  1778. 

Matthew  Cantine,  Andrew  Davis,  Jacob  S.  Freer,  Benoni  Mulks, 
William  Leggett,  Peter  Hodler,  Salomon  Hodler,  John  Anthony, 
Johnnes  Middgh,  William  Cantine,  Falter  Smith,  Abr'h  Sailer, 
WiLhelmus  Roosa,  Isaiah  Robeson,  Frederick  Shurter,  Willim 
Tees,  John  Cushnichan,  Joseph  Chambers,  Arie  Tack,  Cornelus 
Enst,  Thomas  Vandemerken,  Aldert  Rosa,  Thomas  Smith,  Simon 
Krom,  Johanis  W.  Rosa,  Epreim  Chambers,  Dirck  Chambers, 
Jacob  Chambers,  Thomas  Chambers,  Petras  Smith,  Henry  Bog- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  53 

hart,  John  Connor,  John  Connor,  Jun'r,  Thomas  Schoonmaker, 
Jr.  Simon  Van  Wagenen,  Jr.  Salomon  Van  Wagenen,  Charles  W. 
Brodhead. 


Poukeepsie  19th  Sep'r  1778. 

Gentlemen,  I  have  received  a  Petition  dated  the  15th  Instant 
subscribed  by  you  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Marble  Town 
praying  "  That  a  Guard  may  be  stationed  on  the  Western  Borders 
of  the  Town  to  Scout  along  the  same  north  &  South  in  such 
manner  as  the  Commanding  officer  on  that  Station  shall  think 
most  conducive  to  the  Security  thereof,"  In  Answer  to  which 
I  can  assure  you  that  Colo.  Cantine  has  my  Orders  to  take  such 
Posts  on  the  Western  Frontiers  &  make  su£h  Disposition  of  the 
Detachment  under  his  Command  as  will  give  the  greatest  & 
most  equal  Security  to  the  Inhabitants,  Which  as  I  have  the 
greatest  confidence  in  his  Zeal  for  the  Service  &  general  Knowl- 
edge of  the  Frontier  Country,  I  have  Reason  to  believe,  will 
be  faithfully  executed,  &  if,  therefore,  stationing  a  Guard  in 
the  Manner  you  desire  is  consistent  with  the  Genl.  safety  &  the 
number  of  Men  he  has  under  his  Command  will  admit  of,  it  will 

be  done.     I  am  with  great  Respect  &c. 

[G.  C.] 

To  Messrs.  Mathew  Cantine  Solomon  Van  Wagenen  &  Chas.  W. 
Brodhead. 


[No.  1774.] 
GOVERNOR  HEARS  OF  THE  GERMAN  FLATS  DISASTER, 

And  Admonishes  General  Ten  Broeck  on  the  Necessity  of  Maintaining 
Full  Quotas  of  the  Militia  at  All  Times. 

Albany  18th  Sep'r  1778  3  P.  M. 

Sir,  I  think  it  my  Duty  to  Inclose  your  Excellency  Copies  of 
letters  I  Rec'd,  the  one  from  Collonell  Bellinger  giving  an  ac- 
count of  the  approach  of  the  Enemy  I  Received  this  morning 


54  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLIXTOX. 

at  1  O'Clock;  the  other  from  Colonel  Fisher  giving  the  melan- 
choly account  of  the  Enemy  having  destroyed  the  Settlement 
at  the  German  Flatts  I  Received  this  moment.  Colonel  Wemple's 
Regiment  is  already  on  their  march  to  that  Quarter  &  on  the 
Receipt  of  the  first  letter,  I  Immediately  Issued  my  Orders  for 
Col.  Schuyler's  &  Colonel  Van  Schoonhoven's  Regiments  with- 
out one  moment's  loss  of  time  also  to  march  thither.  With  great 
Regard  I  Remain  Your  Excellency's  Most  Obed't  Hum'le  Ser- 
vant 

•          Ab'm  Ten  Broeck. 

P.  S.  The  Cattle  alluded  to  in  Col.  Fisher's  letter  is  about  100 
Head  destined  for  Fort  Sohuyler. 
His  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esqr. 


Poughkeepsie  20th  Sep'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  have  received  your  Letter  of  the  18th  Instant  &  am 
exceedingly  distressed  by  the  Melancholly  Account  it  contains 
of  the  Desolation  of  the  German  Flatts  and  what  adds  to  my 
Unhappiness  on  this  Occassion  is  that  I  observe  by  the  Returns 
which  you  have  from  Time  to  Time  transmitted  me,  not  half 
of  the  Number  of  the  Militia  Ordered  for  the  Protection  of  the 
Frontiers  have  been  at  any  Time  actually  out  on  that  Service. 
You  will  perceive  by  this  Event  how  dangerous  it  is  to  be  lulled 
into  a  State  of  Security  by  favourable  appearances  &  of  Course 
how  extreamly  wrong  it  woud  have  been  to  have  consented  that 
the  last  Class  of  Militia  for  this  Service  might  not  be  oblidged 
to  march.  A  sufficient  Number  of  the  Militia  to  afford  Security 
to  the  Frotiers  must  at  all  Events  be  brought  into  actual  Ser- 
vice &  statedly  kep  out  for  that  Purpose.  Had  this  hitherto 
been  the  Case,  much  Misschief  &  Distress  woud  have  been  pre- 
vented, and  I  am  perswaded  even  the  Duty  of  the  Militia  woud 
not  have  been  equal  to  what  it  has  been  in  the  present  imper- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  55 

feet  Way  of  doing  Business.  For  when  any  Disaster  takes 
Place,  the  whole  Country  is  alarmed  &  All  march  when  it  is  too 
late  to  prevent,  &  indeed  at  a  Time  when  the  least  Danger  is 
to  be  apprehended  from  the  Enemy,  who  having  accomplished 
their  ends  may  not  be  expected  to  return  suddenly  &  when  we 
are  prepared  to  receive  them. 

I  cannot  account  for  Genl.  Stark's  Conduct.  It  does  not  appear 
to  me  that  he  pays  the  least  Attention  to  the  safety  of  the  Fron- 
tiers. Can  you  tell  me  where  Alden's  Regt.  is  stationed  &  how 
it  was  employed  at  the  Time  of  this  Disaster,  As  I  wish  to  give 
his  Excellency  Genl.  Washington,  to  whom  I  mean  immediately 
to  forward  the  Intelligence  received,  the  most  perfect  account  of 
the  Situation  of  our  Frontiers  &  the  Measures  pursued  for  their 
Defence  that  he  may  be  enabled  to  correct  whatever  may  be 
wrong  in  the  Management  of  this  Business.  I  have  only  to  add 
that  I  cant  learn  any  Part  of  the  3  Regts.  of  your  Brigade  who 
were  destined  for  the  Posts  in  the  Highlands  have  marched 
thither  &  to  desire  that  you  shall  esteem  it  necessary  alter  their 
Destination  to  the  Frontiers  giving  me  notice  thereof.  I  am  your 

Most  Obed't  Serv't 

Geo:  Clinton. 
Brig'r  Genl.  Ten  Broeck. 


[No.  1775.] 
REFRACTORY  SOLDIERS  TO  BE  STERNLY  HANDLED. 

Captain  Talmadge  of  the  Rangers  Ordered  to  Arrest  the  Ringleaders. 

Poughkeepsie  Sept'r  20th  1778. 

D'r  Major,  I  have  rec'd  your  Letter  with  the  enclosure  &  shewn 
it  to  his  Exellency  the  Gov'r  who  has  directed  me  to  inform  you 
that  Capt.  Tamage  with  a  party  of  his  Rangers  will  be  directed 
to  repair  to  the  Manor  and  apprehend  some  of  the  Delinquents 


56  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

of  your  Eegt.  &  bring  them  down.  He  will  call  on  you  for  your 
advice  &  his  Excellency  requests  you  to  point  out  to  him  some  of 
the  most  refractory  who  will  be  made  examples  of.  His  Exel- 
lency  further  directs  me  to  inform  you  that  unless  the  Officers 
of  your  Regt.  exert  themselves  &  cause  the  Regt.  to  do  their  pro- 
portion of  Duty  he  will  be  under  the  necessity  (however  disagre- 
able  the  measure)  of  breaking  up  the  Regt.  &  subjoining  it  to  the 
adjacent  Regts.  of  Claverack  &  Rhinebeck.  You'l  be  pleased  to 
communicate  this  Letter  to  the  other  field  officers.  I  am  D'r 

Major  Your  most  Obed't  Serv't 

Robt.  Benson. 
Major  Ten  Broeck. 


Genl.  Orders  Poughkeepsie  Sept.  21st  1778. 
Capt.  Tamage  will  immediately  repair  with  as  many  of  his 
Company  of  Rangers  as  can  be  spared  to  the  Manor  of  Livingston 
&  cause  to  be  apprehended  &  bro't  down  to  this  Place  such  of 
the  Delinquents  of  Colo.  Peter  R.  Livingston's  Regt.,  of  militia 
as  have  refused  or  neglected  to  march  agreable  to  Orders  for  that 
purpose  issued.  Capt.  Tamage  will  call  on  Major  Ten  Broeck, 
for  a  List  of  the  Delinquents  to  be  apprehended  &  take  his  advice 
in  the  prosecution  of  this  Business.  And  in  Case  such  Part  of 
Capt.  Tamage's  Company  as  can  be  spared  for  this  Service  may 
not  be  sufficiently  strong  to  carry  this  Order  into  Execution,  he 
is  to  call  on  the  Commanding  Officer  of  the  Company  of  Rangers 
raised  in  Colo.  Van  Ness's  Regt.  who  are  hereby  commanded  with 
his  Company  to  assist  him  therein. 

Sept.  21st. 

Sir,  A  most  Disobedient  &  refractory  Spirit  prevails  in  Colo. 
Livingston's  Regiment  in  the  Manor  of  Livingston,  in  so  much 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  57 

that  they  will  not  submit  to  any  Military  Duty  &  it  does  not 
appear  that  there  is  a  sufficient  Number  of  Well  affected  Subjects 
among  them  to  cause  the  Refractory  to  be  brought  to  due  Punish- 
ment &  thereby  to  a  proper  Sense  of  their  Duty.  Influenced  by 
these  Considerations,  his  Excellency,  the  Governor,  has  thought 
proper  to  issue  the  inclosed  Order  which  I  am  directed  to  trans- 
mit to  you  &  to  request  that  you  will  carry  the  same  into  Execu- 
tion without  the  least  Delay.  I  am  &c. 

B.  Benson. 
Capt.  Talmage. 


[No.  1776.] 
Major  Lush  Ordered  "  to  Forward  "  Henry  Cuyler  Without  Delay. 

Poughkeepsie  Sept'r  20th  1778. 

D'r  Major,  By  his  Excellency's  Direction  I  send  you  the  in- 
closed extraordinary  Letter*  which  was  forwarded  to  our  Office 
this  morn'g  by  Mr.  Adams  Dep.  Commiss'y  Genl.  of  Prisoners,  ait 
White  Plains.  His  Excellency  is  at  a  Loss  to  account  for  the 
Cause;  but  supposes  it  to  arise  from  perfidy  in  the  Enemy  or  some 
Deception  on  the  part  of  Mr.  Cuyler.  You'l,  therefore,  get  the 
Commiss'rs  to  forward  Mr.  Cuyler  &  the  others  down  without 
Delay.  You'l  also  endeavour  to  possess  yourself  of  the  original 
Certificate  of  which  Mr.  Cuyler  only  sent  us  a  Copy  &  come  down 
with  Mr.  Cuyler  to  this  Place  yourself  in  order  that  this  matter 
may  be  inquired  into  &  adjusted.  His  Excellency  directs  me  to 
assure  you  that  he  will  do  every  Thing  on  his  Part  that  may  be 
necessary  to  Procure  you  ample  Justice.  Yrs.  £c. 

Bobt.  Benson. 
Major  Lush. 

*Not  found. 


58  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  1777.] 

Governor   Clinton  Mildly  Rebukes   the  Albany   Conspiracy 
Commissioners. 

Poukeepsie  20th  Sep'r  1778. 

Gentlemen,  I  some  Time  since  received  a  Letter  subscribed  bj 
Leonard  Gansevoort,  Jun'r,  as  Secretary  to  the  Com'rs  at  Albany 
&  said  to  be  wrote  by  their  Order,  Dated  the  5th  Instant,  notify 
ing  me  that  David  Vanschaak  &  Seven  other  Persons  therein 
mentioned  had  refused  to  take  the  Oath  prescribed  in  the  Ad 
of  the  Legislature  to  be  administered  to  Persons  of  an  equivocal  £ 
neutral  Charecter  that  I  might  detain  such  of  them  as  I  thought 
proper  to  Exchange.  I  am  now  surprized  to  find  that  those  Per 
sons  were  sent  down  to  Fishkill  under  the  Care  of  Colo.  Fishei 
to  be  forwarded  within  the  Enemy's  Lines,  and  that  your  War 

rant  to  him  for  this  Purpose  is  dated  the  7th  being  only  two  Days 

< 
after  the  Date  of  your  Secretary's  Letter  on  the  Subject,  of  Course 

not  affording  you  a  possibility  of  receiving  an  Answer. 

How  you  will  be  able  to  Account  for  this  extraordinary  Pro 
ceedure  so  contrary  to  the  Spirit  of  the  Law  under  which  you  act 
I  am  unable  to  determine.  The  good  Oppinion  I  Entertain  o1 
you  induces  me  to  believe  it  must  have  been  occassioned  by  some 
Misstake.  The  Flaggs  passing  my  Quarters  to  Fishkill  with  an 
Intention  to  have  proceeded  to  the  Enemy's  Lines  without  mj 
Orders  is  not  unexceptionable  which  a  little  Reflection  will  dis 
cover  to  you. 

I  wrote  to  you  the  16th  Instant  directing  the  Persons  referred 
to  be  detained  &  confined  for  Exchange  which  I  expect  will  b€ 
complied  with  as  they  are  ordered  back  for  that  Purpose.  I  am 

yours  &c. 

Geo.  Clinton. 

To  the  Commiss'rs  for  detect'g  Conspiracies  &c.  Albany. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLIXTOX. 


59 


[No.  1778.] 

Returns  of  tho  Militia  at  Schoharie  Under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Philip 

Van  Alstyne. 

Sep'r  20th  1778. 


Officers  Present  fit  for  Duty 

Field 

Commission 

Staff 

Non 
Comm's. 

09 

00 

£ 

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Col.  Van  Alstvn's 

1 

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Col.  Lansingh's 

1 

2 

1 

1 

4 

i 

11 

21 

Col.  Philip  Schuyler's 

1 

1 

2 

1 

4 

i 

34 

1 

1 

46 

Col.  Rensselaer's 

1 

1 

3 

11 

16 

Col.  Van  Bergen's 

1 

1 

3 

10 

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Col.  Quackenboss 
Col.  Wemple's 

1 
1 

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4 

19 

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18 
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C  Stephen  Schuyler's 
Col.  Vroman's 

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33 

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10 

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2 

4 

225 

True  Copy. 


Philip  Van  Alstyn*  Lt.  Colonel. 


[No.  1779.] 

George  Clinton  Reports   the   German  Flats  Disaster  to   the 
Commander-in-  Chief. 

Poukeepsie  20th  Sep'r  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  By  the  inclosed  Copies  of  Letters  which  were  forwarded 
to  me  by  Genl.  Ten  Broek  &  came  to  Hand  this  Forenoon,  your 
Excellency  will  receive  the  Disagreable  Intelligence  of  the  Des- 
truction of  the  valuable  Settlements  of  the  German  Flatts  by  the 
Enemy  &  the  Loss  of  100  Head  of  Cattle  which  were  destined  for 
Fort  Schuyler. 

I  have  not  received  any  Accounts  of  this  affair  or  of 
the  Disposition  of  the  Troops  on  the  Frontiers  from  Genl. 
Stark  &  I  am  not  able  to  inform  your  Excellency  whether  it  is 


60  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

probable  that  the  Militia  who  are  said  to  have  been  on  their 
March  to  cut  off  the  Retreat  of  the  Enemy,  will  be  able  to  effect 
it,  or  whether  Alden's  Regiment  is  so  situated  as  to  afford  them 
any  Assistance.  I  am  with  great  Esteem  Your  Excellency's  Most 

Obed't  Serv't 

Oeo.  Clinton. 
His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington. 


[No.  1780.] 
ALBANY  AS  A  MILITARY  POST. 

Governor  Clinton  Disagrees  with  the  Citizens  of  That  City  on  the 
Question  of  Billeting  2,000  Troops. 

Poughkeepsie  20th  Sept'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  am  honored  with  the  Rec't  of  your  Letter,  (wrote  by  Order 
of  the  Common  Council  of  the  City  of  Albany),  of  the  llth  Inst. 
It  contains  th'e  only  intimation  I  have  rec'd  of  an  Intention  to 
station  a  body  of  Troops  in  your  City  the  ensuing  winter.  If  this 
is  really  to  be  the  Case,  I  presume  it  must  have  originated  as  well 
from  your  Letters  to  Genl.  Gates  &  Genl.  Starks  of  the  20th  & 
21  st  of  May  last,  setting  forth  the  importance  of  the  public  Stores 
&c.  &c.  deposited  there,  the  weak  state  of  the  militia  to  guard 
them  &  the  great  Danger  of  their  being  destroyed,  if  the  Contin- 
ental Troops  should  be  withdrawn  from  that  Quarter,  as  from  a 
Desire  of  having  a  proper  Force  conveniently  situated  for  carry- 
ing on  offensive  Operations  ag't  the  Enemy  on  our  western  fron- 
tier early  next  Spring — a  Measure  of  the  utmost  moment  to  this 
State  &  therefore  earnestly  to  be  wished  for. 

From  sad  Experience,  it  is  found  impracticable  to  secure  the 
frontier  Settlements  while  acting  on  the  Defensive  only  from  the 
Depredations  of  a  Savage  Enemy;  &  with  the  utmost  Exertions 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  61 

we  have  not  hitherto  been  able  to  collect  a  sufficient  Force  from 
the  Militia  to  carry  the  war  into  the  Enemy's  Country.  I  am, 
therefore,  lead  to  consider  the  stationing  a  Body  of  Troops  in  the 
Vicinity  of  Albany  as  a  very  favorable  Circumstance,  which  may 
in  the  End  be  productive  of  the  most  salutary  Consequences  and 
I  trust  when  considered  by  the  Citizens  of  Albany  in  this  Point 
of  View,  they  will  (as  usual)  afford  every  Encouragem't  to  a 
measure  so  evidently  calculated  for  the  good  of  the  public  Ser- 
vice &  the  Safety  of  this  State  in  Particular. 

I  cannot  entertain  a  Doubt  that  the  Commander  in  Chief,  who 
•has  always  discovered  the  strictest  attention  &  regard  to  the 
Eights  of  the  Citizens  of  this  State,  will  issue  such  orders  for  the 
good  Goverm't  of  the  Troops  in  winter  q'rs  as  to  prevent  all  cause 
of  Complaint  arising  from  any  disorderly  behavior  in  the  Sol- 
diery. You  will  readily  perceive  the  Impropriety  of  my  dictating 
to  him,  or  of  interfering  in  the  Disposition  of  the  Troops  under 
his  Command.  If,  however,  the  citizens  of  Albany  receive  any  In- 
jury from  the  military  for  which  they  may  not  be  able  to  obtain 
Redress  in  the  Courts  of  Justice  in  the  ordinary  way,  you  may 
rest  assured  that  the  authority  of  Gov't  will  be  cheerfully  exerted 
for  this  Purpose.  I  am  with  great  Respect  Sir  Your  most  Obed't 

Serv't 

Geo:  Clinton. 

The  worshipfull  Jno.  Barclay  Esqr.  Mayor  of  the  City  of  Albany. 


[No.  1781.] 
Exempts  of  South  East  Precinct. 

South  East  precinct  Septem'r  21st  1778. 

The  Subscribers  of  the  inclosed  association  To  his  Excellency 
George  Clinton  Esqr.  Governor  of  the  State  of  New  York. 


62  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency.  We  beg  leave  to  transmit  to 
your  Excellency  a  Copy  of  our  association,  to  which  we  have 
ordered  our  names  annexed,  if  we  have  err'd  in  matter  or  manner 
we  wish  to  be  hon'd  with  your  instructions,  &  assure  your  Excel- 
lency we  only  mean  to  render  ourselves  as  Serviceable  as  possible 
upon  every  Emergency.  We  yet  Expect  a  respectable  addition  to 
the  Company,  but  as  it  is  at  present  rather  small,  we  have  elected 
only  one  Lieut,  the  officers  Chosen  by  ballot  are:  Alexander  Kidd, 
Capt'n,  Charles  Cullenr  Lieut.  William  Calkin,  Ensign,  and  whom 
we  beg  to  recommend  to  your  Excellency  for  Commissions;  the 
Bearer  Lieut.  Tubbs  will  await  any  Commands  your  Excellency 
may  have  for  Sir  with  Great  respect  y'r  Excellency's  most  Obed't 
&  most  Hum'le  Ser'ts 

Signed  By  desire  &  in  behalf  of  the  Company 

Char's  Cullen  Clk. 

Dutchess  County  State  of  New  York  Sept.  15th  1778. 
We,  the  subscribers,  being  disposed  to  form  ourselves  into  an 
associated  Company  of  militia,  (agreeable  to  a  Clause  in  the  Last 
Act  of  Assembly  for  regulating  the  militia  of  this  State  wherein 
all  persons  under  the  age  of  Fifty  five  years  who  have  formerly 
held  Civil  or  military  Commissions  and  are  not  or  shall  not  be 
reappointed  &  all  persons  between  the  ages  of  Fifty  &  Fifty  five 
years  who  Shall  associate  themselves  shall  be  Exempted  from 
Serving  as  part  of  the  enroll'd  militia),  Do,  hereby,  bind  ourselves 
each  to  the  Other  and  Severally  to  the  State  at  large,  that  from 
and  after  the  appointment  of  Proper  officers,  Commissioned  by  his 
Excellency  the  Governor  of  this  State,  &  by  us  recommended,  we 
will  Obey  the  orders  of  our  Commanding  Officer  upon  all  Occa- 
sions, and  will  in  Cases  of  Invasion  or  Incursions  of  the  Enemy  or 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  63 

Insurrections  march  to  repel  the  Enemy  in  like  manner  as  the 
enrolled  militia  are  Compell'd  to  do,  so  that  we  may  not  when 
Call'd  out  in  detachments  be  annexed  to  any  Other  Regiment  or 
be  under  the  immediate  Command  of  any  Other  than  our  own 
officers. 

(Signed) 

Eben'r  Gage,  Isai'h  Bennett,  Jabez  Chase,  Daniel  Ketchum, 
John  Warring,  Thorn's  Hinkley,  Caleb  Fowler,  David  Crosby, 
Jun'r,  Jon'n  Parish,  Simeon  Ellis,  William  Palmer,  Jr.,  Thorn's 
Burgis,  Abra'm  Birsdell,  Malcom  Morison,  William  Calkin, 
Jerem'h  Sabin,  Jun'r,  John  Salmon,  Rowlin  Russell,  Sanil.  Dick- 
inson, Theod's  Crosby,  David  Akin,  Moss  Kent,  Char's  Cullen, 
Elijah  Oakley,  Isaac  Ellwell,  Phinehas  Baker,  Seth  Nickerson, 
Joshua  Conklin,  Alex'r  Kidd. 

A  true  copy. 


[No.  1782.] 

TTie  Oovei-nor  Issues  Stringent  Orders  to  Colonel  Van  Alstine. 

Kinderhook  18th  Sept.  1778. 

Sir,  I  Re'd  order  from  General  Tenbroeck  for  one  fourth  of  my 
Rigrnent  to  march  to  Fort  Arnel  properly  officered,  &  to  make  a 
Retorn  of  them  to  your  Eixselencie;  after  a  grat  dell  pans  taken  to 
gat  the  men  to  march,  it  gaves  me  the  gratest  unesnis  to  tell  yor 
Exselency  that  I,  with  all  the  asastance  of  my  officers,  Could  not 
gat  moor  then  Six  or  Seven  presend  to  march,  which  I  have  or- 
dered to  march  under  the  Command  of  Cap'n  Trusdel,  who  will 
make  you  a  retorn  of  the  men  under  his  Command  &  there  to  Re- 
cive  your  Exselencice's  forther  Commend.  I  am  sir  with  Respect 

your  humble  servent 

Abr'm  J.  Vanalstine,  Coll. 
His  Exelencie  Gorge  Clinton  Esqr. 


64  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Poughkeepsie  Sept.  21st  1778. 

Sir,  His  Excellency  the  Governor  directs  me  to  acknowledge  the 
rec't  of  your  favor  of  the  18th  Inst.  by  Capt.  Trusdel.  As  it  can 
answer  no  good  Purpose  to  send  down  a  Capt.  with  so  few  men 
His  Excellency  has  directed  the  Capt.  to  Return.  It  being  abso- 
lutely necessary  that  severe  Examples  should  be  made  of  the 
Delinquents,  his  Excellency  requests  that  you'l  imploy  Capt.  Trus- 
del with  his  men  &  cause  the  Delinquents  to  be  apprehended  and 
immediately  taken  before  the  Court  martial  which  we  are  in- 
formed is  now  sitting  in  your  neighbourhood,  to  be  tried  and  pun- 
ished with  the  utmost  rigor  of  the  Law. 

If,  in  the  mean  time,  you  should  receive  Gen'l  Ten  Broeck's 
order  for  the  Detachm't  of  your  Regt.,  which  were  ordered  to  Fort 
Arnold  in  the  Highlands  to  march  to  the  western  frontiers,  you 
will,  as  they  become  sensible  of  their  Duty,  by  the  Examples  which 
may  be  made,  cause  them  to  march  accordingly;  but  if  that  should 
not  be  the  Case,  you'l  cause  them  to  march  to  Fort  Arnold  agrea- 
ble  to  the  former  Orders,  even  tho'  you  should  be  obliged  to  use 
the  whole  strength  of  your  Regt.  to  bring  them  down  in  Custody. 

I  am  &ca. 

Robt.  Benson,  A.  D.  C. 
Colo.  Van  Alstyne. 


[No.  1783.] 
ONE  HUNDRED  DOLLARS  REWARD. 

For  the .  Arrest  of  Parks  and  the  Middaghs — Colonel   Cantinds 

Troubles. 

Hunk  Sept'r  18th  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  Not  Withstanding  my  frequent  applycations  to  the 
Commanding  officers  of  ye  Different  Regim't  of  Ulster  &  Orange 
Countys  to  Send  up  there  men,  Still  are  great  Deficiancecys, 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  65 

Espesially  Collo.  WodhuFs,  Who  for  a  Considerable  time  past 
has  had  None  at  all,  and  if  there  Be  any  Now  of  his  Eegim't,  it 
is  But  of  Late  they  are  Come;  one  of  ye  Classes  of  Collo. 
McCloughree's  Regim't  time,  was  Expired  Day  Before  yester- 
day and  there  Reliefe  is  Not  yet  Come,  But  Hear  they  Where  to 
march  this  morning;  the  Classes  Not  marching  in  time  makes 
the  Numbers  at  the  Different  posts  often  Very  Defitient;  Where 
they  all  fited  for  ye  Soldier,  I  think  we  might  preform  the  Duty 
Which  Could  be  Exsected  of  us,  But  many  of  ye  men  are  But 
poorly  Equipt,  other  wanting  Shose;  Where  it  Not  for  a  few 
active  I  Could  under  my  present  Circumstances  Exspect  Little 
Else  But  Sensure  &  Blame,  from  those  whome  I  Endeavour  to 
Serve,  for  it  is  Nateral  for  every  man  to  Be  for  his  own  Safety 
and  whould  Be  fond  of  haveing  a  guard  at  his  own  Door.  Be- 
side this,  there  are  many  passes  Now  known  Which  heretofore 
I  Never  have  heard  of.  But  this  I  am  Satisfyed  of,  that  there 
are  more  then  I  am  able  to  guard  so  as  to  prevent  the  Enemy 
of  Snatching  one  a  Way  By  times.  Where  my  Number  much 
Larger  then  it  is  at  present;  I  whould  to  God  that  it  was  in  our 
Power  to  Do  the  Work  affectually.  I  mean  to  go  with  a  Num- 
ber Suffitent  to  Distroy  their  habitations.  I  am  Willing  to  Be 
one  of  them,  tho  Whould  be  glad  to  See  the  Command  put  in 
an  ableer  hand  then  I  am  of  Sir  with  Esteem  Your  most  Hum'e 

Ser't 

John  Cantine. 
His  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esq. 

Sept'r  21st  1778. 

D'r  Sir,  I  have  rec'd'your  favor  of  the  18th  Inst.  &  in  conse- 
quence, thereof,  I  have  issued  the  enclosed  Orders,  which  if  duly 
executed  will  remove  the  difficulties  you  complain  of.  I  have 

rec'd  a  Petition  of  some  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Marble  Town, 
5 


66  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLIXTOX. 

pray'g  that  a  Guard  may  be  stationed  on  the  frontiers  of  that 
Town  to  scout  north  &  south  &c.  &c.  I  have  answered  it  by 
reciting  to  them  the  Substance  of  that  part  of  the  enclosed  or- 
ders, which  respects  the  tak'g  Post  &  stationing  the  men  & 
that  I  doubt  not  that  you  will,  from  your  zeal  for  the  Service 
&  knowledge  of  the  Country,  comply  w'th  their  Request,  if  the 
Genl.  Safety  of  the  frontiers  &  the  number  of  men  under  your 
Command  will  admit  of  it.  For  your  own  Information  &  to 
prevent  your  being  censured  by  those  People.  I  would  advise 
you  to  avail  yourself  of  the  advice  of  Judge  Pawling  &  the  other 
principal  Inhabitants  of  the  neighbourhood. 

I  should  be  happy  to  (know)  that  an  Expedition  could  be 
carried  on  ag't  Ooghquaga  &  would,  therefore,  wish  to  have  your 
Opinion  what  number  of  militia  would  be  adequate  for  such 
Service.  I  have  only  to  add  that  I  have  great  Reason  to  believe 
the  greatest  mischiefs  arise  thro'  the  agency  of  the  two  Mid- 
daghs  &  Parks,  &  you  have,  therefore,  my  consent  to  Offer  a  Re- 
ward of  100  Dollars  for  the  apprehend'g  of  them  or  either  of 
them — this  matter  should  be  so  far  kept  a  Secret  as  only  to  be 
communicated  to  the  Party  who  most  likely  to  fall  in  with  them, 

I  am  &c. 

Geo:  Clinton. 
Colo.  Cantine. 


[No.  1784.] 
JAMES  DUANE  WRITES  DESPONDENTLY. 

Indian  Raids   have   Destroyed   Crops,    Terrified   the   People   and 
Desolated  the  Frontier — Exorbitant  Charges  for  Meat. 

Manour  Tivingston  22d  September  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  I  am  honoured  with  your  Excellency's  obliging  favour 
of  the  18th  Instant,  and  beg  you'l  accept  my  Thanks  for  the 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  67 

friendly  Sentiments  you  express  for  this  Family,  as  well  as  for 
myself.  Mr.  R.  C.  Livingston  is  now  at  Ancram  where  he  ex- 
pects to  remain,  chiefly,  as  he  thinks  the  air  of  that  place  agrees 
best  with  his  feeble  Constitution.  He  is  really  in  a  poor  way 
after  all  the  Trouble  and  Expence  he  has  encounter'd  for  the 
Recovery  of  his  Health.  I  shall  communicate  to  him  the  very 
kind  manner  in  which  your  Excellency  consents  to  his  remain- 
ing with  his  Friends. 

I  never  doubted,  but  that  your  Excellency  sensibly  felt  the 
Indignity,  as  well  as  Calamities,  which  our  unfortunate  State 
suffers  from  the  barbarous  Incursions  of  a  few  Indians  &  Tor- 
ies— "few,  Compared  to  our  own  strength,  I  must  call  it,  if  their 
number  shoud  be  1000,  which  by  the  way  I  have  no  Reason  to 
believe.  I  flatter  myself  your  Exertions  on  this  important  Sub- 
ject will  be  more  attended  to  &  have  greater  weight,  the  ensu- 
ing, than  at  the  last,  Sessions.  The  Destruction  of  our  western 
frontier,  is  the  Destruction  of  our  Granary,  &  will  be  severly  felt ; 
and  what  is  worse  the  Inhabitants,  finding  they  are  not  pro- 
tected, will  loose  Confidence  in  the  present  Government,  and  the 
Spirit  of  Disaffection  encrease,  at  a  period  when  it  ought  to  be 
extinguished. 

I  feel  with  your  Excellency,  disgust  and  anxiety,  that  when 
we  have  so  many  brave  officers  &  Troops  belonging  to  our  own 
State,  our  Frontiers  shoud  be  defended  by  our  Neighbours,  who 
know  little  or  nothing  of  Geography  of  the  Country,  and  who 
do  not  love  us,  or  value  our  Interest,  with  all  the  Cordiality  that 
coud  be  wished.  I  do  not  mean,  however,  to  censure  any  parf 
of  the  past  Conduct  of  the  Troops  to  the  Northward.  They  were 
too  few  to  undertake  any  Expedition  into  the  Indian  Settlements, 
and  every  thing  else  is  vain  and  absurd.  We  may  as  well  hunt 


68  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLIXTOX. 

the  Eagles  of  the  air  as  Indians  in  the  woods.  They  have  only 
two  points  in  war— an  ambush,  and  the  nimbleness  of  their 
Heels;  to  the  Efficacy  of  the  latter  of  which  a  perfect  Knowledge 
of  our  extensive  Forests  greatly  contributes;  One  other  Eminent 
advantage  they  enjoy,  which  depends  upon  ourselves  and  isr 
therefore,  much  more  to  be  lamented,  and  that  is  the  unmanly 
Dread  which  our  militia  in  general,  and  the  low  Dutch  more 
especially,  entertain  of  these  Savages.  Dastardly  as  they  un- 
questionably are, — a  Detachment  of  the  Continental  Forces  will 
be  necessary  to  subdue  them  effectually,  but  if  they  coud  be 
spared  from  the  grand  army,  I  fear,  with  your  Excellency,  that 
the  Season  is  passed  for  carrying  on  any  decisive  Expedition 
against  those  perfidious  Murtherers  this  Campaign.  They  might, 
by  suiteable  Reinforcements,  properly  station'd.  be  overawd  and 
frightend  into  Retreat  or  Inactivity,  and  that  itself  woud  be 
of  great  Consequence:  for  If  the  German  Flatts  are  really  cut 
off,  as  reported,  &  there  should  be  no  further  Succour,  I  shall 
not  be  surprised  if  our  western  Borders  shoud  be  abandoned 
by  all  who  do  not  make  peace  with  the  Enemy  and  accept  of 
their  Protection. 

It  will  give  me  infinite  Pleasure  to  serve  my  Country,  or  to 
afford  any  assistance  to  the  Executive  at  this  critical  Juncture, 
when  the  war  seems  to  center,  and  to  be  about  spending  all  its 
Fury  within  the  Circle  of  my  native  State.  I  shoud,  therefore, 
most  chearfully  repair  to  Poghkeepsie  by  the  first  day  of  the 
Sessions  was  I  not  strongly  restraind  by  the  feeling  of  Delicacy. 
I  will  not,  whatever  becomes  of  my  private  Fortune,  or  whatever 
I  suffer  in  being  separated  from  my  Friends  &  Family,  decline  the 
Office  of  Delegate  during  the  war;  But  I  cannot  reconcile  it  to 
myself  to  appear  as  If  I  Sought  that  or  any  other  Office:  But 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  69 

the  Moment  I  hear  that  the  Election  of  Delegates  is  made,  I  shall 
repair  to  Poghkeepsie  and  be  at  your  Excellency's  Service; 
whether  I  am  reappointed  or  not,  As  that  mast  necessarily  be 
the  first  business  to  prevent  the  Loss  of  Representation  in  Con- 
gress, the  little  Delay  will  not  produce  any  Inconvenience. 

I  cannot  conclude  without  mentioning  to  your  Excellency  the 
pain  I  feel  at  the  excessive  and  unaccountable  Rise  of  Bread  & 
Meat.  I  cannot  but  ascribe  it  to  the  secret  arts  &  Practices  of 
conceald  agents  of  our  Enemies,  who  take  this  last  Method,  since 
their  arms  are  like  to  fail,  to  ruin  our  Affairs.  Surely  it  is  im- 
possible that  the  Friends  of  America,  however  mercenary,  can 
deliberately  promote  such  detestible  Extortion.  How  Sir,  in  the 
name  of  Heaven,  can  an  army  be  supported  on  Beef  at  £60  for  a 
mean  Ox,  and  Flower  at  £6  to  8  a  hundred  &  daily  rising?  A 
Remedy  must  be  provided,  at  all  Events,  for  this  destructive  Mis- 
chief or — :but  I  need  not  enlarge  to  your  Excellency  who  so 
clearly  foresees  the  consequences. 

Mrs.  Duane  Joins  me  in  respectful  Compliments  to  yourself  & 
Mrs.  Clinton — with  the  greatest  Esteem  &  Regard  I  have  the 
Honour  to  be  Sir  Your  Excellency's  most  Obed't  &  very  hum'e 

aert 

Jas.  Dnane. 
His  Excellency,  Governour  Clinton. 

not  forwarded  for  want  of  Opportunity  till  the  1st  of  October. 


[No.  1785.] 
Commissary  Fisher  Hakes  a  Financial  Statement  in  Regard  to  Flour. 

Fishkill  Sept'r  22d  1778. 

DT  Sir,  I  rec'd  your  favour  of  the  19th  Inst;  had  not  rec'd  a 
from  you,  before  this,  since  I  had  the  Pleasure  of  paying  you 


70  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

£207' — 0 — 0  on  Acct.  of  his  Excellency;  must  alow  there  may  be  a 
Ballance  due  his  Excellency  on  Acct.  of  the  Casks,  as  I  mentioned 
to  you  when  paying  the  Money;  am  at  present  out  of  Cash  but 
expect  a  Supply  very  shortly,  when  I  shall  wait  on  his  Excellency 
for  a  final  Settlement,  the  old  Com'y  Department  is  indebted  to 
me  for  all  Moneys  I  advanced  which  keeps  me  so  short  of  Cash, 
I  am,  Sir,  with  due  Respect,  Your  most  obd.  Ser't 

George  Fisher. 
Eobt.  Benson  Esqr. 


[No.  1786.] 

John  Tayler  Requests  That  a  Bill  for  Rum  Be  Settled. 
May  it  please  Your  Excellency  The  bearer,  Mr.  Blair  &  myselfr 
purchased  Jointly  a  parcel  of  rum,  which  he  took  to  Fort  Mont* 
gomery  in  May  1777  and  disposed  of  a  part  of  the  same  to  Mr. 
Waterbury,  the  Commissary,  for  the  use  of  that  Garrison,  taking 
his  bill  for  the  amount  on  Elisha  Avery,  Esq.  Mr.  Avery  Refer'd 
him  to  the  Commissary  General,  that  Post  not  being  in  Mr. 
Avery's  department — the  Bill  remain'd  in  my  hands  until  after 
the  taking  of  Fort  Montgomery,  I  then  sent  it  to  Mr.  Trumbull, 
who  answerd  he  could  not  pay  any  of  Waterbury's  accounts, 
until  he  had  an  order  from  Congress  for  that  purpose.  I  am  in- 
formed the  most  of  those  accounts  are  Setled,  as  you  Commanded 
Fort  Montgomery  at  that  time,  Mr.  Blair  waits  on  you  for  your 
direction  in  this  affair;  any  assistance  that  you  will  please  to 
give  him  will  be  Gratefully  acknowledged  by  Yoer  Excellency's 

most  obed't  Humble  Serv. 

John  Tayler. 
Albany  22d  Sept.  1778. 

Governor  Clinton. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  71 

[No.  1787.] 
Order  for  Musket  Cartridges. 

Poughkeepsie  Sept.  22d  1778. 

Sir,  Please  to  deliver  to  the  Commiss'rs  for  Conspiracies  &c. 
at  Poughkeepsie  or  their  Order  1000  musket  Cartridges  filled  of 
diff'l  Sizes  for  the  Use  of  the  Militia  appointed  to  Guard  the  State 

Prisoners  under  their  direction. 

'Geo:  Clinton. 
To  Colo.  Lasher,  Commisis'r  of  military  Stores. 


[No.  1788.] 

Scarcity  of  Shoes  and  Stockings — Colonel  Curt/emus  on  Exempting 
Certain  Workmen  from  Military  Duty. 

Wall  Kill  Sept.  22d  1778. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency,  Inclosed  is  a  list*  of  the  per- 
sons names,  who  are  willing  to  work  at  the  Soldiers  Clothes  & 
Shoes,  provided  they  can  be  exempted  from  Militia  duty  during 
the  time  they  are  at  work.  Your  Excellency  will  be  pleased  to 
send  the  Exemptions  by  the  bearer,  Mr.  Abraham  Vangelder,  who 
I  have  desiered  to  wait  for  them  until  they  can  be  got  ready. 

I  have  Received  as  yet,  but  14  p  Shoes  &  18  pr.  Stockings  from 
the  supervisors,  &  by  what  I  can  learn,  but  few  more  will  come 
in.  I  have  wrote  to  the  supervisors  &  advertized  it  in  the  public 
papers,  to  bring  in  the  Shoes  &  Stockings  agreeable  to  act,  but  to 
little  purpose;  the  reason  of  their  backwardness  is  owing  I  under- 
stand to  the  supervisors  not  getting  the  act  until  after  the  time 
appointed  for  their  meeting  was  Expiered,  after  which  they  say, 
it  would  have  been  to  no  purpose  to  lay  the  assesment,  because 
the  fine  could  not  have  been  recovered  if  the  persons  had  refused 
that  were  asses'd,  If  this  is  so  it  will  be  necessary  to  have  the 


•Not   found. 


72  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

act  Reviv'd,  It  would  also  be  necessary  that  the  counties  should 
provide  blankets,  as  there  are  none  in  store,  neither  have  1  orders 
to  purchace  any.  I  remain  with  great  Respect  Your  Excell'ys 

most  Obed't  Serv't 

Peter  T.  Curtenius. 
His  ExcelPy  Geo.  Clinton  Esqr. 

[No.  1789.] 
Joost  Garrison  Refuses  to  Take  the  Oath  of  Allegiance. 

State  of  New  York  Ss. 

To  his  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esquire  Governor  of  the  State  of  New  York. 
General  and  commander  in  chief,  of  all  the  militia,  and  admiral  of  the  navy  of  the 
same. 

In  pursuance  of  an  act  of  the  Legislature  of  this  State  Entitled  "  an  act  more  efect- 
"  ually  to  prevent  the  mischiefs  arising  from  the  Influence  and  example  of  persons  of 
"  equivocal  and  suspected  Characters  in  this  State  "  we  do  hereby  notify  your  Excel- 
lency that  Joost  Garrison  of  Charlotte  precinct  in  Dutchess  County,  having  appeared 
before  us,  and  being  by  us  Tendered  the  Oath  in  the  said  act  contained,  did  refuse  to 
take  the  same,  and  that  unless  your  Excellency  shall  think  proper  to  detain  him  for 
the  purpose  of  exchanging  him  for  any  of  the  subjects  of  this  State,  in  the  power  of 
the  Enemy,  we  shall  cause  him  to  be  removed  within  the  Enemy's  Lines. 

Peter  Cantine,  Jur.,  Robt.  Harpur,  Egb't  Benson,  Commissioners. 
Poughkeepsie  September  23d  1778. 


[No.  1790.] 

Robert  Benson  for  the  Governor  on  the  Authority  of  General  Officers 
in  Courts  Martial  Sentences. 

Poughkeepsie  Sept'r  23d  1778. 

Sir,  I  had  the  honor  of  receiving  your  favor  of  the  16th  Inst. 
yesterday  &  agreable  to  your  Request  shall  endeavor  to  answer 
agreable  to  his  Excellency's  Opinion  on  the  Subject,  the  questions 
you  have  stated.  By  the  Militia  Law  "  a  refusal  or  neglect  to 
march  "  is  declared  Desertion  &  of  Course  a  Capital  Crime  &  altho' 
a  Court  martial  may  in  some  Cases  think  proper  to  sentence  the 
Criminal  to  Death  &  in  others  to  lesser  Punishments,  yet  this  by 
no  means  can  alter  the  nature  of  the  Crime;  Circumstances  may 
justify  the  Court  in  ordering  a  Punishnft  of  an  Inferior  nature 
to  that  of  Death.  By  the  usage  of  our  army  every  Genl.  Officer 
having  a  eeperate  &  distinct  Command  is  supposed  to  be  author- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  73 

ized  to  approve  or  disapprove  the  Sentences  of  all  C'ts  martial 
within  his  Departm't,  &  to  order  the  same  to  be  carried  into  exe- 
cution &,  therefore,  the  Proceed'g  are  always  reported  to  him  for 
that  purpose.  In  this  light  is  to  be  considered  your  command  at 
present,  as  having  the  Direction  of  the  Defence  for  the  western 
frontiers  &  order'g  out  the  militia  for  that  purpose,  altho'  subject 
to  the  controul  and  ordere  of  the  Commander  in  Chief.  It  was  on. 
this  principal,  that  his  Excellency  instead  of  ordering,  only  recom- 
mended, it  to  you,  to  suspend  the  Sentences  (which  were  then 
already  reported  to  &  approved  by  you)  respect'g  the  Delinquents 
in  Colo.  Whiting's  Regt.  However,  notwithstanding,  what  has 
been  said,  Doubts  may  arise  whether  in  Cases  where  the  Sentence 
extends  to  deprive  the  Criminal  of  Life,  this  Line  of  Conduct  would 

s 

be  prudent  or  adviseable.  I  think  not,  &,  therefore,  that  the  Pro- 
ceedings in  such  cases  had  better  be  reported  to  the  Commander  in 
Chief  for  his  approbation  or  reversal. 

We  have  not  a  word  of  new7s.  I  supose  before  this  reaches  you 
you  will  have  heard  that  our  main  army  is  withdrawn  from  the 
White  Plains;  &  a  part  of  them  occupy  the  Posts  in  the  Highl'de; 
another  part  of  them  the  eastern  Parts  of  Westchester  County,  & 
the  remainder  ar.e  encamped  towards  Fredricksburgh,  where  Genl. 

Washington  has  his  headq'rs.     I  am  &c. 

Robt.  Benson. 
The  hon'ble  Brig'r  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Albany. 


[No.  1791.] 

The  Albany  Conspiracy  Commission  Apologize  for  the  Slight  to 

Governor  CUnton. 

Albany  23rd  Sept'r  1778. 

Sir,  We  yesterday  rec'd  your  Excellency's  Letter  of  the  20th 
Instant. 


74  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

In  answer  to  which  we  beg  leave  to  observe,  that  on  the  24th 
August  in  the  afternoon,  and  but  a  few  Minutes  before  we  ad- 
journed, we  ordered  our  Secretary  to  furnish  your  Excellency  with 
the  names  of  Henry  Van  Schaack  and  the  seven  other  Persons  re- 
ferred to.  The  next  Morning  he  received  orders  from  us  to  go  to 
Claverack  to  take  the  examination  of  a  number  of  Persons  there 
confined.  The  business  he  was  ordered  upon,  being  very  urgent, 
and  the  hurry  he  was  in,  in  preparing  himself  for  the  Journey, 
we  presume  was  the  Cause  of  his  omitting  to  notify  your  Excel- 
lency in  due  Season  agreeable  to  our  order.  He  did  not  return 
untill  the  3rd  Instant,  and  as  we  were  led  to  suppose  from  the 
positiveness  of  the  order  and  the  attention  he  usually  paid  to  our 
business,  that  our  order  was  complied  with,  we  made  no  further 
enquiry  respecting  it,  but  on  the  day  when  the  warrant  was 
Signed  for  the  removal  of  those  Persons,  he  informed  us  that  the 
notice  had  not  been  transmitted  to  your  Excellency  till  the  5th 
Inst.  Finding  then  that  between  the  Time  of  the  notice  and  the 
day  fixed  for  their  removal  (to  wit  the  9th)  there  were  but  four 
days,  and  being  aware  of  the  Impropriety  of  this  measure,  we 
ordered  Coll.  Visscher,  whom  we  had  appointed  to  Superintend 
their  Kemoval,  not  to  leave  Kinderhook  (the  Place  they  were  to  set 
off  from)  untill  the  13th  with  a  view,  in  Case  your  Excellency 
should  determine  to  detain  them,  that  we  might  order  accordingly. 

The  Flags  passing  your  Excellency's  Quarters,  was  owing  to  a 
Report  made  to  us,  by  Colo.  Visscher,  that  when  he  called  upon 
your  Excellency  with  the  former  Flag,  you  had  been  pleased  to 
say  there  was  no  necessity  for  his  stopping  at  your  Quarters,  and 
that  for  the  future  we  should  seed  the  Persons  to  be  removed  on 
to  Fish  Kill. 

We  return  your  Excellency  our  thanks  for  entertaining  the  good 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  75 

opinion  of  us,  whereby  you  are  induced  to  believe  that  it  must 
have,  been  occasioned  by  some  Mistake,  which  was  really  the  Case, 
-and  shall  endeavour  to  prevent  the  like  in  future. 

The  Persons  referred  to  in  yours  of  the  16th  and  your  last  Let- 
ter, shall  be  confined  for  exchange  agreeable  to  your  directions. 
We  are  with  the  greatest  respect  Your  Excellency's  Most  Obt. 

Serv'ts 

Mat:  Visscher,  Isaac  D.  Fonda,  John  M.  Beeckman. 

His  Excellency,  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  1792.] 
ROBERT  R,  LIVINGSTON  DEFENDS  THE  MANOR. 

•Governor    Clinton,    However,    Corrects    Several    Discrepancies — 
Movements  of  the  Commander-in-Chief. 

Clermonnt  23d  Sep'r  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  Mr.  Albertie  will  deliver  this  to  your  Excellency.  The 
Convention  at  Kingston  at  my  request,  let  him  purchase  on  their 
acct.,  200  hides  to  be  tanned  for  the  halves  on  acct.  of  the  State; 
they  are  now  finished,  &  he  waits  upon  your  Excellency  to  take 
your  direction  about  them.  He  is  a  good  whig,  &  a  man  of  a  very 
good  character;  if  your  Excellency  sh'd  have  any  proposal  to  make 
for  further  business  of  this  sort  I  dare  say  he  would  execute  it 
honestly. 

I  find  the  Manor  ag'n  called  upon  for  waggons  &  upon  the  prin- 

* 

ciple  of  their  having  done  little  duty  I  am  perswaded  that  your 
Excellency  has  been  greatly  deceived  by  misrepresentations  on 
this  head.  No  part  of  the  state  has  suffered  half  so  much  by  the 
oppressions  of  quarter  masters  &  Commissaries,  or  done  more 
duty,  they,  having  been  freequently  called  upon  for  a  quota  of 
men  to  go  to  the  norward,  &  another  the  Southerd  besides  large 


76  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

demands  for  waggons.  At  a  time  when  every  fourth  man  was- 
called  down,  every  sixth  was  summoned  by  Genl.  Ten  Bro<;k  to 
go  to  the  Norward.  Of  the  whole  number  of  waggons  in  the  Man- 
iior  which  does  not  exceed  200,  I  will  undertake  to  prove  the  30 
were  lost  last  campaign  to  the  norward  &  near  one  hundred 
horses  for  which  no  compensation  has  been  allowed. 

They  sh'd  certainly  be  considered  as  belonging  to  one  County  or 
the  other  &  not  obliged  to  do  the  duty  of  both.  And  some  care 
sh'd  be  taken  that  justice  was  done  them;  when  they  did  serve  no 
wages  having  ever  yet  been  rec'd.  I  mention  this,  because  I  am 
informed  that  the  quartermaster  upon  this  last  requisition  shew'd 
no  warrant  from  your  Excellency,  but  talked  of  procuring  the 
waggons  by  his  sword:  a  language  that  ought  not  to  be  spoken 
in  a  free  country.  I  know  that  your  Excellency  can  not  at  the  dis- 
tance you  now  are,  know  the  true  state  of  this  country,  where  the 
people  are  so  incapable  of  representing  their  grievances,  and  upon 
that  principle  I  am  satisfied  that  your  Excellency  will  be  pleased 
at  the  liberty  I  have  taken  to  mention  facts  that  have  arissen  with- 
in my  own  knowledge. 

We  have  various  accts.  of  the  movement  of  the  enemy  &  our 
own  army — none  of  which  can  be  depended  on — if  any  thing  sh'd 
have  turned  up  of  consequence  I  sh'd  be  obliged  to  your  Excel- 
lency for  a  line  by  the  bearer.  I  am,  D'r  Sir,  Your  Excellency's 

Most  Obt.  Hum:  Serv't 

Bobt.  B.  Livingston. 
To  His  Excellency  Gov'r  Clinton. 


P.  23d  Sep'r  1778. 

D'r  Sir,  I  am  favoured  with  your  Letter  by  Mr.  Albertie;  if  any 
Thing  shoud  turn  up  in  which  I  can  save  him  I  will  do  it  with 
great  Pleasure. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  77 

I  am  far  from  approving  of  the  Quarter  Masters  Conduct  to- 
wards the  Inhabitants  of  the  Manor.  He  has  indeed  no  Warrant 
from  me  nor  have  I  ever  issued  one  to  any  of  them  for  the  Pur- 
pose. By  the  Law,  (except  on  special  Occassions),  Impresses  are  to 
be  made  by  Warrant  from  the  Justices  of  the  District  &  as  there 
is  not  any  Quallified  in  that  this  may  have  induced  the  Quarter 
Master  to  think  himself  Justifiable  in  proceeding  as  formerly 
with  respect  to  that  manor. 

I  have  been  most  grossly  deceived  if  the  Manor  Regiment  has 
been  overcharged  with  duty.  It  is  true  in  the  Spring,  they  received 
thro'  Misstake  my  Orders  for  marching  one  fourth  of  the  Regt., 
to  reinforce  the  Posts  in  the  Highlands  &  at  the  same  Time  they 
had  Genl.  Ten  Broeck's  Orders  to  march  an  Eighth  or  Sixth  to 
the  Western  Frontier.  This  was  rectified  immediately,  but  neither 
order  [was]  ever  complied  with,  and  if  I  may  credit  Genl.  Ten 
Broeck's  Returns  to  me,  every  Order  he  has  issued  to  that  Regi- 
ment has  been  imperfectly  obeyed  or  totally  disregarded  by  them; 
it  appears  it  has  not  in  any  one  Instance,  furnished  half  its  Quota 
&  in  some  Times  not  a  Man.  This  is  the  Case  to  my  certain 
Knowledge  at  this  present  Time. 

The  Army  has  left  the  Plains  &  are  now  posted  along  the  Moun- 
tains from  Danbury  to  West  Point,  Head  Quarters  at  Jno.  Kain's 
at  Fredricksburgh,  for  which  Place  Genl.  Washington  after  hav- 
ing visited  the  Forts,  passed  thro  Fishkill  on  Sunday  last.  I  am 
not  informed  of  the  Occassion  of  this  Movement.  I  can  but  con- 
jecture &  mine  are  not  worth  Communicating.  I  am  D'r  Sir 

Yours  sincerely, 

[G.  0.] 
{To  Robert  R.  Livingston.] 


78  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  1793.] 
GEORGE  CLINTON  TO  WASHINGTON. 

Fear  of  Losing  All  the  Settlements  on  the  Mohaivk  River — Stark 
Regarded  More  as  a  Politician  Than  a  Soldier. 

Poukeepsie  24th  Sep'r  1778. 

D'r  Sir,  I  wrote  your  Excellency  on  the  20th  Instant  inclosing 
an  Account  of  the  Destruction  of  the  German  Flatts  on  the  Mo- 
hawk River.  Since  I  have  been  favoured  with  a  Letter  from 
Colo.  Bellinger  of  which  the  inclosed  is  a  Copy  giving  the  particu- 
lars of  that  unhappy  Affair.  Colo.  Bellinger's  Letter  was  handed 
to  me  by  Mr.  Herkimer,  Brother  to  the  late  General  Herkimer, 
who,  (as  he  is  well  acquainted  with  the  Situation  of  that  Country 
&  the  distresses  of  the  Inhabitants),  I  have  prevailed  upon  to  be 
the  Bearer  of  this,  that  he  may  afford  your  Excellency  the  fullest 
Information. 

From  the  first  Appearance  of  Danger  in  that  Quarter,  the  Com- 
manding Officers  of  the  Militia  of  Albany  &  Tryon  Counties  have 
had  my  most  positive  Orders  to  keep  out  one  fourth  Part  of  their 
Commands  on  the  Frontiers,  and  tho  I  am  sensible  my  Orders 
have  not  been  fully  complied  with,  yet  from  the  Returns  made  me 
it  appear  that  a  Considerable  Force  has  been  constantly  out  on 
that  Service,  and  I  entertained  Hopes  that  with  the  assistance 
of  Weston's  Regiment  they  would  have  been  able  to  have  afforded 
some  Security  to  the  Frontier  Inhabitants;  but  the  Extensive 
Country  to  be  guarded,  &  the  want  of  Judgment  in  not  fixing  on 
the  most  advantageous  Station,  with  some  other  Causes,  has  ren- 
dered the  Measures  hitherto  pursued,  innefectual  &  I  fear  will 
End  in  the  Total  Loss  of  the  mp.ny  valuable  Settlements  on  the 
River.  Shoud  this  be  the  Case,  besides  the  Distresses  which  will 
be  experienced  by  Individuals,  we  will  find  it  Extreamly  difficult 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  79 

to  get  the  Necessary  Supplies  to  Fort  'Schuyler  &  of  Course  that 
Important  Post  very  insecure. 

I  have  been  favoured  with  two  Letters  from  Genl.  Stark  on  the 
subject  of  his  Command  last  Spring  one,  &  the  other  the  later 
Part  of  Summer,  neither  of  any  Consequence  &  if  I  may  Judge 
from  this  &  the  Common  Report  of  the  Inhabitants,  corroborated 
by  the  Complaints  of  a  Civil  Officer  of  the  State,  I  may  reason- 
ably conclude  that  he  has  paid  a  greater  share  of  attention  to  the 
support  &  Encouragement  of  the  disafeoted  Subjects  of  this  State 
on  the  Grants,  in  establishing  their  usurped  Government,  than  to 
the  Defence  of  the  Western  Frontier  &  Protection  of  its  Inhab- 
itants. I  am,  Sir,  with  the  highest  Esteem  &  Respect  Your  Ex- 
cellency's most  Obed't  Serv't 

[G.  C.] 
His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington. 


[No.  1794.] 
SKELETON  MILITIA  REGIMENTS. 

General  Ten  Broeck  Dwells  Upon  the  Difficulties  of  His  Position — 

The  Losses  at  German  Flats. 

» 

Albany  24th  Septem'r  1778. 

Sir,  Your  Excellency's  letter  of  the  20th  Instant  by  the  Return- 
ing Express  I  have  Rec'd.  I  am  very  Unhappy  that  so  few  of  the 
militia  Ordered  for  the  Protection  of  the  Frontiers  have  been  at 
any  time  actually  on  that  Service;  at  the  very  time  when  I  de- 
sired your  Excellency's  Opinion  Relative  to  the  keeping  back  the 
last  Class,  (&  I  wrote  purely  to  Gratify  the  Officers  who  in  be- 
half of  their  men  dayly  applyed  to  me),  I  pressed  them  &  Urged 
the  necessity  of  sending  on  their  full  Proportion  of  men  to  Re- 
lieve in  due  time  those  then  in  Service. 


80  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

In  the  last  alarm  I  only  Ordered  Colonel  Wemple's,  Schuyler's 
&  Van  Sch'oonhoven's  Regts;  the  two  later  did  not  march,  I 
having  Countermanded  the  Order,  when  I  was  Informed  that  the 
Enemy  had  gone  off;  Col.  Wemple's  did  march  but  Returned  soon 
home. 

Colonell  Alden's  Regiment  is  Stationed  at  Cherry  Valey,  I  am 
Informed  that  he  sent  part  of  his  Regt  to  Intercept  the  Enemy, 
who  it  is  said  took  their  Rout  back  by  the  same  way  they  came 
to  Unindillo;  what  Success  they  have  had  or  whether  they  are 
Returned  I  have  not  learnt.  Colonel  Klock  was  on  his  march, 
as  he  Informs  me,  with  about  300  men  of  his  militia;  when  within 
ab't  4  miles  of  Cherry  Valey  an  Express  overtook  him  Informing 
him  that  the  Enemy  wa.s  in  full  march  &  near  Canajohary,  which 
Obliged  him  to  march  back  on  the  Cherry  Valey  Road  to  the 
River;  on  his  arrival  there,  he  found  there  was  no  truth  in  the 
Information  &  then  Ordered  his  men  to  follow  him  to  Cherry 
Valey,  but  could  Prevail  only  on  about  60  men  to  go  with  him, 
with  whom  he  arrived  at  Cherry  Valey  on  Fryday  noon,  when 
Colonel  Alden  told  him  he  came  too  late;  his  men  were  so  farr 

gone  that  it  would  be  Impossible  to  Overtake  them;  then  he  Re- 

i 
turned  &  dismissed  the  militia;  Inclosed  I  send  Copy  of  Col. 

Fisher's  letter  to  Col.  Wemple  &  Copy  of  Col.  Wemple's  letter  to 
me.  Major  Rensselaer  Informs  me  that  about  40  men  of  Col. 
Rensselaer's  Regiment  went  by  water  some  days  since  to  Fort 
Arnold,  Lieut.  Col.  Livingston  tells  me  some  of  Col.  Livingston's 
men  have  marched  but  Cannot  say  how  many,  I  am  told  only  4 
or  5  of  Col.  Van  Alstine's  are  march'd  to  Fort  Arnold.  I  have, 
therefore,  Ordered  one  fourth  part  of  his  Regiment  to  march  Im- 
mediately this  way. 

Colonel  Whiting  has  only  about  20  men  &  Col.  Van  Ness  about 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  81 

the  same  number  at  Cherry  Valey,  I  inclose  your  Excellency  Copj 
of  a  Keturn  I  have  Rec'd  from  Schohary.  I  have  wrote  to  the 
Colonels  &  Informed  them  of  the  great  Deficiency  &  have  Ordered 
them  without  one  moment's  delay  to  Compleat  the  number,  being 
one  fourth  part  of  their  Respective  Regiments. 

Two  General  Courts  Martial  are  now  setting,  one  in  the  Manor 
of  Livingston  &  one  at  this  place,  to  Try  the  Delinquents. 

General  Stark'  called  upon  me  yesterday  &  Requested  me  to 
Order  one  fourth  part  of  Colonell  Van  Schoonhoven's  Regiment 
to  Canajohary  in  Tryon  County  which  I  have  done. 

One  fourth  part  of  all  Except  the  three  northern  Regiments  of 
my  Brigade  have  long  since  been  Ordered  into  actual  Service  to 
be  Relieved  monthly,  &  I  shall  do  my  Utmost  Endeavours  to 
bring  them  into  actual  Service  &  Statedly  keep  them  out,  to  Pro- 
tect the  Frontiers;  if  your  Excellency  should  Judge  the  number 
Ordered  out  Insufficient  you  will  please  to  Signify  if  to  me.  The 
men  of  Course  are  Stationed  where  General  Stark  Orders  them. 
He  yesterday  Informed  me  that  he  has  Rec'd  Intelligence  that 
a  Body  of  the  Enemy  Intend  soon  to  make  an  attack  on  our 
northern  Frontiers,  of  this  I  have  apprized  the  Colonels  of  the 
four  northern  Regiments  &  have  directed  them  to  Order  their  men 
to  be  in  perfect  Readiness  so  as  to  be  able  to  march  at  a  moment's 
notice. 

I  inclose  a  list  of  the  number  of  Houses  &c.,  Burned  &  de- 
stroyed by  the  Enemy  at  German  Flatts  on  the  17th  Instant; 
Mr.  Herkhimer  who  lives  at  the  Flatts  went  down  to  your  Excel- 
lency two  or  three  days  ago;  he  is  able  to  give  a  more  Particular 
account.  I  Remain  with  great  Regard  Your  Excellency's  most 

Obedient  Humble  Servant 

Ab'm  Ten  Broeck. 
His  ExcelPy  George  Clinton  Esqr. 

6 


82  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Copy. 

Brimstone  Hill  Sep'r  19  1778. 

Sir,  I  was  within  3  miles  from  Chere  Vallie  where  I  met  CoL 
Clock,  and  he  Dismiss'd  us  all.  Col.  Alden  sent  out  yesterday  a 
party  to  cut  off  the  Enemies  Retreat  if  the  were  able.  Alden  told 
Clock  that  his  party  were  too  farr  to  overtake  them,  that  it  was 
not  worth  wile  for  the  Militia  to  pursue.  Sir  I  am  yours  &c. 

Fred'k  Fisher. 

P.  S.    Sir,  I  now  go  to  the  Germin  Flatts  to  see  how  it  is  with 
them. 
To  Col.  Ab'm  Wemple. 


Caughnewaga  Sep'r  20  1778. 

Hono'd  Sir,  To  my  great  Sirprise  this  morning,  I  received  In- 
teligence  from  Col.  Vischer,  that  the  Tryon  County  Militia  are 
all  Dismis'd;  none  gone  in  persuit  of  the  Enemy;  only  about  200 
of  Col.  Alden's  troops  &  militia  from  Cherevallie  are  gone  after 
them;  not  one  of  these  Militia  that  I  can  understand  are  even 
stayed  at  Charevallie  to  guard  that  place,  till  they  see  the  Event 
of  those  that  are  gone  after  the  Enemy;  now  I  am  much  at  a 
stand  what  to  do;  but  I  have  upon  the  whole  Concluded  to  stay 
at  the  Nose  or  Van  Alstyn's,  till  I  here  the  Event  of  those  that 
are  gone  after  the  Enemy,  and  if  I  dont  find  it  necessary  to  Pro- 
ceed, shall  Return  home,  without  I  receive  your  Orders  to  the 
Contrary.  I  am  Dear  General  Your  Humble  Serv't 

Ab'm  Wemple. 
To  General  Ten  Broeck. 

THE  Loss  AT  GERMAN  FLATS. 

Houses  63 

Barns  57 

Grist  mills  3 

Saw  mill  1 

Horses  235 

Horned  Cattle  229 

Sheep  26$ 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  8£ 

The  above  Buildings  at  the  German  Flatts  are  Burned  &  the 
Cattle  taken  off  by  the  Enemy  the  17th  day  of  September  1778. 

2  white  &  a  negroe  man  Inhabitants  Killed. 

A  man  a  son  of  Mrs.  Magin,  who  has  for  some  time  been  de- 
prived of  his  Senses  was  Burned  in  a  house. 


[No.  1795.] 

Peter  Colt  Asks  the  Governor's  Assistance  in  Purchasing  Supplies 
for  the  Eastern  Department  and  the  French  Fleet. 

Hartford  Sept.  25  1778. 

May  it  please  y'r  Excellency,  Being  informed  that  considerable 
Quantities  of  wheat  yet  remains,  of  the  old  Crops,  in  the  hands 
of  disaffected  persons,  &  such  others  as  refuse  to  sell  to  the  Com- 
missaries for  the  use  of  the  army, — for  paper  Money — &  being 
called  on  for  larger  Supplies  of  Flour  for  the  use  of  the  .Eastern 
Department  &  French  Fleet,  than  can  Supply,  unless  the  Farmers 
sell  without  reserve;  must  request  the  aid  and  assistance  of 
Goverment  in  procuring  this  necessary  article.  I  have  directed 
my  assistants  in  your  State,  to  apply  to  your  Excellency  (in  case 
they  cannot  obtain  the  wheat  &  Flour  otherways)  for  a  warrant 
to  seize  all  goods  so  unreasonably  withheld.  I  am  unacquainted 
with  the  Laws  of  your  State — dont  know  what  provisions  they 
have  made  in  such  Cases — however  dont  doubt  but  the  powers  of 
Goverment  will  be  properly  exerted  in  maintaining  &  Supporting 
this  just  &  necessary  Contest.  Mr.  Philip  Leak  purchases  under 
me  in  West  Chester  County,  Maj.  Henry  Schenk  of  Fishkill,.  Mr. 
Paul  Schenk  of  Poughkepsee,  David  Van  Ness  Esq.  of  Redhook 
&  Capt.  James  Reed  of  Amenia  precint  in  Dutches  County.  If 
either  of  those  Gentlemen  should  apply  to  your  Excellency  for  ad- 


84  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

vice  &  assistance,  must  request  you  to  consider  them  as  Persons 
in  public  service — any  aid  afforded  them  will  be  gratfully  acknowl- 
edged by  Your  Excellency's  most  respectful  humble  Servant 

Peter  Colt  D.  C.  G.  Purchases. 
His  Excellency  Go.  Clinton  Esquire. 


[No.  1796.] 

General  Ten  Broeck  Ordered  to  Protect  the  Western  Frontier. 

Poughkeepsie  Sept'r  25th  1778. 

Sir,  By  order  of  his  Excellency,  the  Governor,  I  inclose  you  the 
Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Colo.  Bellinger;  which  is  not  meant  to  in- 
form you  of  the  particulars  of  the  Ravages  of  the  Enemy  at  the 
German  Flatts  of  which  you  are  fully  acquainted,  but  to  shew 
you  the  Sense  of  the  Inhabitants  in  that  Quarter  &  the  necessity 
of  immediate  Reinforcem'ts  being  sent  thither,  not  only  to  prevent 
the  Inhabitants  coming  away  &  leaving  that  Country  entirely 
open  to  the  Enemy,  but  to  secure  the  Communication  for  the  trans- 
portation of  Provisions  &c.  to  Fort  Schuyler;  which,  if  neglected, 
may  render  the  situation  of  that  Post  very  precarious.  His  Ex- 
cellency, therefore,  most  earnestly  request  you  to  exert  yourself 
to  the  utmost  in  rousing  the  militia  to  a  Sense  of  their  Duty  & 
to  cause  one  full  fourth  part  of  them  forthwith  to  march  to  the 
relief  of  the  suffering  Inhabitants  on  the  Western  Frontiers  &  that 
they  be  so  stationed  as  to  afford  the  most  equal  &  perfect  Security 
to  all  the  frontier  Settlements. 

His  Excellency  further  directs  me  to  inform  you,  that  he  is 
not  authorized  to  appoint  a  Pay  Master  in  Albany,  &  therefore 
advises  that  the  Pay  Rolls  &c.  should  be  sent  down  by  an  officer 
to  the  Auditor  Genl.  &  that  immediately  on  their  being  audited 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  85 

a  warrant  will  issue  for  the  Paym't  of  them.    This  may  be  done 
without  any  great  Inconvenience.    I  have  the  honor  to  be  &c. 

Robt.  Benson,  A.  D.  C. 
The  hon'ble  Brig'r  Genl.  Ten  Broeck. 

His  Excellency  (from  Genl.  Washington's  Letter  in  answer  to 
his,  contain'g  a  Representation  of  the  Distresses  of  the  frontier 
Settl(jm'ts)  haw  Reason  to  expect  some  small  Succour  (however  illy 
to  be  spared)  from  the  main  army;  but  as  some  time  must  elapse 
before  they  can  possibly  arrive,  the  utmost  Exertions  of  the 
militia  are  in  the  meantime  absolutely  necessary. 


[No.  1797.] 

Governor  Clinton  Reminds  Colonel  Klock  of  Previous  Orders  That 
Have  Been  Neglected,  Concerning  the  Frontier. 

Poughkeepsie  Sept'r  25th  1778. 

Sir,  By  my  Orders  to  you  of  the  6th  April  last,  you  was  directed, 
to  raise  two  Companies  of  sixty  men  each,  including  non  Com- 
missioned Officers,  from  the  Militia  of  Tryon  County  to  be  sta- 
tioned on  the  Western  Frontier  for  the  Protection  of  the  Inhabit- 
ants ag't  the  Incursions  &  Ravages  of  the  Enemy  &ca.  And  by 
my  subsequent  Orders,  you  was  directed  to  Call  into  actual  Ser- 
vice and  constantly  keep  out  one  fourth  Part  of  the  Militia  for 
the  same  Purpose,  &  similar  Orders  to  the  last  were  also  issued 
at  the  same  Time  to  the  Commanding  Officers  of  the  Militia  of 
Albany  County.  But,  as  I  have  not  been  favoured  with  a  Line 
from  you  on  that  Subject,  or  any  Return  of  the  Men  you  may 
have  had  in  Service  in  Consequence  of  these  Orders,  I  am  alto- 
gether ignorant  whether  they  have  been  complied  with  by  you. 
The  daily  Depredations  committed  by  the  Enemy  on  the  Frontier 


86  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Inhabitants  &  particularly  the  late  mellancholly  one  at  the  Flatte, 
leads  me  to  believe  they  have  not,  as  I  am  perswaded  had  my 
Orders  been  fully  &  faithfully  carried  into  Execution  most  of  the 
Distresses  experienced  by  those  Unhappy  People  might  have  been 
prevented.  I  am,  therefore,  again  to  repeat  my  above  Orders  to 
you,  &  the  absolute  necessity  of  their  being  faithfully  &  without 
Delay  carried  into  Execution;  &  it  is  my  further  Orders  that  the 
Militia  for  this  Service  be  so  stationed  as  to  afford  the  most  equal 
&  perfect  Security  to  all  the  Frontier  Settlements  &  that  you 
make  Eeturns  to  me  from  Time  to  Time  of  the  Numbers  you  have 
out,  where  stationed  &c.  I  have  Reason  (from  his  Excell'cy  Genl. 
Washington's  Letter  in  answer  to  mine  contain'g  a  Representation 
of  the  Distresses  of  the  frontier  Inhabitants)  to  expect  some  small 
Succour,  (however  illy  to  be  spared),  from  the  main  army;  but 
as  some  time  must  elapse  before  they  can  arrive  the  utmost  ex- 
ertions of  the  militia  are  absolutely  necessary.  I  am  Sir  Your 

most  Obed't 

G.  C. 

To  Colo.  Clock.     - 


[No.  1798.] 
A  Cry  of  Alarm  from  Harington  Township. 

Harington  Township  September  25th  1778. 
Dear  Sir,  As  we  expect  that  Col.  Hay.  has  left  home  by  this 
time,  on  his  way  to  Genl.  Washington,  we  address  this  letter 
to  you  and  acquaint  you  that  from  good  authority  we  inform 
you  that  the  enemy  have  already  Seventeen  field  pieces  at  the 
liberty  pole,  they  daily  receive  reinforcements  from  Newyork 
and  have  actually  part  of  their  army  near  the  New  Bridge; 
their  intention  is  to  march  thro'  this  place  your  way.  this  In- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  87 

telligence  or  the  Chief  part  thereof  we  have  from  a  Creditable 
woman  who  has  been  among  the  enemy,  she  has  seen  the  above 
number  of  field  pieces.  , 

We  beg  of  you  to  forward  this  Intelligence  and  in  the  strong- 
est Terms  to  press  for  assistance;  you  will  inform  the  General 
Officers  that  unless  they  send  us  Speedy  relief  they  will  not  have 
Occasion  to  send  or  give  any,  on  our  account,  as  it  is  not  worth 
while  for  us  to  think  of  maintaining  our  Ground  much  longer. 
We  are  of  Opinion  that  our  Governor  ought  to  be  acquainted 
with  our  Scituation  and,  therefore,  request  of  you  to  send  him 
a  true  account  thereof  and  beg  his  assistance,  We  are  Sir  Your 

Humble  Servants. 

John  Haring 

Gilb't  Cooper. 

P.  S.  This  moment  some  women  and  Children  are  coming  up 
the  road  and  Give  an  alarm;  they  say  the  enemy  take  women 
and  Children  and  Commenced  their  old  practice  of  burning. 

J.  H. 

S  O'Clock  in  the  Evening. 

To  Thos.  Smith,  Esquire  at  Haverstraw. 


[No.  1799.] 
DISTRESS  AT  GERMAN  FLATS. 

An  Appeal  to  Be  Made  to  the  Legislature  for  the  Alleviation  of  the 

Sufferers. 

Poukeepsie  26th  Sep'r  1778. 

Sir,  Two  Days  before  the  Receipt  of  your  Letter  of  the  19th 
Inst.  by  Mr.  Herkimer,  I  had  the  Mellancholly  News  of  the  De- 
struction of  the  German  Flatts,  and  tho  my  Accounts  of  that 
Unhappy  Affair  were  not  so  perfect  as  by  your  Letter  I  imme- 


88  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

diately  communicated  them  to  his  Excellency  Genl.  Washington,, 
by  Express,  as  I  have  since  the  particulars  as  received  from  you. 
I  need  not  mention  to  you  how  great  my  Concern  is  for  the 
Distresses  of  the  Frontier  Inhabitants  &  particularly  for  those 
of  your  Neighborhood  who  have  suffered  most  by  this  last 
Unhappy  Affair.  I  have,  however,  this  Consolation  that  my  ut- 
most endeavours  for  their  Protection  &  Security  have  in  no 
Instance  been  wanting  and  I  am  perswaded  had  my  Orders  been 
faithfully  executed  much  Injury  &  Distress  might  have  been 
prevented.  The  inclosed  Copy  of  a  Letter  which  I  have  for- 
warded to  Colo.  Clock  will  discover  to  you  what  my  Orders  to 
him  were  &  that  similar  Orders  has  also  issued  to  Genl.  Ten 
Broeck.  You  will  also  observe,  that  besides  again  repeating 
my  former  Orders  to  those  Gentlemen  I  have  directed  that  the 
Militia  ordered  out,  be  stationed  so  to  give  the  most  perfect  & 
equal  Security  to  all  the  Frontier  Settlements.  As  I  dont  pos- 
sess any  Authority  over  the  Continental  Troops  you  will  readily 
perceive  that  the  only  Belief  or  assistance  I  am  of  myself  able 
to  afford  you,  must  be  by  the  Militia,  and  that  this  much  depends 
on  the  Exertions  of  the  subordinate  Officers  who  are  charged 
with  the  Execution  of  my  Orders.  I  am  lead  to  hope  however 
from  his  Excellency  Genl.  Washington's  Letter  to  me  of  yester- 
day, in  Answer  two  Letters  I  had  the  Honor  of  writing  him  on 
this  Subject  that  however  illy  able  to  spare  it,  he  will  afford 
you  some  small  Succour  from  his  Army,  but  till  they  can  arrive 
in  your  Neighbourhood  which  will  naturally  take  some  Time, 
your  safety  will  depend  on  the  Exertions  of  the  Militia. 

The  Inhabitants  of  the  Flatts  who  are  deprived  of  the  Nes- 
saries  of  Life  by  the  late  unhappy  Event,  are  in  a  particular 
Manner  to  be  commiserated,  &  I  sincerely  wish  it  was  in  my 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  89 

Power  in  some  Measure  to  alleviate  their  Distresses  by  ordering 
the  Commissary  of  Issues  to  dispense  to  them  a  Temporary  sup- 
ply of  Provissions,  but  as  the  Stores  belong  to  the  Continent 
my  Orders  on  them  as  Governor  of  a  particular  State  woud  be 
improper.  The  only  proper  Measure  I  can  pursue  in  their  Fa- 
vour, is  to  represent  their  Case  to  the  Legislature  &  this  you  may 
rest  assured  shall  be  faithfully  done  at  their  next  meeting,  which 
is  to  be  as  early  as  Thursday  next,  &  I  have  not  the  least  reason 
to  doubt  that  as  it  merrits  it  will  engage  their  first  attention.  I 

am  Sir  Your  most  Obed't  Serv't 

G.  C. 
Oolo.  Bellinger. 


[No.  1800.] 
THE  DIFFICULTY  IN  PROCURING  FLOUR. 

Governor  Clinton  Questions  the  Charge  that  Tories  Are  Holding  up 
the  Cereal  for  an  Advance  in  Price. 

Sir,  I  take  the  liberty  to  lay  before  your  Excellency  the  in- 
closed extracts  of  letters  from  Mr.  Jacob  Cuyler,,  D.  C.  G.  of 
Purchases  at  Albany.  At  the  same  time,  I  must  mention  some 
of  the  difficulties  that  attend  getting  supplies  of  flour  adequate 
to  the  wants  of  this  army. 

The  purchasing  Comisaries  complain,  that  the  greatest  part  of 
the  old  wheat  now  in  this  state,  is  in  the  possession  of  men  so 
far  disaffected  to  the  measures  of  America  as  to  be  unwilling 
to  dispose  of  their  commodities  for  continental  bills.  Another 
complaint  is,  that  those  men  who  do  not  object  to  the  currency 
are  induced  to  withold  their  grain  from  the  public  purchasers, 
in  an  expectation  that  they  can  have  a  much  higher  price  from 
private  persons.  They  not  only  expect  this;  but  the  buyers  are 
continually  among  them  and  make  encouraging  offers.  To  rem- 


90  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

edy  these  evils,  I  must  request  your  Excellency  to  grant  such 
warrants  to  the  purchasers  as  will  empower  them  to  obtain  the 
/wheat  if  the  proprietors  will  not  voluntarily  sell  it  at  the  current 
price.  1  have  directed  Mr.  Jacob  Cuyler,  D.  C.  G.  of  Purchases 
to  consult  your  Excellency  on  this  occasion.  Mr.  Peter  Colt,,  D. 
C.  G.  Purchases  in  whose  district  are  included  the  counties  of 
Dutchess  and  West  Chester  will  also  make  application  for  some 
assistance. 

It  was  an  unfortunate  Circumstance  for  the  public  purchasers 
that  the  Superintendent  of  the  French  Fleet  made  a  Contract 
with  Mr.  Price  of  Boston  for  a  large  quantity  of  flour.  Mr.  Van- 
durhuyden,  I  suppose  is  now  buying  flour  to  fulfil  that  contract.. 
Congress  had  ordered  the  Com'y  General  to  furnish  the  provi- 
sions for  the  Fleet  &  preperations  were  actually  making  to 
procure  them.  I  cannot  conceive  that  Mr.  Price's  Contract  will 
be  acceptable  to  Congress.  The  evil  consequences  of  such  meas- 
ures are  easily  known  to  your  Excellency. 

The  magazines  of  Flour  are  so  nearly  exhausted  at  the  east- 
ward, that  I  fear  we  should  be  much  distressed  for  bread  to  feed 
a  considerable  army  in  that  quarter.  Our  Dependance  must  be 
on  this  state.  General  Schuyler  informs  me  that  very  large  quan- 
tities may  be  had  with  proper  exertions. 

It  was  not  known  to  me  till  lately  that  these  difficulties  were 
in  the  way.  I  must  repeat  my  request  for  your  interposition  in 
such  a  manner  as  will  be  most  likely  to  enable  the  purchasers 
to  obtain  Flour  for  the  Army.  I  have  the  honor  to  be  Your  Ex- 
cellency's most  obed't  &  hbl.  Srvt. 

Royal  Flint  Ast.  C.  G.  of  Purchases. 
Camp  Fredericksburgh  Sept.  25:  1778. 
His  Ex'y  Gov.  Clinton. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  91 

*Extract  of  a  Letter  Dated  Albany  Sept.  18th  1778. 

Mr.  Jacob  Van  Derheyden,  of  Great  Barrington,  has  Pur- 
chased a  Considerable  Quanty  of  Flour  in  this  City  for  five 
Pounds  Currency  pr  ct.,  which  so  much  exceeds  what  I  have 
given,  that  it  must  prove  very  detrimental  to  the  Public  Service; 
since  his  Purchase  I  have  been  Inforin'd  he  has  a  License  from 
Governor  Clinton  to  Export  it  out  of  this  State  and  it  was  Ob- 
taind  by  the  Board  of  War  at  Boston  for  a  >Suply  towards  the 
French  Fleet.  If  it  is  so,  and  the  practice  Continued,  It  must 
work  a  very  great  Evil. 

I  give  you  this  Information  as  I  conceive  it  a  matter  worth 
Inquiring  into  through  what  Channel  Mr.  Van  Derheyden  Ob- 
tained his  Licence. 

Another  Dated  Sept.  20th  1778. 

I  have  been  informed,  and  believe  it  to  be  true,  that  Mr.  Van 
Derheyden  has  got  persons  in  every  part  of  the  ;County  to  buy 
wheat  Either  for  paper  Currency  or  Specie.  If  this  Contract  is- 
not  stopt  I  dont  know  where  the  Evil  will  End. 

I  am  in  hast  tho  with  much  Respect  &  esteem  Your  most  hum- 
ble Serv't 

Jacob  Cuyler  D.  C.  G.  P. 
Royal  Flint  Esquire. 


P.  26th  Sep'r  j778. 

Sir,  I  have  received  your  Letter  of  yesterday.  The  Difficulties 
complained  of  in  procuring  proper  Supplies  of  Flour  for  the  army^ 
do  not  arise  from  the  disafected  Inhabitants  withholding  that 
Article  from  Sale  as  mentioned  by  you  for  tho  we  have  a  Propor- 
tion of  them  among  us,  there  are  but  few  of  them  so  firmly  at- 

*  These  extracts  from  Colonel  Cuyler's  letters  and  Governor  Clinton's  response  were- 
made  a  separate  document  (No.  1804)  by  the  editor  of  the  msa.  The  present  editor 
attached  them  to  document  1800  to  which  they  manifestly  belong. 


D2  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

tached  to  any  Principle  as  to  make  so  great  sacrafise  to  it.  Such 
disinterested  Conduct  even  in  a  bad  Cause  is  too  much  like  Vir- 
tue to  be  practiced  by  Tories.  Ignorance,  Fear  &  Interest  are  the 
Parents  of  Toryism.  The  two  latter  have  taught  their  Children 
long  since  to  dispose  of  the  Produce  of  their  Farms  for  Continen- 
tal Currency  &  those  of  the  former  have  little  to  sell.  Difficulties 
are  in  a  great'  Measure  owing  to  your  Assistants  in  this  Quarter 
having  neglected  to  purchase  when  they  might  at  a  moderate 
Price  have  got  all  the  Flour  the  Farmers  coud  spare.  This  was 
the  Case  in  the  Months  of  July  &  Aug't  last.  I  at  the  Time  in- 
quired of  some  of  them  the  Cause.  They  informed  me  such  was 
their  Orders. 

The  Legislature  of  this  State  as  early  as  last  Fall  laid  an  Em- 
bargo on  Flour  prohibiting  the  Exportation  of  that  Article  out 
•of  the  State  except  on  special  Occasions.  They  were  influenced 
to  this  Measure  tho  manifestly  ag't  the  Interest  of  their  Constitu- 
ents in  order  that  the  army  might  have  a  plentiful  Supply  &  at  a 
moderate  Price.  This  Law  is*  yet  in  Force  but  under  a  pretence 
of  supplying  the  Eastern  Troops  the  French  Fleet  &ca.  it  is 
evaded  by  the  Trader  notwithstanding  the  utmost  vigilance  of  the 
Magistrate.  The  Price  is  thereby  become  exhorbitant  &  I  am 
sorry  to  add  a  real  Scarcity  is  likely  to  be  the  Consequence. 
What  you  mention  of  the  Measures  pursuing  to  supply  the  French 
Fleet  is  too  true  &  I  am  perswaded  will  be  attended  with  bad 
Consequences  if  permits  to  export  large  Quantities  for  this  Pur- 
pose are  granted  them  &  this  tho'  disagreable  now  coud  not  be 
refused.  The  Legislature  is  to  meet  next  week  your  Letter  will 

bo  submitted  to  their  Consideration. 

[G.  C.j 
[To  Royal  Flint.] 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  9£ 

[No.  1801.] 
CONGRESS  ESTABLISHES  THE  TREASURY. 

Officers,  How  Appointed,  Their  Oaths  of  Office  and  Forms  to  Be  Used 
in  the  Transaction  of  Public  Business. 

IN  CONGRESS, 
SEPTEMBER  26,  1778. 

Resolved,  That  a  house  be  provided  at  the  city  or  place  where 
Congress  shall  sit,  wherein  shall  be  held  the  several  Offices  of  the 
Treasury: 

That  there  be  the  following  offices,  viz.  the  Comptroller's,  Audi- 
tor's, Treasurer's,  and  two  Chambers  of  Accounts: 

That  each  Chamber  of  Accounts  consist  of  three  Commissioners 
and  two  Clerks,  to  be  appointed  by  Congress: 

That  in  the  Treasurer's  office  there  be  a  Treasurer  annually 
appointed  by  Congress,  and  one  Clerk  appointed  by  the  Treas- 
urer: 

That  in  the  Auditor's  office  there  be  an  Auditor  annually  ap- 
pointed by  Congress,  and  two  Clerks  appointed  by  the  Auditor : 

That  in  the  Comptroller's  office  there  be  a  Comptroller  annu- 
ally appointed  by  Congress,  and  two  Clerks  appointed  by  the 
Comptroller: 

That  the  Auditor,  Treasurer  and  Comptroller  shall  not  be  ap- 
pointed unless  by  the  voice  of  nine  states;  and  that  they  be  ac- 
countable for  the  conduct  of  their  Clerks  respectively: 

That  the  Auditor  shall  receive  all  accounts  brought  against  the 
United  States  for  money  lent,  expended,  or  advanced;  goods  sold 
or  purchased;  services  performed,  or  work  done;  with  the  vouch- 
ers; and  shall  refer  them  to  one  of  the  chambers  of  accounts;  in- 
dorsing them  in  the  manner  marked  A: 


94  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

That  the  Commissioners  of  the  chamber  to  whom  an  account 
shall  be  referred,  shall  deliver  the  same  to  their  Clerks  to  be 
properly  stated: 

That  the  Clerks  shall  state  the  accounts  referred  to  them  by 
the  Commissioners,  number  and  arrange  the  vouchers,  examine 
the  castings,  and  make  necessary  copies: 

That  the  Clerks  to  whom  an  account  shall  be  delivered,  after 
they  have  compleated  the  same,  shall  indorse  it  in  the  manner 
marked  B: 

That  the  Commissioners  to  whom  an  account  is  referred  as 
aforesaid,  shall  carefully  examine  the  authenticity  of  the  vouch- 
ers (rejecting  'such  as  shall  not  appear  good,)  compare  them  with 
the  articles  to  which  they  relate,  and  determine  whether  they  sup- 
port the  charges:  That  they  shall  reduce  such  articles  as  are 
over  charged,  and  reject  such  as  are  improper;  and  shall  indorse 
the  accounts  in  the  manner  marked  C,  and  transmit  them,  with 
the  vouchers,  to  the  Auditor,  and  cause  an  entry  to  be  made  of 
the  ballance  passed: 

That  the  Auditor  shall  receive  the  vouchers  and  accounts  from 
the  Commissioners  to  whom  he  referred  them,  and  cause  them  to 
be  examined  by  his  Clerks.  He  shall  compare  the  several  articles 
with  the  vouchers,  and  if  the  parties  concerned  shall  appeal  from 
the  judgment  of  the  Commissioners,  he  shall  call  before  him  the 
Commissioners  and  the  party,  and  hear  them,  and  then  make 
determination,  from  whence  no  appeal  shall  lie,  unless  to  Con- 
gress. That  after  a  careful  examination  of  the  account  as  afore- 
said, he  shall  indorse  it  in  the  manner  marked  D ;  of  which  indorse- 
ment he  shall  send  a  duplicate,  to  be  filed  in  the  same  chamber 
of  accounts,  and  shall  transmit  the  account  and  vouchers  to  the 
Comptroller : 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  95 

That  the  Comptroller  shall  keep  the  treasury  books  and  seal, 
and  shall  file  the  accounts  and  vouchers  on  which  the  accounts  in 
the  said  books  are  founded,  and  shall  direct  the  manner  of  stating 
and  keeping  the  public  accounts.  He  shall  draw  bills  under  the 
said  seal  on  the  Treasurer  for  such  sums  as  shall  be  due  by  the 
United  States  on  accounts  audited,  which,  previous  to  the  pay- 
ment, shall  be  countersigned  by  the  Auditor;  and  also  for  such 
sums  as  may  from  time  to  time  be  ordered  by  Resolutions  of 
Congress,  which,  previous  to  the  payment,  shall  be  countersigned 
by  the  Secretary  of  Congress,  in  the  form  marked  E:  That  when 
monies  are  due  to  the  United  States  on  accounts  audited,  he  shall 
notify  the  debtor,  (and  after  hearing  him,  if  he  shall  desire  to  be 
heard,)  fix  a  day  for  payment,  according  to  the  circumstances  of 
the  case,  not  exceeding  ninety  days,  of  which  he  shall  give  notice 
to  the  Auditor  in  writing,  in  the  form  marked  F: 

That  it  be  the  duty  of  the  Treasurer  to  receive  and  keep  the 
monies  of  the  United  States,  and  to  issue  them  on  bills  drawn 
by  the  Comptroller  as  aforesaid,  filing  duplicates  thereof  with  the 
Auditor  day  by  day  as  he  shall  make  payment:  That  on  receipt 
of  monies  he  shall  give  a  receipt  therefor,  and  transmit  the  same 
to  the  Comptroller;  and  that  he  shall  draw  out  and  settle  his 
accounts  quarterly,  giving  the  same  in  to  the  Auditor  for  exami- 
nation by  one  of  the  Chambers  of  Accounts,  to  be  from  thence 
transmitted  through  the  Auditor  to  the  Comptroller,  who  shall 
compare  the  same  with  the  treasury  books,  ascertain  the  ballance, 
and  return  a  copy  of  the  same  to  Congress: 

That  the  Comptroller  shall  receive  from  the  Treasurer  all  re- 
ceipts by  him  signed,  and  after  making  due  entry  thereof  'by 
charging  the  Treasurer  and  crediting  the  proper  accounts,  he  shall 
indorse  the  same  in  the  manner  marked  G,  and  deliver  them  to  the 


96  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

party  who  made  payment.  That  he  shall  every  quarter  of  a  year 
cause  a  list  of  the  ballances  on  the  treasury-books,  to  be  made  out 
by  his  Clerks,  and  lay  it  before  Congress.  That  where  any  per- 
son hath  received  public  monies  which  remain  unaccounted  for, 
or  shall  be  otherwise  indebted  to  the  United  States,  or  have  an 
unsettled  account  with  them,  he  shall  issue  a  summons  in  the 
form  marked  H,  in  which  a  reasonable  time  shall  be  given  for 
the  appearance  of  the  party  according  to  the  distance  of  his  place 
of  residence  from  the  treasury,  of  which  he  shall  notify  the 
Auditor : 

That  in  case  a  party  summoned  to  account  shall  not  appear, 
nor  make  good  essoign,  the  Auditor  on  proof  made  of  service  in 
due  time,  or  other  sufficient  notice,  shall  make  out  a  requisition  in 
the  form  marked  I,  which  he  shall  send  to  the  Comptroller's  office, 
where  the  same  shall  be  sealed;  and  then  it  shall  be  sent  to  the 
executive  authority  of  the  state  in  which  the  party  shall  reside. 

That  it  be  recommended  to  the  several  states  to  enact  laws  for 
the  taking  of  suchi  persons,  and  also  to  seize  the  property  of  per- 
sons who  being  indebted  to  the  United  States  shall  neglect  or 
refuse  to  pay.  the  same.  Notice  whereof  shall  be  given  by  the 
Auditor  to  the  executive  authority  of  the  respective  states  in  the 
form  marked  K,  under  the  treasury  seal : 

That  the  several  officers  of  the  treasury  do,  before  they  take 
upon  them  the  execution  of  their  offices  respectively,  before  the 
President  of  Congress,  for  the  time  being,  make  and  subscribe 
the  following  oath;  viz. 

"  I  A.  B.  in  the  treasu-ry  of  the  United  States,  da 

solemnly  and  sincerely  swear,  promise  and  declare  in  the  pres- 
ence of  Almighty  God,  that  I  will  diligently  and  faithfully  ac- 
cording to  the  best  of  my  skill  and  understanding  in  all  things 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  97 

do  my  duty  as  a  as  aforesaid,  without  fear,  favour,  affec- 

tion or  partiality." 

A.  Account  between  the  United  States  and  with  the 
vouchers,  referred  to                     Commissioners  of  accounts,  the 

day  of  in  the  year  &c. 

B.  The  within  account  hath  been  stated,  the  castings  exam- 
ined, and  the  vouchers  arranged,  by  C.  D.    )    Clerks  of 


E.  F.    )    accounts. 

C.  The  within  account  stated  by  and  Clerks 
of  accounts,  between  the  United  States  and                  hath  been 
examined  and  settled,  and  a  ballance  of                found  to  be  due 

to  by 

G.H.  i 

I.  K.  >•  Commissioners  of  accounts. 

L.M.  3 

D.  Audited  the  account  between  the  United  States  and  , 
stated  by                  and                   Clerks  of  accounts,  and  exam- 
ined by                   and                   Commissioners  of  Accounts,  for 
a  ballance  of                due  to             Done  the               day  of 

in  the  year,  &c.  A.  B.  Auditor. 

(L.  S.)     E.  To  the  Treasurer  of  the  United  States,  Greeting. 
You  are  required  to  pay  the  sum  of  to  or  his 

order,  according  to  (say  either  account  audited,  &c.  or  a  resolu- 
tion of  Congress,  &c.)  whereof  entry  is  made  the  day  of 
in  the  year  &c. 

N.  O.  Comptroller. 

F.  Day  is  given  to  until  the  day  of  next, 

for  the  sum  of  by  his  assent.     Whereof  taken  notice. 

Given  the  day  of  in  the  year,  &c. 

N.  O.  Comptroller. 


98  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

G.  Entered  in  the  treasury-books  the  day  of  in 

the  year,  &c.  N.  O.  Comptroller. 

H.  To  Greeting.     You  are  required  on   or  before 

the  day  of  next,  to  appear  before  the  Auditor  in 

the  Treasury-office  of  the  United  States,  at  ,  then  and 

there  to  adjust  and  settle  your  accounts.     Whereof  take  notice. 
Given  the  day  of  in  the  year,  &c. 

N.  O.  Comptroller. 

(L.  S.)     I.  To  Greeting.     The  United  States  having 

summoned  to  account,  the  which  he  hath  neglected  to  do, 

it  is  their  request  that  you  cause  to  be  taken  and  sent  the 
said  to  be  before  them  on  the  day  of  next, 

before  the  Auditor  in  their  treasury  at  then  and  there 

to  account,  that  justice  may  in  this  behalf  be  done.    Given 

the  day  of  &c. 

Witness    A.  B.  Auditor. 

(L.  S.)    K.  The  United  States  to  Greeting.    Whereas 

hath  been  before  us  in  our  treasury  found  to  be  in- 
debted in  the  sum  of  the  which  sum  was  by  his  assent 
to  be  paid  before  the  day  of  in  the  year,  &c.  but  is 
not  yet  paid,  or  in  any  manner  satisfied.  These  therefore  are 
thereof  to  notify  you:  To  the  end  that  you  according  to  the 
powers  and  authorities  unto  you  given,  may  of  the  estate  of  the 
said  ,  cause  to  be  made  the  sum  aforesaid  with  the  costs 
and  charges  which  may  accrue:  And  of  your  proceedings  in  the 
premisses  you  are  desired  to  certify  us  in  our  said  treasury  with 
all  convenient  speed.  Given  at  on  the  day  of  &c. 

Witness,  A.  B.     Auditor. 

That  in  the  blanks  of  the  forms  above  written,  no  figures  be 
.used  either  for  dates  or  sums,  but  that  the  same  be  distinctly 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  99 

and  plainly  set  in  words  at  length,  and  without  erazures  or  inter- 
lineations. 

Extracts  from  the  Minutes, 

CHARLES  THOMSON,  Secretary. 


[No.  1802.] 
GEORGE  CLINTON  VINDICATED. 

Congress  Absolves  Him  from  Responsibility  in  the  Loss  of  the  Forts 

in  the  Highlands. 

Philadelphia  27th  Septem.  1778. 

Sir,  On  the  21st  I  had  the  honor  of  receiving  &  presenting  to 
Congress  your  Excellency's  favor  of  the  9th  Inst.  and  in  answer, 
I  herewith  transmit  an  Act  of  Congress  of  the  21st,  duplicate  of 
the  Act  of  the  17th,  &  Copies  of  the  sundry  Papers  which  your 
Excellency  desired  to  be  furnished  with.  In  these  I  trust  will  be 
found  no  deficiency  &  I  intreat,  Sir,  you  will  be  assured,  the  late 
omission  of  which  you  have  justly  complained,  was  not  the  effect 
of  inattention  on  my  part. 

All  our  public  Offices  which  have  hitherto  been  conducted  as 
well,  I  presume,  as  circumstances  in  an  Infant  State  would  admit 
of.  now  call  for  inspection  &  improvement  &  none  more  than  the 
Secretary's  Office,  from  whence  alone  according  to  the  present 
mode,  I  derive  subject  for  every  public  Letter. 

The  Act  of  the  21st  signifies  the  entire  approbation  by  Con- 
gress of  your  Excellency's  conduct  as  Commander  of  the  Forts 
on  Hudson's  River  which  I  repeat  with  great  pleasure  in  obe- 
dience to  the  order  of  Congress  &  from  that  sincere  respect  & 

r 

esteem  for  your  Excellency's  character,  with  which  I  have  the 
honor  to  be  Sir  Your  Excellency's  Most  obedient  &  Most  humble 
serv't 

Henry  Laurens,  President  of  Congress. 

His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton  New  York. 


100  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  1803.] 

POLITICS  IN  BESTOWING  COMMISSIONS. 
Ethan  Allen's  Commission  of  Colonel  Held  Up  6y  Governeur  Morris. 

Phila:  27th  Sep'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  write  this  short  note  to  your  Excellency  to  suggest  the 
Hint  of  sending  a  Committee  to  confer  with  the  Legislature  of 
New  Hampshire  on  the  Affairs  of  Vermont.  You  are  not  to  learn 
that  these  new  States  men  have  debauched  some  of  the  Western 
Townships  of  New  Hampshire.  The  temper  of  Congress  in  this 
Business  from  what  passed  lately,  seems  to  be  if  possible  to  keep 
matters  quiet  untill  the  Enemy  leave  us,  when  the  Forces  of  the 
whole  Continent  may  be  turned  to  reduce  them  if  refractory  to 
the  Resolutions  of  that  Body.  Application  was  made  for  a  Com- 
mission of  Colo,  to  Ethan  Allen  which  I  opposed.  When  he  was 
redeemed  I  moved  a  Brevet  Rank  for  him  which  was  granted,  and 
he  would  certainly  have  had  the  Commission  if  I  had  not  learnt 
that  he  hath  lately  interfered  in  Opposition  to  the  authority  of 
the  State  of  New  York. 

I  am  with  Respect  Your  Excellency's  most  obedient  &  humble 

Servant 

Gouv.  Morris. 

As  Mr.  Duer  intends  [to  leave]  soon  for  the  State  I  have  not 
written  at  large.  Should  he  delay  I  shall  be  more  full  and  more 
particular  on  our  private  Affairs.  I  mean  those  of  the  State  afi 
distinct  from  the  Continent.  I  have  the  Pleasure  to  tell  you  that 
at  Length  with  infinite  Pains  and  many  Disappointments  we 
have  got  an  arrangement  for  our  Treasury  which  promises  the 
best  Consequences.  We  are  now  to  be  employed  in  Finance.  A 
proper  System  is  before  Congress.  But  will  they  adopt  it? 
His  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esqr. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  101 

[No.  1804.]* 


[No.  1805.] 
A  Report  that  the  Enemy  are  Moving  up  the  West  Side  of  the  Hudson. 

Sir,  This  moment  I  Received  the  Inclosed  by  Express;  in  addi- 
tion to  this  Intelligence  I  am  to  inform  you,  that  I  Returned  from 
below  Tappan  yesterday  morning  at  the  Instance  of  the  Inhab'ts, 
to  solicit  assistance  from  General  Putnam,  but  cannot  as  yet  find 
that  any  Troops  are  ordered  over,  tho'  he  by  letter  to  Col.  Hay 
gave  him  assurances  of  Troops  being  sent  to  his  aid  yesterday 
morning.  Last  night  Col.  Hay  at  the  Instance  of  his  Officers 
and  Mr.  Herring  Returned  and  is  gone  forward  to  General  Wash- 
ington to  Procure  Troops  but  I  fear  they  will  come  too  late. 

Col.  Hay's  Regt.,  Consisting  of  about  250  men,  now  lie  two 
miles  below  Tappan  on  the  Road  leading  to  Scraulingburgh 
Church;  they  have  Drove  off  the  Cattle  from  below  to  Clarks 
Town,  but  I  much  fear  the  Enemy  will  overtake  them  before  the 
can  be  Drove  further  as  they  have  about  200  Light  Horse  with 
them.  I  am  D'r  Governor  Your  most  humble  serv't 

Thos.  Smith. 
Saturday  morning  5  Clock. 

P.  S.  The  Enemy  have  thrown  up  some  works  at  the  Tena  Fly 
near  the  Liberty  Pole;  we  hear  nothing  of  the  Jersey  militia  or 
General  Maxwell's  Troops  and  suspect  the  Enemy  have  moved 
to  N.  Jersey  from  Staten  Island  to  keep  back  every  assistance 
from  that  Quarter  while  Cornwallis  who  it  is  said  Commands 
below  pushes  into  this  County.  We  beg  all  the  assistance  in 
your  Power. 
To  His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 

*See  foot  note  page  91. 


102  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Poughkeepsie  Sept'r  27th  1778. 

Sir,  His  Excellency  the  Gov'r  directs  me  to  send  you  the  en- 
closed Copies  of  Intelligence  which  he  rec'd  last  night.  As  this 
is  the  only  acct.  he  hath  rec'd  of  the  matter  'tis  impossible  for 
him  to  judge  of  the  Enemy's  Strength  or  intentions  &  of  course 
difficult  for  him  to  give  such  particular  Orders  respect'g  the 
matter  as  he  could  wish,  but  as  you  will  have  an  opportunity 
getting  fuller  Information  he,  therefore,  requests  that  you  will 
without  delay  consult  the  other  Officers  command'g  Kegts.  & 
cause  as  great  a  part  of  the  militia  immediately  to  march,  as  may 
be  judged  suffic't,  to  check  the  progress  of  the  Enemy  &  protect 
the  Inhabitants.  The  moment  his  Excellency  receives  further 
Information,  the  militia  of  Dutchess  &  Ulster  will  be  ordered  out 
if  necessary.  I  am  with  great  Respect  Sir  Your  most  Obdt. 

Serv't 

K.  Benson. 
Colo.  Woodhull. 


[No.  1806.] 

Colonel  Malcom  Reluctant  to  Use  a  Flag — Asks  for  Furloughs  for 

His  Men. 

Fort  Clinton  Sep'r  27  1778. 

D'r  Sir,  I  had  Mrs.  McGlaghery  &  Mrs.  Forman  with  me  last 
night.  I  have  sent  them  over  to  the  good  old  general  [Putnam] 
on  the  other  side,  who  perhaps  will  get  over  some  difficultys,  that 
are  too  mighty  for  me.  I  will  render  them  every  Service  in  my 
power,  but  without  the  approbation  of  the  Commander  in  Chief, 
cannot  have  any  agency  in  forw'dg  a  flag  at  this  crisis.  If  Gen- 
eral Put.  refuses  them,  I  shall  write  their  case  to  the  General. 

This  goes  by  Mr.  Lawrence,  Ast.  Ad.  General,  to  the  garrison, 
who  will  tell  your  Excellency,  Haight's  case  which  I  apprehend  is 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  103 

a  bad  one — he  will  also  take  Charge  of  a  few  Strong  Torys,  if  your 
Commissioner  see  their  way  clear,  or  dare,  put  them  to  hard  La- 
bour. We  can  get  a  very  considerable  number  of  recruits  if  we 
coud  take  the  Substitutes.  As  Comand'r  in  Chief,  would  your 
Excellency  indulge  us  with  furloughs,  or  exemptions  or  any  thing 
that  woud  prevent  those  men  who  procure  them  from  being  calld 
out  untill  the  pleasure  of  your  Legislature  can  be  obtained.  Major 
Pawling  will  attend  when  they  meet  on  the  Subject.  I  most 

respectfully  am  D'r  'Sir  Y'r  mo.  Ob.  serv't 

W.  Malcom. 
[To  Gov.  George  Clinton.] 


[No.  1807.] 
THE  DEATH  OF  COLONEL  DUMON. 

Colonel  WilUam  Butler  Furnishes  Affidavits  Producing  Many  Facts 
Bearing  on  the  Case. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency,  Yours  of  the  6th  &  8th  Instant  I 
received  with  the  Affidavits  concerning  the  death  of  Demon. 

It  gives  me  much  pain  to  find  the  affair  represented  to  your 
Excellency  in  so  Black  a  light  to  the  Injury  of  the  party.  By  your 
letter  you  imagined  the  party  was  Commanded  by  Coll.  Harper, 
But  I  must  inform  your  Excellency  it  was  Commanded  by  Major 
Posey  an  Officer  whose  Conduct  both  a  Gentleman  &  Soldier  has 
ever  remained  unquestionable. 

In  my  Opinion  Coll.  Cantine  ehou'd  have  Acquainted  me  with 
his  intentions  of  coming  to  Pachkatagten  &  given  me  the  Char- 
acter of  Demon  &  any  others  who  he  knew  to  be  Friends  &  were 
employd  by  him  in  giving  intelligence  as  he  must  have  had  every 
reason  to  believe  my  Scouts  wou'd  be  often  in  that  Quarter  &  it  is 
very  Happy  that  Coll.  Cantine's  party  had  returned  before  mine 
arrived  at  that  place,  otherwise  there  might  have  been  Blood  Spilt 


104  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

through  mistake  as  we  did  not  expect  any  of  our  Friends  were 
in  that  Quarter. 

I  have  made  the  strictest  inquiry  with  regard  to  Plundering 
the  Inhabitants  which  was  a  matter  I  never  suspected  until  I 
rece'd  your  Excellency's  letter,  &  on  Examination  find  my  troops 
are  in  some  degree  Blamable.  I  have  Ordered  a  Search  and  found 
some  things  which  I  have  delivered  to  the  persons  you  directed  & 
I  imagine  the  residue  of  the  things  mentioned  in  the  list  which 
those  men  produced,  were  taken  by  the  party  from  Esopus,  or  by 
one  Inhabitant  from  another  which  is  customary. 

The  Cattle  Brought  in  from  that  &  other  places  was  brought 
in  by  my  Orders  that  they  might  not  fall  into  the  Enemy's  Hands. 

The  Soldiers  who  Kill'd  Demon  Belong  to  a  militia  Company 
under  the  Command  of  Cap'n  Harper  who  with  his  men  some  time 
ago  left  this  place,  But  agreable  to  your  Excellency's  directions 
I  will  make  them  Prisoners  &  deliver  them  to  whom  your  Excel- 
lency shall  Order,  at  the  same  time  it  is  my  Humble  Opinion  the 
men  did  their  duty  as  good  Soldiers  &  think  those  who  Kill'd 
Service  &  Smith  equally  Blamable. 

I  inclose  your  Excellency  some  depositions  relative  to  the  mat- 
ter &  Major  Posey  has  also  wrote  you  on  that  Subject. 
\ 

A  few  days  ago  four  of  my  men  who  were  out  as  Spys  returned 

with  three  prisoners  which  they  had  taken  at  Unandilla  who  give 
accounts  that  the  Enemy  at  Unandilla  are  300,  400  at  Achquaga 
and  a  party  at  Chamong  their  Number  they  coud  not  ascertain,  I 
came  here  a  few  days  ago  with  Hopes  of  procuring  Necessaries  for 
a  Body  of  Troops  in  advancing  on  the  Enemy  But  found  not  the 
most  trivial  thing  provided.  I  have  consulted  Genl.  Stark  &  we 
have  agreed  to  detach  150  Chosen  troops  to  destroy  Unandilla 
which  I  have  great  hopes  of  their  doing  with  Success,  &  have 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  105 

procured  a  few  Bags  &  intended  impressing  some  Horses  for  con- 
veying provisions  with  them.  On  their  return  I  will  inform  your 
Excellency  of  their  success. 

I  suppose  you  have  heard  of  the  Enemy's  have  Burned  the  Ger- 
man Flats,  my  distance  being  so  great  from  that  place,  I  cannot 
tell  the  particulars.  I  am  Yr.  Excellency's  Hble.  Serv't 

Wm.  Butler. 
Albany  Sept'r  27th  1778. 

His  Excellency  Gov.  Clinton. 


DEPOSITION  OF  CAPTAIN  LONG. 

Aug't  26th  '78.  Being  on  a  Scout  with  Major  Posey  at  Paugh- 
kataughen  where  I  saw  two  men,  one  of  whom  I  examined  (his 
name  I  have  since  been  Informed  was  Burrow)  I  ask'd  him  where 
he  was  going,  he  said  to  Esopus.  I  then  ask'd  him  if  he 
had  seen  any  of  the  Kings  men,  he  answered  not  lately.  I  ask'd 
him  if  he  assisted  them,  he  said  he  did.  I  ask'd  him  in  what  way 
he  assisted  them,  he  Said  in  letting  them  have  a  Cow.  I  ask'd 
him  if  he  did  it  willingly,  he  said  he  did.  I  then  ask'd  him  if  that 
was  all  he  had  assisted  them  in,  he  said  he  had  no  more.  I  fur- 
ther ask'd  him  if  he  was  willing  to  assist  them  again  in  any  thing 
he  was  able,  he  answered  he  was  willing,  at  which  time  him  and 
the  other  was  delivered  to  a  Guard  whilst  the  party  went  through 
the  Settlement  of  Paughkataughen;  they  both  attempted  to  make 
their  escape;  one  was  shot  and  the  other  escaped;  while  we  were  in 
the  above  settlement  some  of  the  men  plundered  different  houses 
and  all  that  could  be  found  at  that  time  among  the  men  were 
given  up  by  order  of  Major  Posey  to  the  owners;  but  after  our 
arrival  at  camp  found  several  other  articles  which  were  plundered 
at  the  same  time  which  have  been  Restored  also. 

Gab.  Long  Capt.  in  the  Rifle  Regt. 


106  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Personable  appeard  before  me  a  Justice  for  the  County  of  Al- 
bany in  the  state  of  New  York  Capt.  Gab'l  Long  &  made  oath  that 
the  fore  going  was  the  Truth  according  to  the  Best  of  his  Knowl- 
edge.    Sept'r  16th  1778. 
Jonas  Vroman  Justices  for  the  County  of  Albany. 


DEPOSITION  OF  MAJOR  POSBT. 

In  Pursuance  of  Orders  Delivered  me  by  Lt.  Coll.  Butler,  I  set 
out  from  Schohary  24th  August  early  in  the  morning,  Reach'd 
Poughkataghten  on  the  26th  of  the  same  month.  This  place  being 
pointed  out  to  me  to  be  chiefly  inhabited  by  Tories  &  People  who 
had  Actually  been  in  Arms  against  the  Country,  I  made  use  of 
Precautions  with  regard  to  the  Command  of  my  party  (after  being 
made  Acquainted  with  the  People  that  Inhabited  that  Quarter) 
as  being  in  an  Enemies  Country;  when  I  arrived  the  first  Houses 
my  Scouts  came  to,  they  found  to  be  evacuated  upon  which  they 
came  &  inform'd  me.  I  immediately  sent  out  another  small  Scout 
in  order  to  reconnoiter,  while  I  Penetrated  thro'  the  Settlement, 
in  some  short  time  I  came  to  a  House  wherein  I  found  some 
women.  I  made  a  Halt  for  some  short  time  &  inquired  of  the 
Women  what  had  Become  of  the  People;  they  told  me  there  had 
been  a  Scout  which  had  taken  them  and  what  Stock  they  had 
into  the  Settlement.  I  did  not  take  up  much  time  in  Questioning 
the  Women  But  march'd  on  &  within  the  distance  of  Half  a  mile 
in  a  piece  of  Woods  met  two  men,  one  driving  a  Waggon,  the 
other  Riding  on  Horse  Back  &  leading  another  Horse  with  a  Gun 
Slung  to  his  Back.  I  Halted  my  Party  &  upon  examination 
found  the  man  with  the  Waggon  to  be  one  Demon.  I  ask'd  him 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  107 

where  he  was  driving  his  Waggon;  he  said  he  was  moving  his 
Goods  into  the  Settlement,  that  a  Scout  had  been  from  Esopus 
which  had  taken  all  the  Stock  &  chief  of  the  Inhabitants.  I  ask'd 
him  if  there  had  been  any  Scouting  parties  from  Unandilla  lately 
or  whether  Butler  &  Brandt  frequently  sent  Scouting  Parties 
into  this  Settlement;  he  said  they  had  sent  Scouting  Parties  at 
different  times;  I  ask'd  him  (the  said  Demon)  whether  he  had 
assisted  the  Enemy,  he  answered  he  had  Assisted  his  King  in 
whatever  he  was  able  to  do;  he  had  given  them  Beef,  Cattle  & 
such  Assistance  as  he  cou'd  from  time  to  time.  After  I  had  ask'd 
him  such  Questions  as  I  thought  proper,  I  ordered  Capt'n  Harper 
of  the  militia  to  set  three  of  his  men  as  a  Guard  over  Demon  & 
the  man  who  was  with  him,  who  I  understand  since  is  one  Burrow, 
Burrow  was  examined  at  the  same  time  by  Capt'n  Long  of  the 
Rifle  Corps  &  upon  examination  was  found  to  have  Assisted  the 
Enemy  in  cattle.  He  (the  said  Burrow)  had  a  Gun  with  him 
which  some  of  the  party  took  from  him.  The  Guard  took  them 
(the  said  Demon,  &  Burrow)  into  their  custody  &  was  ordered 
to  take  particular  care  of  them.  I  Pursued  with  all  possible  expe- 
dition down  the  Delaware,  thinking  as  those  men  had  demon- 
strated themselves  Enemies  to  the  country  by  the  confession 
they  had  made,  that  they  only  intended  imposing  on  me  with 
regard  to  moving  into  Esopus  that  perhaps  it  might  be  a  party 
of  the  Enemy  which  had  been  there.  When  I  got  near  the  lower 
end  of  the  Settlement  (which  was  about  6  miles)  I  was  told  the 

Guard  which  had  the  Prisoners  in  charge  had  come  up  without 

< 

them;  upon  which  I  Ordered  them  to  be  Brought  to  me  &  ask'd 
them  where  the  Prisoners  were;  they  told  me  they  (the  Guard) 
had  taken  the  Horses  out  of  Waggon,  mounted  the  two  Prisoners 
on  a  Horse  &  each  of  them  (the  Guard)  riding  on  the  other  Horses 


108  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

follow'd  me;  that  after  riding  some  distance  the  two  Prisoners 
rode  off  to  try  to  make  their  escape,  upon  which  they  (the  Guard) 
immediately  pursued  &  finding  they  (the  Prisoners)  were  likely 
to  get  off  thro'  the  Woods  one  of  the  Guard  Fired  upon  them  & 
miss'd;  they  (the  Prisoners)  then  dismounted  one  of  them  making 
his  escape  thro'  the  Woods  the  other  kept  the  road.  After  pur- 
suing near  a  mile  the  one  who  continued  the  road  was  fired  upon 
&  Shot,  who  proved  to  be  Demon;  they  (the  Guard)  left  him  in  a 
House  &  made  their  way  as  Quiet  as  possible  to  the  Party. 

After  my  excurions  down  the  Delaware  in  which  I  Gathered 
what  Stock  I  possibly  cou'd,  which  amounted  to  few,  being  chiefly 
drove  off  by  the  other  party,  I  returned  to  the  House  that  I  had 
conversed  with  the  Women  before  mentioned  in  which  I  found 
Demon  the  person  who  was  Shot  by  the  Guard,  I  ask'd  him  his 
reason  for  Running  from  the  Guard;  his  excuse  was  that  he 
thought  we  were  some  of  Brandt's  or  Butler's  men.  I  asked  him 
how  he  cou'd  think  BO  when  I,  upon  meeting  him,  ask'd  him  If 
any  of  Butler's  or  Brandt's  parties  had  been  in  this  Neighbour- 
hood lately,  upon  w?hich  you  reply'd  there  had  &  that  you  had 
Assisted  Brandt  &  Butler  in  Beef.  I  ask'd  him  If  he  cou'd  deny 
what  he  had  said  to  me,  upon  meeting  me  first,  he  said  no  that 
he  acknowledged  he  said  what  I  asserted,  &  said  he  really  had 
assisted  the  King.  After  which  I  left  him  &  march'd  on  towards 

Schohary. 

Thomas  Posey,  Capt.  Commdt.  Rifle  Regi't. 

Several  Things  the  Soldiers  might  have  taken  in  the  settlement 
without  my  Knowledge,  But  I  made  them  Give  up  &  return  several 
things  which  I  discoverd  them  to  take, 

Personable  appeard  before  me  a  Justice  for  the  County  Albany 
in  the  State  of  New  York,  Thomas  Posey  &  declared  the  Purport 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON*.  109 

of  the  Foregoing  to  Be  Facts  according  to  the  Beet  of  his  Knowl- 
edge. 

Given  under  my  Hand  this  16th  Sept'r  in  the  yeare  of  our  Lord 
one  thousand  seven  Hundred  &  seventy  Eight. 

Jonas  Vroman,  Justice. 


DEPOSITION  OF  LIEUT.  ALEX'R  RAMSAY  OF  THE  RIFLES. 

Beeing  on  Command  by  order  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  William 
Butler  &  under  the  immeadiate  Command  of  Major  Posey  August 
26th  1778: 

We  went  into  Paughtaughen,  stoped  at  a  house  belonging  to 

Simon  Van  Wagonner  which  was  the  Second  house  we  came  to 

\ 
in  the  Setelment;  I  heard  Captain  Harper  ask  a  women,  which 

I  Understood  was  the  landlady  of  said  house  &  the  said  Captain 
Harper  asked  her  If  she  was  as  Great  a  Torry  as  she  formerly 
was.  She  answered  she  was  not  a  Torry  and  If  he  did  not  believe 
her  he  might  Enquire  of  Hermanus  Deinung  who  was  a  Torry. 
We  then  pursued  our  Rout  about  half  a  mile,  where  we  met  said 
Demung  with  his  waggon  &  Horses,  and  another  man  Rideing  one 
horse  and  leading  another  loaded  with  goods;  Said  Demung  beeing 
stoped  by  the  party,  Captain  Harper  Came  forward  to  the  waggon 
and  asked  said  Hermanus  Demung  his  name  who  answered  that 
his  name  was  Demung;  the  said  Capt.  Harper  asked  him  If  he 
was  as  good  a  man  for  the  king  as  he  used  to  be;  he  answered 
yes;  what  have  you  Don  for  the  king  or  his  party  in  this  Countery 
and  how  many  Cattle  did  you  give  Brant's  party;  he  answered 
I  gave  four  head  of  Cattle  &  suplyed  them  with  all  the  provision 
that  lay  in  my  Power;  Harper  asked  him  again  Will  you  Suply 
them  with  any  more;  he  answered  he  would;  but  the  Rebils  had 
Carried  them  all  to  Esopus,  meaning  his  Chattels  &  provision, 


110  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

as  1  Understood  him,  with  my  Famely.  Harper  then  asked  the 
man  that  was  with  Demung  how  many  Cattle  he  had  given  to 
Brant;  he  said  one;  I  Believe  Replyed  Harper  that  you  are  a 
Churlish  Fellow;  the  answ'r  I  Did  not  heare,  But  Harper  Replyed 
that  he  was  a  poore  man  &  had  but  one  Cow  left. 

On  our  Return  out  of  said  settelment  Major  Posey  stoped  his 
Command  &  ordered  the  soldiers  to  be  serched,  &  all  the  Cloathing 
or  other  necessarys  belonging  to  the  Inhabitance  to  be  Returned; 
allso  myself  Colected  the  Goods  that  the  musqetree  had  to  be 
Collected  when  we  Came  to  Camp  &  Returned  which  was  don 
and  left  at  Maj'r  Churches  marquee. 

Alex'r  Ramsay,  Lt.  4th  P.  R. 
Sworn  before  me  this  16th  day  of  Sept.  1778. 

Jonas  Vroman  Justices  in  the  County  of  Albany 
in  the  Staet  of  New  York. 


DEPOSITION  OF  CAPT.  ALEXANDER  HARPER. 

Being  on  a  Scout  to  Paughcutaughen  with  a  Party  under  Com- 
mand of  Major  Posey  on  Wednesday  Aug't  the  26th  1778: 

We  Stoped  at  a  House  belonging  to  Simon  Van  Waggoner 
which  was  the  Second.  I  asked  the  Woman  of  the  House  if  She 
was  as  Great  a  Tory  as  She  Us'd  to  be,  She  Answer'd  she  was 
not  a  Tory,  and  if  I  Did  not  believe  her,  I  might  Enquire  of  Her- 
manus  Demong  who  was  a  Tory.  We  then  Proceeded  about  half  a 
Mile,  when  we  met  said  Demong  with  his  Waggon  and  horses, 
and  another  Man  with  Two  Horses;  (they  being  Stopp'd  by  the 
front  of  the  Party)  I  came  up  and  Ask'd  him  his  Name,  he  Replyed 
Demong?  Are  you  as  Good  a  Man  for  the  King  as  you  Used  to  be? 
Yes.  What  Did  you  ever  do  for  the  King,  and  how  many  Cattle 
Did  you  give  to  Brant's  Party?  I  gave  four  Cattle  and  Supply'd 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  Ill 

them  with  all  the  Provision  that  lay  in  my  Power.  Will  you 
Supply  them  with  any  more?  I  would  but  the  Rebels  have  Car- 
ried them  all  to  Esopue  with  my  Family.  I  think  you  Look  like  a 
Eebel  and  I  believe  you  are  one — he  Reply'd  no  by  God  I  am  no 
Rebel. 

I  then  asked  the  Man  that  was  with  him  how  Many  Cattle  he 
had  given  to  Brant,  he  said  One,  I  believe  you  are  a  Churlish 
fellow  for  not  giving  more;  he  Reply'd  it  was  all  he  had  excepting 
one  Milks  Cow. 

And  said  Deponent,  Capt'n  Harper,  further  saith,  that  he  heard 
Major  Posey,  Repeatedly  forbid  the  Party  of  Plundering  the 
Women  of  any  thing  belong  to  their  apparel  for  Necessaries 
Whatever,  Except  the  Horses,  and  Caused  a  Search  to  be  made 

that  if  any  thing  had  been  taken,  It  might  be  given  back  if  fotfnd 
i 

among  the  Party. 

Alexander  Harper. 

Personable  appeard  before  me  a  Justice  for  the  County  of 
Albany  &  State  of  New  York  Capt.  Alexander  Harper  &  made 
Oath  that  the  fore  going  is  the  Truth  to  the  Best  of  His  Knowl- 
edge. 16th  Sept'r  1778. 

Jonas  Vroman,  Justices  for  the  County  of  Albany. 


[No.  1808.] 

Officers  of  the  Company  of  Exempts  of  Rumbout  Patent. 
At  a  Meeting  of  the  Associated  Exempts  in  the  district  assigned 
to  Abraham  Schenck  by  Coll:  Jas.  Swartwout,  on  Monday  the 
28th  of  Sept'r  1778,  at  John  McBride's  Tavern  in  Runabouts  pre- 
cinct, the  following  Gentlemen  where  Recommended  by  a  Plural- 
ity of  voices  as  proper  persons  to  be  Field  Officers  of  the  Regiment 


112  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

of  Voluntary  Associated  Exempts  in  Dutchess  County  Viz:  Ja- 
cobus Swartwout,  Esqr.,  Colonel;  Zepheniah  Platt,  Esqr.,  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel;  Israel  Thompson,  Major. 

As  also  the  following  Gentlemen  where  Recommended  for 
Officers  of  Said  District, Viz:  Abraham  Schenck,  Captain ;  William 
Boerum,  Esq.,  1st  Lieutenant;  Daniel  Eapelje,  2nd  Lieutenant. 


[No.  1809.] 

The  Parole  of  Alexander  White,  James  Dole  and  Henry  Cuyler,  as 
Made  by  the  Commissioners  of  Conspiracies. 

Albany  28th  Sept.  1778. 

Sir,  Inclosed  your  Excellency  will  find  Copy  of  a  Parole  entered 
into  by  Messrs.  Henry  Cuyler,  James  Dole  and  Alexander  White 
at  the  Time  they  were  liberated  from  Confinement  and  hope  the 
same  will  meet  with  your  Excellencies  approbation. 

Captain  Willet  who  has  the  Command  of  the  vessel  they  are 
going  with,  is  a  Gentlemen  whose  attachment  to  the  Cause  cannot 
be  doubted,  and  we  have  directed  him  to  wait  upon  your  Excel- 
lency for  Directions — and  you  may  be  assured,  that  all  the  Dis- 
patch necessary  has  been  used  to  get  them  off  sooner.  We  are 
with  the  greatest  Respect  Your  Excellencies  Most  Obed't  Serv- 
ants: John  M.  Beeckman,  Isaac  D.  Fonda,  Mat.  Visscher. 
His  Excellency,  Gov'r  Clinton. 

We  Henry  Cuyler  and  James  Dole  and  Alexander  White  do 
severally  promise  and  engage  on  the  word  and  Faith  of  a  Gentle- 
man that  we  shall  severally  proceed  from  hence  to  Poughkeepsie, 
to  be  from  there  sent  in  to  New  York  agreeable  to  Exchange  when- 
ever the  Commissioners  for  detecting  Conspiracies  &ca.  shall  so 
direct  and  that  we  shall  and  will  not  hold  (during  our  Stay  in  the 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  113 

City  of  Albany  and  until  our  Arrival  at  Poughkeepsie)  any  Corres- 
pondence upon  political  Matters  with  any  Person  or  Persons  what- 
soever and  that  we  severally  will  not  say  or  do  any  thing  by  which 
any  Hurt  or  Detriment  may  come  to  the  Measures  pursued  by  the 
United  States  of  America  or  either  of  them  and  that  we  shall 
severally  upon  our  arrival  at  Poughkeepsie  follow  the  Directions 
of  his  Excellency  Governor  Clinton.  Given  under  our  Hands  at 
Albany  this  19th  Day  of  September  1778. 

Alexander  White,  James  Dole,  Henry  Cuyler. 

A  true  Copy  from  the  Original. 

Leon:  Gansevoort,  Jun'r,  secy. 


[No.  1810.] 
BRANT  ON  THE  WAR  PATH. 

A  Report  that  His  Objective  Point  is  Rochester,  Ulster  County. 

Marbletown  28th  Sept'r  1778. 

Sir,  Inclosed  I  Send  you  an  Affidavit  of  Robert  McGinnis  who 
Came  in  at  Great  Shandeken  the  25th  Instant  with  Negro  man, 
whose  master  Lives  at  New  York;  the  Negro  man  I  have  Sent  to 
Johannis  Sleght  one  of  the  Commissioners  of  Sequestration. 

By  Thos.  Kyte  from  Pienpack  I  have  been  Informed  that  one 
Briant  Cain  who  formerly  Lived  at  Coschecton  Came  in  at  Pien- 
pack the  22d  Instant  and  was  to  Come  this  way  but  is  not  yet 
arived.  This  Cain  left  Aquago  the  14th  Instant,  and  Says  that 
Brant  was  gone  to  the  German  Flats  with  four  hundred  &  fifty 
men,  And  McGinnes  who  told  me,  That  they  Said  their  Party 
was  four  hundred  But  thinks  there  was  no  more  at  Unidela  than 
Two  hundred,  as  is  mentioned  in  the  Affidavit.  They  both  agree 
that  on  their  Return  they  would  then  make  a  Push  Some  where  on 

this  Quarter. 

8 


114  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

I  think  it  would  be  advisable  to  have  men  out  as  Spys  as  far 
back  as  Delaware,  So  that  I  might  have  timely  notice  of  their 
Comeing,  But  the  men  I  have  Under  my  Command  are  Unac- 
quainted with  these  woods  and  Cannot  Answer  for  that  Purpose. 
I  would  be  glad  if  your  Excelency  Should  think  it  Proper  To  have 
Liberty  to  Engage  one  or  Two  Persons  for  that  purpose  on  whose 
fidelity  I  may  Rely. 

As  for  the  Number  of  Militia  Adequate  to  Carry  into  Execution 
an  Expedition  against  Anaquago  is  to  me  Very  Uncertain.  I 
think  it  would  be  advisable  to  go  there  with  Six  or  Seven  hun- 
dred men  were  they  Chosen  men,  But  as  my  Regt.  now  Stands,  it 
is  not  in  my  Power  to  undertake  an  Expedition  of  that  nature  as 
the  Reliefs  are  a  going  and  Comeing  Every  week  in  the  month, 
I  have  Consulted  with  Judge  Pawling  "But  he  thinks  it  will  not 
answer  with  militia  as  they  are  Called  out  in  Classes,  as  many 
of  them  are  men  you  Cannot  Depend  on,  Unless  the  number  be 
Greater  then  what  I  mentioned,  McGinnes  &  Kain  Both  agree  that 
Butler  is  gone  to  Niagara.  Kain  Says  that  Brant's  Party  Con- 
sists of  Six  or  Seven  hundred  Chosen  men.  I  Remain  with  Due 
Esteem  Your  Excelency's  Most  Obedient  Friend  &  Serv't 

John  Cantine. 
His  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esqr. 


Poughkeepsie  Sept.  29th  1778. 

Sir,  I  have  rec'd  your  favor  of  yesterday.  I  have  no  particular 
authority  to  direct  the  employ'g  &  keeping  out  of  Spies.  But  as  I 
think  the  measure  adviseable  &  necessary,  I  have  not  the  least 
doubt  that  the  Expences  attending  it  will  be  allowed  in  your  acct. 
I  should  be  glad  to  know  the  Distance  from  Rochester  to  Coolitie 
&  to  Oghquago,  the  nature  of  the  Road,  &c.  &c.  &  how  many 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  115 

cont'l  Troops,  joined  with  your  militia,  would  be  a  Compentent 
force  to  carry  an  Expedition  thither  with  a  prospect  of  Success. 
As  it  appears  from  McGinnis  acct.  that  the  Enemy  have  it  in  view 
to  visit  the  frontiers  of  Rochester,  I  must  recommend  it  to  you  to 
be  extremely  vigilant  in  keeping  out  the  militia  &  using  every 
means  in  your  Power  to  prevent  a  surprise.  I  am  &c. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Colo.  Cantine. 


Robert  McGinnis,  of  Sixty  Nine  Years  of  age,  being  duly  sworn 
saith  that  he  Lived  at  the  Unindilly;  that  on  Saturday,  being  the 
19th  Instant,  he  was  taken  Prisoner,  with  his  Two  sons,  one 
Tygart  &  Three  other  men  by  a  number  of  Onida  Indians; 
the  Deponant  saith,  that  said  Tygart  had  been  taken 
Prisoner  some  time  before,  by  Brant's  Party,  on  the 
Mohawck  River,  &  brought  to  the  Deponant's  house,  &  there 
Left.  After  the  Deponant  had  been  the  Prisoner  some 
short  time  he  was  set  at  Liberty  on  account  of  his  Great  age, 
his  sons  with  Tygart  &  the  other  three,  were  Carryed  of  by  said 
Indians;  the  Next  day  being  Sunday,  Capt.  Joseph  Brant 
with  his  party  Came  to  the  Settlement  his  party  Consisting,  the 
Deponant  thinks,  of  about  Two  hundred  men,  Indians  and  Torys ; 
the  Deponant  says,  they  Came  from  Germain  Flatts,  &  were 
on  thier  way  Down  to  onoughquawga;  the  Deponant  Further 
saith,  that  he  was  stript  of  every  thing  he  had,  meaning  all  his 
Goods,  Excepting  what  he  had  previously  Concaled;  the  Deponant 
Further  adds,  that  Brant  had  a  very  Large  Number  of  Cattle 
with  him ;  he  Likewise  understood  by  some  of  the  party,  that  they 
intend  to  Make  their  Next  Stroke  Some  where  back  of  Esopus, 
but  he  the  Deponant  Conjectures,  From  what  he  could  learn, 


116  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

that  it  was  some  part  of  Rochester  they  Intended,  &  further 

Saith  Not. 

Robert  McGinnis. 
Marbletown  Sept'r  27th  1778. 

Sworn  before  me  Jacob  DeLametter. 


[No.  1811.] 

Richard  Varick  Asks  Governor  Clinton  to  Intercede  for  His  Father, 
a  Prisoner  in  New  York  City. 

Fredericksburg  Sept.  28  1778. 

Sir,  Already  five  weeks  have  elapsed  since  Your  Excellency  was 
kind  enough,  at  my  request,  to  give  Mr.  Peter  Van  Schaack  Leave, 
to  procure  my  father's  Enlargement  from  a  distressing  Captivity, 
in  Exchange  for  himself;  which  I  believe  he  has  not  done  as  Yet, 
&  fear  (thro  want  of  Influence  in  his  Family  Connections  of  late) 
he  will  not  be  able  to  effect;  Especially  as  I  have  Cause  to  think 
That  my  father  is  held  up  as  a  very  obnoxious  Character  &  de- 
tain'd  at  the  Instance  of  some  of  his  Neighbours,  probably  of  near 
Connection  to  him,  who  are,  or  have  affected  to  shew  themselves, 
Friends  &  Abettors  to  the  Enemies  of  their  Country. 

I  am  just  inform'd  by  Mr.  Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer,  that  a  Mr. 
Cummins,  a  Scotch  Gentleman  of  Katts  Kill,  now  confin'd  at  Al- 
bany &  Subject  to  an  Exchange  is  from  his  Interest  &  Connec- 
tions in  Engl'd,  a  man  of  pretty  considerable  Influence  with  the 
Enemy  &  that  it  is  very  likely  he  will  be  able  to  effect  an  Exchange 
for  my  father. 

It  gives  me  Pain  to  become  so  troublesome  to  Your  Excellency, 
but  filial  Duty  to  an  affectionate,  Indulgent  Parent,  who  has  suf- 
fered the  most  cavalier  Treatment  from  an  imbitter'd  Enemy; 
whom,  when  nearly  expir'g  of  a  very  dangerous  Dissentery  (on  his 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  117 

Giving  Bail)  they  have  vouchsaf'd  a  temporary  Enlargement  from 
Provoost  &  confind  to  a  House,  where  still  labouring  under  his  In- 
disposition, unless  soon  relieved,  he  will  in  all  Probability  end  his 
Days,  constrains  me  to  exert  my  little  Efforts  for  his  release  & 
makes  me  exceedingly  anxious  for  his  speedy  Exchange. 

If  Mr.  Cummins  is  not  already  Exchanged,  I  shall  esteem  it 
the  greatest  favor,  if  Your  Excellency  will  permit  him  to  be  ex- 
chang'd  for  my  Father  who,  if  he  recovers  from  his  Illness,  has 
no  other  Prospect,  than  that  of  an  immediate  return  to  a  loath- 
some Provoo.  Goal,  or  the  disagreeable  Alternative  of  continuing 
under  Obligations  to  a  relation,  a  worthless  man,  who  took  advan- 
tage of  his  extream  Illness  &  attempts  to  make  a  merit  of  the  act 
of  becoming  his  Bail. 

I  have  the  Honor  to  be  Sir,  with  every  Respectful  Sentiment 

Your  Excellency's  Most  Obed't  serv't 

Rich'd  Varick. 
His  Excelleny,  Gov'r  Clinton. 


[No.  1812.] 
TRYON  COUNTY  ASKS  FOR  ASSISTANCE. 

Small  Reliance  to  be  Placed  Upon  the  Militia — The  Enemy  Preparing 

for  Another  Raid. 

Canijohary  Tryon  County  Sept.  28th  1778. 

Sir,  We  beg  leave  to  represent  to  your  Excellency  the  most  de- 
plorable Situation  of  this  County.  The  Enemy  have  from  Time 
to  Time  desolated  and  destroyed  the  Settlements  of  Springfield; 
Andrews  Town  and  the  German  Flatts,  by  which  at  least  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  Families  are  reduced  to  Misery  and  Distress.  Peo- 
ple who  before  were  in  flourishing  Circumstances  are  thus  by  our 
wanton  Act  brought  to  Poverty. 


118  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Notwithstanding  we  have  repeatedly  wrote  our  Situation  down 
and  asked  Relief,  we  have  obtained  none  except  Colo.  Alden's 
Regiment,  which  is  stationed  at  Cherry  Valley  where  they  re- 
main in  Garrison.  Woeful  Experience  teaches  us,  that  the 
Troops  in  Cherry  Valley  are  by  no  means  a  Defence 
for  any  other  Part  of  the  Country.  We  should  long  e'er 
now  have  desisted  from  requesting  any  farther  Support  were 
we  not  convinced  that  unless  we  obtain  Relief,  the  Enemy  are 
strong  enough  and  we  fear  will  in  short  make  another  Attempt  to 
lay  waste  this  Country. 

Strange  as  it  may  appear  to  your  Excellency,  it  is  no  less  true, 
that  our  Militia  by  Desertion  to  the  Enemy  and  by  Enlistments 
into  our  Service,  are  reduced  to  less  than  seven  hundred  Men. 
Indeed  if  these  700  would  do  their  Duty  and  act  like  Men,  we 
might  perhaps  give  the  Enemy  a  Check,  so  as  to  give  Time  to  the 
Militia  from  below  to  come  up,  but,  Sir,  they  are  actuated  by  such 
an  ungovernable  Spirit  that  it  is  out  of  the  Power  of  any  Officer 
in  this  County  to  command  them  with  any  Credit  to  himself — 
for  notwithstan'g  the  utmost  Exertion  the  Officers  have  nothing 
but  Blame  in  Return. 

From  the  Information  we  are  able  to  collect  from  Prisoners 
and  otherwise,  we  learn  that  the  Enemy,  when  at  the  German 
Flatts  were  500  or  upwards  strong  commanded  by  a  Capt.  Cald- 
well.  That  they  intended  soon  to  make  another  Incursion,  and 
that  a  Reinforcement  of  5  or  600'were  on  its  March  from  the  west- 
ern Nations  of  Indians  to  join  the  Enemy,  Indians  being  fre- 
quently seen  and  our  People  fired  upon,  seems  in  our  opinion  to 
indicate  a  speedy  Return  of  the  Enemy. 

We  have,  therefore,  now  to  request  of  your  Excellency,  to  order 
up  a  sufficient  Force,  in  order  to  make  a  vigorous  Impression  on 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  119 

the  Enemy's  Quarters,  and  to  drive  those  murdering  Villains  out 
of  our  Country,  Your  Excellency  may  be  assured  that  we  shall 
exert  every  Nerve  to  collect  what  Men  we  possibly  can. 

We  send  the  Bearers,  Colo.  Fisher  and  Peter  S.  Deygert,  Esq. 
to  give  your  Excellency  what  farther  Information  you  may  desire 
to  know,  and  to  join  us  in  supplicating  your  Excellency  to  afford 
us  immediate  Succour.  We  have  the  Honor  to  be  Sir  Your  Ex- 
cellency's most  Obedient  and  very  Hble.  servants 
Jacob  Klock,  Saml.  Campbell,  Pieter  Weizger,  Saml.  Clyde,  Chris- 
topher W.  Fox,  John  Hess,  Jacob  Defendorff,  Christ  Stofel  Fox. 
Gov'r  Clinton. 


[No.  1813.] 

The  Question  of  Clothing  for  the  Troops  and  Officers  and  Returns 
for  the  Five  Regiments  Furnished. 

Wall  Kill  Sept.  28th  1778. 

May  it  please  Your  Excellency,,  as  the  Hono'bl  House  of  Assem- 
bly will  m,eet  in  a  few  days  I  thought  it  my  duty  to  give  your 
Excell'y  an  accout  of  what  cloathing  is  still  deficient  to  complete 
our  5  Regiments,  particulars  of  which  may  be  seen  by  the  In- 
closed Return.  If  the  House  see  no  prospect  to  draw  the  defi- 
ciencies out  of  the  Continental  cloathing  Store,  I  should  be  glad 
to  have  orders  in  time  from  them  to  purchase,  &  I  beg,  If  your 
Excell'y  should  think  proper  to  Recomend  this  matter  to  the 
House,  that  your  Excellency  would  put  them  in  mind  not  to  stint 
me  to  a  Certain  sum  as  was  the  case  the  last  time,  but  give  me 
orders  what  quantity  of  Each  Arti'e  I  must  purchace  &  give  me 
a  Credit  on  the  Treasury  to  draw  for  such  sums  as  I  shall  from 
time  to  time  want  to  complete  any  orders  I  may  receive,  If  it  is 
not  done  in  this  way  the  business  will  be  only  half  done. 


120 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


I  have  also  to  acquaint  your  Excellency  that  our  officers  com- 
plain much  that  no  cloathing  is  provided  for  them,  in  the  same 
manner  the  other  states  provide  for  their  officers.  I  remain  with, 
due  Respect,  Your  Excell'y  most  Obed't  Serv't 


Peter  T.  Curtenius. 


To  His  Excellency,  George  Clinton,  Esqr. 


4 

« 

dC 

IS 

VI 

5 

3 

M 

I 

3 

H 

3 

5 

6 

3 

4> 

5 

M 

a 

a 

1 

•£2 

0 

8 

I 

o 

s 

"3 

« 

S 

K 

VI 

6 

oq 

VI 

M 

W 

« 

W 

0 

Drawn  for  Genl.  Clinton's  Brig'd 

2059 

1006 

1006 

1006 

2588 

2588 

1006 

1006 

2588 

2452 

Ditto  in  fav'r  of  Colo.  Gansewort 

279 

119 

390 

424 

518 

269 

376 

298 

2338 

1125 

1396 

1430 

3106 

2857 

1382 

1304 

2588 

2452 

Purchae'd  by  P.  T.  C.  &  Rec'd 

from  Supervisors 
Deficient 

464 

1874 

1014 
111 

1014 

382 

1074 
1356 

22 
3084 

18 
2839 

1382 

1304 

2588 

2452 

N.  B.  The  officers  who  came  to  the  Store  for  cloathing  Infor'd  me  that  the  above  demand 
was  for  the  deficiencies  of  last  year,  that  on  the  2lth  Novem'r  next  the  men  were  entitled  to  one 
suit  pr.  man  more. 

A  True  return  Sept.  28,  1778. 

Peter  T.  Curtenius  Commiss'y  of  cloath'gto  the  State  of  N.  Yorke. 
"What  Mr.  Henry  has  in  store  I  cant  say  but  believe  it  is  bat  trifeling. 


[No.  1814.] 
Petition  for  Pardon  of  Bartholomew  Hess. 

To  the  Honorable  the  Judges  and  Justices  of  a  Coart  of  Oyer  and  Termener  and' 
general  goal  Delivery  to  be  held  at  the  City  Hall  of  the  city  of  Albany  on  the  29th  Day 
of  September  1778. 

A  Humble  Petietion 

That  whereas  Bartholomew  Hass  Being  undoutly  gilty  of  Sunderys  felonys  in  Robbing: 
and  Being  Lead  there  to  by  the  Instagation  of  the  Divel  Contrary  to  the  will  or 
knowledge  of  his  parants  But  always  heretofore  having  had  an  unblammished  Carracter 
until  verry  Latly  as  also  his  Parants  Being  poor  but  Perfactly  Honnest  and  well 
grounded  in  prinsepals  of  Religion. 

We  your  Petietioners  therefore  Humbley  Pray  that  the  Said  Bartholomew  Hass- 
now  a  prisoner  may  be  permitted  and  allowed  to  be  a  States  or  Congress  Evedence. 

[Here  follows  the  names  of  182  persons.] 

[Note  on  back  of  No.  1814.] 

There  was  also  a  Counter  Petition  to  this  signed  by  some  per- 
sons assigning  Reasons  ag't  this,  charging  Hess  with  want  of 
principles  and  stealing  &ca.  privately — but  it  is  at  present  mis- 
laid or  at  the  Board  of  Commissioners  &  it  was  signed  by  a  few 


persons. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  121 

[No.  1815.] 
Cornelius  Taylor  Offers  to  Turn  States  Evidence. 

To  the  Honorable  John  Jay  Esquire  Chief  Justice,  and  Robert  Yates  &  John  Sloss 
Hobart  Esquires  Puisne  Judges  and  their  Associates  Justices  of  the  Court  of  Oyer  & 
Terminer  and  General  Goal  Delivery  held  in  &  for  the  City  &  County  of  Albany. 

The  Petition  of  Cornelius  Taylor  Most  humbly  Sheweth  That  your  Petitioner  is  now 
in  close  Confinement  in  this  Goal,  for  haveing  been  guilty  of  some  misdemeanors 
which  may  cause  his  Life  to  be  brought  in  Danger  for  the  preservation  of  which; 
he  is  wiling  to  become  a  States  Evidence,  and  Devulge  many  matters  that  may  be 
of  more  Service  to  the  State  &  the  good  People  thereof  than  the  takeing  his  Life 
by  an  Ignomenious  Death,  can  be. 

Your  Petitioner  therefore  humbly  Prays;  that  he  may  be  admitted  to  Serve  his 
Injured  Country  in  that  Particular,  your  Honours  granting  him  that  Previledge  will 
cause  your  Petitioner  (as  in  duty  bound)  Ever  to  Pray  &c. 

Cornelius    Taylor. 
.Albany   Goal   September  29th  1778. 


[No.  1816.] 

Cfeneral  Ten  Broeck  Orders  One  Fourth  of  the  Men  of  Certain 
Regiments  to  Tryon  County. 

Albany  29th  Septem'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  did  my  self  the  Honor  to  write  your  Excellency  the  24th 
Instant;  yesterday  I  Keceived  Colonel  Benson's  letter  of  the  25th 
Instant.  I  shall  Continue  to  Exert  my  self  to  the  Utmost  in 
Rousing  the  militia  under  my  Command  to  a  sense  of  their  duty. 
Being  Informed  that  such  of  the  militia  of  Collonel  Rensselaer's 
&  Livingston's  Regiment  as  were  at  Fort  Arnold  are  Dismissed. 
I  have  this  day  Ordered  one  full  fourth  part  of  said  Regiments 
Immediately  to  march  to  the  Mohawk  River  to  the  Relief  of  the 
Suffering  Inhabitants  on  that  Frontier.  I  have  the  honor  to  be 
with  great  Respect  Your  Excellency's  Most  Obedient  Humble 

•Servant 

Ab'm  Ten  Broeck. 
His  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esqr. 


[No.  1817.] 
COLONEL  MOSES  PHILLIPS  COMPLAINS 

And  Meets  with  a  Reproof  from  Governor  Clinton— Colonel  Cantine 

Sustained. 

May  it  Pleas  youre  Excelency.     I  take  the  liberty  to  offer  you 
the  Reasons  why  a  Part  of  Oure  Rigiment  are  defisiant  in  Send- 


122  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

ing  out  there  Clases;  the  greater  part  of  four'  Companys  lif 
Oposite  Bashes  land,  where  there  is  no  guard  kept  for  15  miles 
&  which  was,  heretofore,  the  Indeans  Usual  way  Into  the  Coun- 
try. Kepeated  application  has  been  made  to  Coll.  Cantine  for  a 
Guard  to  be  Stationed  in  that  Quarter,  which  he  Evades  by  Say- 
ing he  has  no  Authority  to  Alter  the  present  Station  of  the 
Guards,  which  with  Other  things  has  So  Allarmed  the  Inhabe- 
tants,  that  for  Some  time  they  have  kept  a  Special  Guard  Ex- 
clusive of  their  Clases  &  lately  many  Refuse  to  turn  out  in  theire 
Clases  &  leave  there  familys  Exsposed  to  go  and  guard  Others, 
Unless  there  is  a  guard  allowed  in  their  frontier;  Many  have 
moved  into  the  Interior  part  Of  the  Country  &  I  take  the  liberty 
of  giving  it  as  my  Opinion  that  they  will  be  followed  by  most  of 
the  Inhabetents  of  three  Companys,  the  Consiquense  of  which  ia 
Obveous.  I  hope,  therefore,  your  Excelency  will  take  the  matter 
into  Consideration  &  grant  Such  Relief  as  you  Shall  think  Best. 
I  am  youre  Ecelency's  most  obed't  Hum'l  Serv'nt 

Moses  Phillips. 
Walkill  Sep'r  29  1778. 

To  his  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esqr. 


Poughkeepsie  30th  Sep'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  have  received  your  Letter  of  yesterday.  The  Reasons 
assigned  for  not  furnishing  your  Quota  of  Men  are  by  no  means 
sattisfactory,  &  such  as  I  coud  not  have  expected  from  an  Officer 
of  whom  I  have  always  entertained  so  good  an  Oppinion.  The 
Field  Officers  of  Ulster  &  Orange  Counties  were  summoned  to 
meet  at  the  Paltz  to  determine  on  the  Number  of  Men  necessary 
for  the  Defence  of  the  Frontiers,  and  on  the  Station  most  proper 
to  be  occupied  for  this  Purpose;  many  of  them  attended  accord- 
ingly &  the  Advise  was  taken  &  have  been  strictly  pursued.  You 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  123 

did  not  attend,  as  you  ought  to  have  done,  &  now  because  the 
Guards  are  not  stationed  agreeable  to  your  Oppinion  &  that  of 
some  your  Men,  they  refuse  or  at  best  neglect  to  obey  orders  & 
threaten  to  leave  the  Country  exposed  unless  they  are  gratified. 
I  wish  to  give  the  Frontier  Inhabitants  the  most  equal  &  perfect 
protecton.  Such  is  my  Orders  to  Colo.  Cantine  &  he  has  (with 
the  advice  of  the  other  Field  Officers  on  the  Frontier)  authority 
specially  given  to  him,  to  change  the  Stations  assigned  him  by 
my  ordes  from  Time  to  Time  so  as  best  to  answer  the  Purpose. 
Reasoning  upon  the  Subject  will  convince  you,  the  General  safety 
of  the  Frontier  Inhabitants  must  depend  on  the  guards  being 
stationed  some  Distance  in  the  Rear  of  the  Settlements  and  in 
such  Force  as  to  deter  the  Enemy  from  passing  in  between  them, 
which  cannot  be  the  Case  if  the  men  ordered  for  this  Service  are 
thus  withheld  by  each  Neighbourhood  confining  their  Views  to 
the  guarding  their  own  immediate  Settlement.  I  have  only  to 
add  that  your  Regiment  as  well  several  others  have  not  furnished 
their  Quota  of  men  exclusive  of  the  Frontier  Companies.  If  the 
whole  number  ordered  out  were  actually  in  Service  I  have  not 
the  least  Doubt  that  Colo.  Cantine  woud  place  a  guard  at  the 
Place  you  mention  as  the  want  of  Men  only  prevents  it.  I  am 

Sir  Your  most  Humble  Serv't 

[G.  0.] 
[To  Moses  Phillips.] 


[No.  1818.] 

THE  GOVERNOR  COMMENDS  COLONEL  DRAKE 
And  Honors  His  Requisition  for  9,000  Cartridges  for  His  Regiment* 

Peeks  Kill  Sept.  28th  1778. 

Deir  Sir,  Since  The  Removing  of  our  troops  from  the  County, 
the  Enemy  tak  from  Every  person  without  any  Exception,  Leving 


124  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

nither  Clothing,  provisions  or  forage.  Our  Infentery  is  Retreaed 
up  to  Capt.  Lyons  &  the  Church  in  North  Castel;  the  County  lying  . 
open;  no  gaurds  from  our  Infentery  to  the  River;  the  Horses  air 
Carred  of  from  the  Inhabtence  Every  Night;  in  order  to  put  aStop 
I  Have  ordred  out,  Agreeable  to  the  milia  act,  3  first  Classes  of  my 
Regiment  for  two  days,  with  thair  provision;  Shall  order  them 
Releved  with  the  next  3  Classes  in  Rotation  Every  2  days  if  thay 
Shold  be  needed;  in  order  to  guard  from  Croten  Brid  to  the  ferry 
and  Indever  to  driv  those  Robers  that  have  Deserted  from  New 
York,*  who  air  Concealed  By  the  Inhabitants,  with  arms  Ready 
for  to  Rob  and  Steal  the  Horses;  if  not  Stoped  will  Sun  Cary  of 
all  the  fat  Catel  in  this  County  and  Duches;  they  air  Harboured 
by  Persons  Living  from  Pines  Bridg  to  the  mouth  at  Croten  fery, 
which  for  the  Safty  of  the  people,  thair  Houses  ought  to  Be  De- 
stroyed; -your  Direction  will  Be  very  Nesery,  the  Regiment  hav- 
ing No  Powder  nor  Ball.  I  have  Sent  my  Quart,  master  for  your 
order  to  State  Store  for  Nine  Thusand  Cartridges;  if  thair  Shuld 
be  No  Cartridges  to  get  powder  &  Ball.  I  Remain  your  very 

obliden  Sarvent 

Samll.  Drake. 
To  His  Excelency  Gorge  Clinton. 

*Early  this  morning,  [September  16]  Lieutenant-Colonel  Simcoe,  with  the  Queen's 
Rangers,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Emmerick,  with  the  chasseurs,  and  a  detachment  of  the 
second  battalion  of  General  De  Lancey's  brigade,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Tarleton,  with 
the  dragoons  of  the  legion,  and  one  troop  of  Colonel  Emmerick's.  and  the  Hessian 
Jagers,  moved  from  their  respective  encampments  near  King's  Bridge.  Lieutenant- 
Colonels  Simcoe  and  Emmerick  marched  undiscovered  between  two  rebel  pickets,  and 
got  one  mile  and  a  half  in  the  rear  of  a  body  of  two  hundred  and  thirty  select  Vir- 
ginia riflemen,  strongly  posted  in  front  on  Babcock's  Heights,  under  the  command 
of  Colonel  Gist.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Tarleton  marched  to  Colonel  Philip's  farm.  About 
six  in  the  morning,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Emmerick,  with  the  detachment  of  De  Lancey's, 
attacked  the  rebels,  and  though  discovered  when  going  to  attack,  killed  three  on  the 
spot,  wounded  several,  and  took  thirty-five  prisoners,  among  which  are  three  officers. 
The  rebels  were  so  briskly  charged,  that  many  of  them  forgot  their  arms,  &c.,  and 
fled  with  the  utmost  precipitation;  their  colonel  in  particular,  scampering  off  without 
his  breeches  or  boots,  and  'tis  thought  he  was  wounded  in  his  flight.  At  the  same 
time,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Tarleton,  with  the  dragoons,  charged  a  body  of  rebels  posted 
on  Valentine's  Hill,  but  as  the  enemy  were  near  a  very  thick  wood,  they  took 
shelter  where  the  horse  could  not  possibly  act,  which  prevented  their  sustaining  any 
other  loss  than  the  capture  of  a  few  of  their  number.  The  only  loss  sustained  by  his 
Majesty's  troops  in  both  attacks,  was  one  horse  of  Emmerick's  killed.— Gaine's  Mercury 
September  21,  1778. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  125 

Poukeepsie,  30th  Sep'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  have  received  your  Letter  of  the  28th  Instant.  I  ap- 
prove of  your  conduct  in  calling  into  actual  Service  such  Part  of 
your  Kegiment  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  Protection  of  the  In- 
habitants &  their  Effects.  I  presume  Genl.  Morris  will  attend  to 
his  Duty  in  the  County  at  the  Critical  Conjucture  &  make  the 
best  Use  of  his  Brigade.  It  is  an  unpardonable  Neglect,  not  to 
have  seen  that  your  Militia  were  properly  provided  with  Ammu- 
nition agreeable  to  the  Militia  Law  before  this;  And  it  gives  me 
great  Pain  to  find  that  even  now  your  Quarter  Master  is  without 
an  Ammunition  Return  for  your  Regt.  &  your  Order  on  the  Com- 
missioner of  Military  Stores  for  the  same,  as  without  this,  the 
ammunition  cannot  be  issued.  I  have,  therefore,  directed  your 
Quarter  Master  to  return  without  Delay  for  the  necessary  Return 
&  with  your  order  thereon  which  I  will  back  with  my  Warrant 

the  Moment  I  receive  it.     I  am  &c 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Col.  Drake.] 


[No.  1819.] 
Exempts  of  Hanover,  Ulster  County. 

A  Majority  of  Capt.  William  SimralPs  associated  Company  of 
Exempts  (of  Coll.  Haasbrouck's  Regiment)  in  Hanover  Precinct 
Ulster  County  beg  leave  to  Recommend  to  the  honorable  the 
Council  of  Appointment  the  following  promotions  to  take  place 
in  the  said  Company  vizt: 

Isaac  Rosa,  1st  Lieut,  vice  John  Graham  deceased;  James  Huey, 
2d  Lieut,  vice  Isaac  Rosa  promoted;  John  Shaver,  Ensign  vice 
James  Huey  promoted;  Hanover  Precinct  30th  Sept'r  1778. 

William  Simrall,  Capt.,  Isaac  Rosa,  William  Stephens,  Yonatan 
Decker,  John  Comfort,  Hendrekus  Terwillegen,  James  Douglass, 


126  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Jacob  his  X  mark  Teers,  Samuel  Barkley,  John  Shaffer,  Thomas 
Mott,  John  Barkley,  William  Simrell,  James  McCurdy,  Daniel 
his  X  mark  Anderson,  James  Gillespy,  James  Huey,  Hugh  his 
X  mark  Dougherty,  Thomas  Turner,  Crist  his  X  mark  Miller, 

John  Luts,  Peter  Pencel,  Jost  Henrich  Theis,  , 

Stephen  his  X  mark  Carney,  Henrey  his  X  mark  Crance,  John 

Yeamons, ,  Jacob  Selts,  James  Mchugh,  Joshua 

his  X  mark  Smedes. 


[No.  1820.] 

Lieutenant  Pendleton  Renews  His  Application  for  Gash. 
To  His  Exelency  George  Clinton  Esqr.  Governor  of  the  State  of 

New  York  &c. 

Sir,  I  took  the  liberty  on  the  16th  Instant  of  addressing  your 
Exelency  on  the  subject  of  my  want  and  the  manner  in  which  it 
might  be  relieved.  I  beg  leave  to  asure  your  Exelency  that  the 
proposition  wants  nothing  but  your  approbation  and  directions  to 
make  it  successful.  If  your  Exelency  will  please  to  send  me  an 
answer  by  Mrs.  McCloughry  or  Mrs.  Furman  who  are  shortly 
expected  here  it  will  much  oblige  your  humble  servant.  I  am 
Confident  your  Exelency  would  pardon  my  freedom  if  acquainted 
with  the  Circumstances  which  would  be  imprudential  in  me  to 
perticularise  at  this  time.  I  am  with  due  respect  Your  Exelency's 

most  obediant  and  very  humble  servant 

Solomon  Pendleton. 

New  Utrecht  Long  Island  Sept'm  3Qth  1778. 

P.  S.  I  Expect  your  Exelency  will  shortly  see  the  bearrer  Mrs. 
Godwin  who  will  give  an  account  of  the  helth  and  sittuation  of 
our  Officers  Prisoners  here. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  127 

[No.  1821.] 

Three  Exchanged  Tories  Protest  Against  Restrictions  Imposed  Upon 

Them. 

Albany  25  August  1778. 

Gentlemen,  Your  having  refused  to  take  the  oath  tendered  you 
by  us,  renders  it  our  indispensible  duty  to  inform  you,  that  we 
have  fixed  upon  Wednesday  the  ninth  day  of  September  next  for 
your  removal — At  which  time  you  will  be  prepared  with  fourteen 
days  Provisions  &  such  of  your  respective  Families  as  may  chuse 
to  accompany  you  (Persons  capable  of  bearing  arms  excepted.) 
You  are  also  permited  to  take  with  you  all  your  Cloathing  & 
Household  furniture — and  as  the  Charges  of  Transportation  must 
be  borne  by  yourselves,  you  can  hire  a  Vessel  at  Kinderhook  & 
set  off  from  there.  We  shall  send  a  person  from  here  to  attend 
you  down.  You  will  also  observe  that  Security  is  to  be  given 
for  the  return  of  the  sloop  which  is  to  convey  you  to  the  Enemies 
Lines.  You  will  be  pleased  to  acquaint  us  by  the  bearer  whether 
you  can  get  a  sloop  at  Kinderhook  or  whether  one  must  be  sent 
from  here,  we  are  Your  Humb.  Servants 

Mat.  Visscher,  John  M:  Beekman,  Jer'h  V  Eenselaer,  Commis- 
sioners. 
To  Messrs.  Henry  Van  Schaack  David  Van  Schaack  Mathew  Goes 

Jun'r  &c. 

Permission  is  hereby  granted  to  Henry  Van  Schaack,  David 
Van  Schaack  &  Mathew  Goes  Jur.  prisoners  to  the  State  of  New 
York,  to  pass  to  the  British  Lines  in  exchange  for  Messrs.  Smith, 
Philips  &  Wheeler  who  are  come  out,  &  to  take  with  them  their 
wearing  apparel.  They  are  to  take  such  Rout  as  shall  be  assigned 
them  by  any  commanding  officer  upon  the  Lines  or  elsewhere. 
-Given  under  my  hand  the  23d  of  Decem'r  1780. 

Philip  Pell  Jun'r  Com:  Prisoners  State  of  New  York. 


128  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE'  CLINTON. 

Whom  it  may  concern. 

If  the  commissioners  had  a  right  to  grant  us  the  indulgences, 
within  mentioned,  we  know  of  no  power  Mr.  Pell  has  to  deprive 
us  of  having  the  benefit  of  those  Effects.  If  it  was  a  matter  of 
favor,  others  in  the  same  predicament,  have  been  indulged  to  a 
greater  degree  and  we  flatter  ourselves  your  Excellency  will  not 
discriminate  us.  It  would  seem  hard  to  curtail  us  in  any  indul- 
gence when  it  is  considered  how  much  more  we  have  suffered 
than  others  and  that  through  us  three  subjects,  faithful  to  this- 
State,  have  been  liberated. 

Upon  the  whole,  we  cannot  but  flatter  ourselves  but  that  your 
Excellency  will  be  pleased  to  grant  us  leave  to  carry  with  us,  for 
the  present,  not  only  our  wearing  apparel,  but  our  Bedding,  and 
other  necessaries,  so  as  to  Load  two  Sleas  or  Waggons  as  the 
Season  may  be  and  suffer  the  remainder  of  our  furniture  &c.  to  go 
down  with  our  families  in  the  Spring  by  water. 

All  which,  however,  is  submitted  to  your  Excellency's  conside- 
ration by  Your  Excellency's  most  Obedient  humble  Servants 

H.  V.  Schaack,  Maihew  Goes,  Jur.,  David  V.  Schaaek. 


[No.  1822.] 

Colonel  Udny  Hay  Complains  Against  Persons  Who  Fail  to  Qualify 
as  Justices  of  the  Peace. 

Fish  Kill  1st  Oct.  1778. 

Sir,  I  will  not  attempt  to  apologize  for  the  frequent  occasions 
I  am  oblidged  to  make  of  troubling  you,  as  it  arises  from  a  real 
desire  to  serve  the  people  of  this  State  in  particular,  as  well  as 
the  public  in  general,  I  am  certain  no  excuse  will  be  demanded 
by  you. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  129 

As  there  are  many  Gentlemen  in  this  State  who  have  been 
nominated  for  justices  of  the  Peace,  but  have  not  yett  qualified, 
which  neglect  is  a  hurt  to  the  Country  in  general,,  should  be  much 
oblidged  to  you  for  a  return  of  those  Gentlemen's  names,  and  par- 
ticular places  of  abode,  that  I  might  have  it  in  my  power  to  order 
their  waggons  out  in  a  particular  manner,  through  whose  fault 
it  is  that  we  are  oblidged  to  call  in  a  military  force  to  execute  a 
law,  which  ought  and  very  easily  might  be  executed  by  civil 
authority  only.  I  have  the  honour  to  be  w'h  much  esteem,  Sir, 

Your  most  obed.  humble  Se't, 

Udny  Hay. 
[To  Gov.  George  Clinton.] 

[No.  1823.] 
Certificate  of  Refusal  by  Sundry  Tories  of  the  Oath  of  Allegiance. 

State  of  New  York   Ss, 

To  his  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esquire  Governor  of  the  State  of  New  York, 
General  and  Commander  in  chief  of  all  the  militia,  and  admiral  of  the  navy  of  the 
same. 

In  pursuance  of  an  act  of  the  Legislature  of  this  State  Entitled  "  an  act  more 
effectually  to  prevent  the  mischiefs  arising  from  the  Influence  and  example  of  persons 
of  equivocal  and  suspected  Characters  in  this  State  "  we  do  hereby  notify  your  Excel- 
lency that  Samuel  Washburn,  Samuel  Dickinson  and  Samuel  Peters  all  of  Fredricks- 
burgh  precinct  in  Dutchess  County,  having  severally  appeared  before  us  and  being 
respectively  by  us  tendered  the  oath  in  the  said  act  Contained,  did  respectively  refuse 
to  take  the  same,  and  that  unless  your  Excellency  Shall  think  proper  to  detain  them 
or  either  of  them  for  the  purpose  of  exchanging  them  for  any  of  the  subjects  of 
this  State,  in  the  power  of  the  Enemy,  we  shall  cause  them  respectively  to  be  removed 
to  some  place  within  the  Enemy's  Lines. 

Peter  Can  tine,  Jur.  Robt.  Harpur,  Egb't  Benson,  Commissioners. 
Poughkeepsie  October  1st  1778. 


[No.  1824.] 
\ 

On  the  Advice  of  Three  Members  of  the  Legislature  the  Governor 
Assents  to  Sending  250  Barrels  of  Flour  to  Boston. 

To  hie  Excellency  Governor  Clinton  of  the  State  of  New  York. 

Council  Chamber  September  5th  1778. 

The  Council  of  the  State  of  Massachusetts  Bay  would  represent 
to  your  Honor  that  the  Inhabitants  of  this  State  are  in  great 
9 


130  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

want  of  Flour  for  their  own  Consumption  &  would,  therefore, 
recommend  Thomas  Russel  a  respectable  Inhabitant  of  this  State 
for  your  Honor's  Permission,  by  his  agent  Peter  B.  Livingston, 
Esqr.,  to  purchase  &  bring  to  the  Market  here  two  hundred  and 
fifty  Barrels  of  Flour  for  the  use  of  the  Inhabitants. 
True  Copy.  attest:  John  Avery  D'y  Secry. 


State  of  New  York  Ss: 

The  within  named  Peter  R.  Livingston  in  Behalf  of  Thomas 
Russell,  Esqr.  having  applied  to  us  in  order  to  obtain  Permission 
to  export  two  hundred  and  fifty  Barrels  of  Flour  out  of  this  State 
for  the  use  as  above  recommended  by  the  Council  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts Bay,  we  do  hereby  advise  his  Excellency  the  Governor  to 
permit  the  said  Quantity  of  Flour  to  be  exported  out  of  this  State 
for  the*  use  aforesaid. 

October  2d  1778. 

Walter  Livingston,  Leonard  Gansevoort,  John  Tayler, 

Members  of  Assembly. 

I  have  no  Objection  to  the  Exportation  of  two  hundred  &  fifty 
Barrels  of  Flour  out  of  this  State  agreable  to  the  above  advice 

on  the  use  therein  specified. 

[G.  C.] 


[No.  1825.] 
FRIENDLY  ONEIDAS  AND  TUSCARORAS. 

They  Bring  Nine  Captives  to  Fort  Schuyler  and  Declare   their 
Loyalty  to  the  American  Cause. 

Albany  October  2th  1778. 

Sir,  I  Inclose  you  a  Speech  of  the  Oneida  and  Tuscorora  Indians 
delirered  to  Major  Cochran  at  Fort  Schuyler. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  131 

Sir,  I  am  in  Great  distress  for  the  article  of  Salt;  as  that  Can 
beet  be  purchas'd  for  flower  to  the  Eastward  I  Beg  your  Excel- 
lency will  grant  me  a  pas®  to  Boston  or  to  any  of  the  Easteren 
Stats  for  Eight  Barrels  of  flower,  which  will  make  a  Cart  Load 
and  your  Excellency  will  Oblige  your  most  Hum'e  Serv't 

Volckert  P.  Douw. 
To  his  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


Fort  Schuyler  Sept.  28  1778. 

Gentlemen,  On  Fryday  last  arrived  here  the  sachems  &  War- 
riors of  the  Oneida  &  Tuecarora  Nations,  their  number  upwards 
of  One  hundrd.  After  the  usual  formalities,  they  Delivered  them- 
selves nearly  as  follows  (Being  badly  off  for  an  Interpreter  Mr. 
Dean  having  been  absent  a  long  time). 

Brothers,  we  have  now  Taken  The  hatchet  and  burnt  Unendello 
&  a  place  called  the  Butter  Nuts;  we  have  Brought  five  Prisoners 
from  Each  of  the  above  places.  Our  Warriors  were  Particular 
that  no  hurt  should  be  Done  to  Women  &  Children;  we  Left  four 
old  men  Behind  who  were  no  more  able  to  go  to  War.  We  have 
retaken  Wm.  Dygert,  who  was  taken  about  nine  weeks  agoe  by 
Brant  on  the  Fall  hill;  we  now  Deliver  him  to  you  so  that  he 
may  return  to  his  Friends.  Last  year  we  took  up  The  Hatchet  at 
Stillwater  and  we  will  now  Continue  it  in  our  hands.  The  Grass 
Hopper,  one  of  Oneida  Chiefs,  took  to  himself  one  of  the  Prisoners 
to  Live  with  him  in  his  own  Family;  hie  name  is  Wm.  Lull  and 
has  adopted  him  as  his  Son.  Brothers,  we  deliver  you  six  Pris- 
oners, with  whom  you  are  to  act  as  you  Please.  Brothers,  you 
had  a  man  scalped  here  sometime  agoe.  The  Oneidas  &  Tusca- 
roras  have  taken  revenge  &  have  Brought  you  some  Slaves.  We 
do  not  take  Scalps.  We  hope  you  are  now  Convinced  of  our 


132  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Friendship  towards  you  &  your  great  Cause.  The  Warriors  de- 
tain two  of  the  Prisoners  till  tomorrow  morning.  The  Conasa- 
raugas  have  one  more  Prisoner  in  their  Possession,  taken  at  the 
same  Time;  they  will  bring  him  tomorrow  or  next  day. 

Then  the  Conference  ended.  Accordingly  the  next  morning  they 
Delivered  me  the  Prisoner  mentioned  in  their  speech  the  Evening 
before.  I  have  them  all  in  the  Guard  House  here  &  allow  them  a 
Pound  of  Beef  &  a  Pound  of  Bread  Pr  Man  Pr  day.  At  foot, 
hereof,  you  have  Their  Names: 

Rechard  McGinnis  Inlisted  among  Butler's  Rangers  in  Janu- 
ary last  and  was  at  Wioming  last  Summer  with  Coll.  Butler  at 
their  head;  Capt.  Gilbert  Tise  came  from  Neagara  a  few  days 
Before  the  party  set  out  with  Brant  to  Distroy  the  German  Flatts; 
he  had  33  Indians  with  him  mostly  Mohawks  and  Conajoharry 
Indians.  Brant  whole  party  that  Destroyed  The  Flatts  was  300 
Tories  &  152  Indians.  There  were  no  Regular  Troops  among 
them. 

The  Indians  that  were  here  Behaved  with  the  greatest  Openness 
that  I  could  have  Wished.  I  thanked  them  for  their  Services  at 
this  Time.  I  fed  'em  &  gave  them  a  hearty  drink  of  Rum.  I  prom- 
iss'd  that  I  would  Communicate  this  affair  as  well  to  the  General 
as  to  the  Commissioners  of  Indian  affairs  at  Albany.  With  the 
above  Indians  arrived  also  Eight  Princepal  Indians  from  Caugh- 
nawaga  in  Canada.  They  have  Important  intilligence  to  Commu- 
nicate to  us,  in  regard  to  Canada  affairs  which  are  in  our  favour, 
by  what  I  have  yet  Learn'd.  But  as  I  heard  last  night  that  Mr. 
Dean  is  beetween  here  &  Schonectady  on  his  way  for  this  place  I 
have  Deferred  saying  any  thing  particular  to  the  Coughnawagas. 
I  have  victulled  them  for  six  Days  and  they  are  returned  to 
Oneida  with  The  Sachems  &  the  moment  Mr.  Dean  arrives  here 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  133 

they  will  know  it  next  day  &  Came  immediately.  The  Intilligence 
they  give  will  doubtless  be  Communicated  by  Mr.  Dean  without 
loss  of  Time.  The  24th  about  sun  Setting,  7  of  our  men  being  out 
towards  the  sluice,  were  fired  on  by  Indians  and  returned  the  fire. 
I  sent  off  a  party  Immediatly  to  support  them,  who  pursued  the 
Indians  over  the  sluces,  and  returned.  No  harm  was  done.  I  am 
Gentleman  with  respect  Your  Most  Hum.  Sevent 

Eobt.  Cachran. 

Prisoners  Names — William  Lull,  Rechard  McGinn  is,  John  Mc- 
Ginnis,  Jno.  Harrison,  Michael  Stopplopen,  Barry  Loghlin,  Moses 
Thurston,  Caleb  Lull,  Benjamin  Lull. 


[No.  1826.] 
The  Officers  of  Glover's  Brigade  Petition  for  Flour  for  their  Own  Use. 

The  Humble  Petition  of  the  Officers  in  the  Brigade  commanded 
by  Brigadier  General  Glover: 

Sheweth  That  we  your  Excellency's /Petitioners,  having  Fam- 
ilies, (some  of  them  at  a  great  distance  from  us),  and  the  Crops 
of  Grain  in  this  State  turning  out  in  general  very  light,  beg  leave 
to  sollicit  your  Excellency's  permission  for  the  Bearer,  Mr.  John 
Braddish,  to  purchase  such  quantitys  of  Flour  annex'd  to  our 
Names  for  their  use;  and  to  have  liberty  to  Transport  it  out  of 
the  State  of  New  York.  Your  Excellency's  compliance  to  this 
will  lay  your  Petitioners  under  a  lasting  obligation  who  will  be 
in  duty  bound  to  every  pray. 

Providence  October  3d  1778. 

His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 

Moses  Ashley,  Capt.  3  Barrels;  Orringh  Stoddard,  Capt.  3 
Barrels;  Geo.  Smith,  Capt.  3  Barrels;  Robert  Davis,  Capt.  3  do; 


134  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Jeremiah  Miller,  do  3  do;  T.  Hollister,  Lieut,  3  Do;  John  Grace, 
Lt.  3  Do;  Thomas  Smart,  B.  P.  M.  3  Barrels;  Abra:  Tinkerman, 
Oapt.  3  Barrels;  Alex'r  Orr,  Lt.  5  Bar'ls;  Belcher  Hancock,  Lieut. 
3  Barrells;  Fran's  Green,  Lt.  4  Barrells;  Oliver  Hunt,  Lt.  4  Bar- 
rells;  James  Webb,  Ens'n  5  Barrels;  Abra'm  Hunt,  Capt.  4  Bar- 
rells; Nathaniel  Nason,  Lt.  5  Barrells;  George  Jacobs,  Lt.  4  Bar- 
rells; Eben'r  Williams,  Lieut.  4  Barrells;  Abner  Dow,  Lieut.  5 
Barrels;  James  E.  Finley,  Surgeon  4  Barrels;  Joseph  Fisk,  4 
Barrels;  Leb's  Ball,  Maj'r,  6  Barrels;  E.  Whittelsey,  B.  Q.  M., 
6  Barrels;  S.  Lamed,  Adjt.,  6  Barrels;  Benj'm  Wells,  Ens'n,  3 
Do;  Joseph  Hodgkins,  Capt.,  4  Bar'l;  Silv's  Smith,  Capt.,  4  Bar- 
rels; Adam  Mortin,  Capt.,  4  Barr'l;  Moses  Roberts,  Lt,  4  Barels; 
Joseph  Brown,  En.,  4  Barrels;  Archelaus  Lewis,  adgt.,  6  Barel; 
Ivory  Hovey,  Surgeon  6  Bar'l. 


[No.  1827.] 
i 

Colonel  Malcom  Desires  to  have  His  Regiment  Transferred  to  tlie 
Regular  Establishment. 

Fort  Clinton  Oe'r  4  1778. 

Sir,  I  have  already  presented  two  memorals  to  the  Legis- 
lature, solliciting  them  to  patronise  my  Regiment.  Many  of  the 
members  have  promised  me  their  influence,  &  acknowledged  my 
request  reasonable.  Major  Pawling  comes  on  purpose  to  obtain 
their  determination  on  the  Subject.  And  I  take  the  Liberty 
to  Request  that  you  would  bring  on  the  affair  by  a  message, 
or  part  of  one  which  will  certainly  bring  it  to  issue. 

If  they  refuse,  the  General  will  think  that  in  their  judgment, 
he  has  made  a  wrong  choice  in  this  state  when  he  know  that 
other  States  in  which  he  appointed  officers  on  our  Establishment 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  135 

have  all  given  to  them  equall  encouragement  as  their  particular 
Quota  Troops.    I  most  respectfully  am  Sir  your  very  H'ble  Serv't 

W.  Malcom. 
[To  Gov.  George  Clinton.] 


[No.  1828.] 

Assistant  Commissary  Flint  Asserts  that  Causes  and  Incidentally 
Want  of  Cash,  are  Responsible  for  the  Wheat  and  Flour  Famine. 

Sir,  Your  Excellency  will  please  to  accept  of  my  thanks  for 
your  early  attention  to  my  letter  of  the  25th  ultimo.  I  must 
again  take  the  liberty  to  trouble  you  with  a  few  remarks  on  the 
circumstances  of  our  department. 

In  justice  to  the  Assistants,  to  whom  you  have  attributed  the 
blame  of  our  present  wants,  I  must  observe  that  the  scantiness 
of  their  supplies,  is  owing  to  causes  which  very  probably  have 
escaped  your  notice.  There  was  flour  enough  actually  contracted 
for,  to  have  carried  us  plentifuly  through  the  campaigne.  But 
unluckily  they  were  not  seasonably  furnished  with  cash  to  make 
good  their  contracts.  By  this  means,  when  they  were  called 
to  collect  their  supplies,  they  found  the  farmers  had  disposed 
of  their  wheat  to  private  persons  for  an  higher  price  than  they 
engaged  to  pay.  Several  thousand  bbls.  of  flour  have  been  lost 
to  the  public  by  such  practices.  None  of  the  purchasers  in  this 
state,  except  those  in  Dutchess  and  W.  Chester  Counties  ever 

had  orders  to  discontinue  buying.     And  had  cash  been  timely 

• 

received,  to  pay  for  what  was  agreed  for,  in  those  counties,  our 
magazines  would  not  now  have  so  empty.  The  blame,  if  properly 
fixed,  would  fall  on  causes,  which  I  choose  to  mention  with 
delicacy;  and  without  too  critically  tracing  the  evils  to  their 
true  origin,  I  had  rather  invigorate  the  measures  to  releve  them. 


136  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

It  would  ill  become  me  to  suggest  how  far  it  is  expedient  to 
extend  the  indulgence  of  granting  permits  to  export  flour.  If 
those  permits  are  granted  except  in  cases  of  absolute  necessity, 
I  much  fear  the  consequences  will  prove  hurtful  &  perhaps 
prevent  the  purchasers  from  being  able  to  obtain  supplies  suit- 
able for  the  purposes  of  the  army. 

I  am  still  of  the  opinion  that  there  are  considerable  quantities 
of  wheat  both  in  this  state  &  Connecticut  that  is  the  property 
of  men  who  are  scrupulous  of  taking  Continental  money — and 
others  who  are  not  influenced  by  this  consideration  keep  their 
grain  for  an  higher  price.  I  should  suppose  that  the  legislative 
body  could  frame  an  act  to  appoint  assessors  to  rate  every  farmer 
to  supply  a  certain  quantity  of  wheat  in  a  limited  time.  The 
particular  mode  of  executing  such  a  scheme,  could  be  better  de- 
termined by  your  assembly  than  by  me. 

Unless  something  uncommon  should  happen  to  prevent,  I  will 
wait  on  your  Excellency  sometime  this  week  &  know  your  senti- 
ments of  this  proposal.  In  the  mean  time  I  am  with  much  re- 
spect &  esteem  Your  Excellency's  most  obed't  &  hbl.  Ser't 

Koyal  Flint,  A.  C.  G.  P. 
Fredericksburgh  Octo.  4th  1778. 

His  Excellency  Gov.  Clinton. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


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PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  139 

[No.  1830.] 
Flour  for  the  French  Fleet. 

I  do  Certify,  That  The  Thousands  Barils  of  flour  Bought  by  Mr. 
de  Matigny  are  destin'd  for  The  use  of  The  French  fleet  Com- 
manded by  The  Count  D'Estaing  &  I  do  beg  The  Government  of 
New  York  would  be  pleae'd  to  permit  These  provisions  past  un- 
molested for  The  Service  of  The  Said  fleet. 
Boston  The  5th  October  1778. 

Signed  The  Chev.  de  Borda,  major  General  of  The  fleet. 
Translated  from  The  French. 


[No.  1831.] 
GOVERNOR  CLINTON  EXONERATES  MAJOR  POSEY. 

But  Believes  Captain  Harper  was  Responsible  for  the  Error  that  Cost 
Colonel  D  union  his  Life. 

Schohary,  Middle  Fort  23d  Sept'r  1778. 

May  it  Please  your  Excellency, 

I  make  Free  to  Trouble  you  with  a  Few  Lines  Respecting  a 
Command  which  I  was  ordered  on  by  Colo.  Butler  to  Paugha- 
taughton,  I  Can  ashure  you,  I  really  am  unhappy  to  find  you 
have  that  matter  Painted  to  you  in  so  Black  a  Light  as  I  under- 
stand you  have,  for  be  ashurd,  That  on  that  Expedition,  for  which 
I  am  Culpable,  I  took  as  many  precautions  as  Lay  in  my  Power; 
you  must  be  sensible  in  what  manner  a  man  is  to  act  when  Pos- 
sitively  Told  to  be  in  an  Enemies  Country,  as  its  Evident  the 
moost  of  those  Frontier  settlements  have  actualy  been  in  arms 
against  us,  or  assisted  the  Enemy  in  Provition,  &  I  have  had  the 
fortune  to  se  &  Know  a  Good  Deal  about  the  Disaffected  People 
in  this  Countery  in  Genl.  &  I  Can  scarcely  se  any  of  them,  be  them 


140  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

the  Greatest  Villians,  But  what  has  some  one  to  speek  in  there 
behalf. 

My  affidavits,  with  those  of  the  officers  under  me  upon  that  Ex- 
pedition, Colo.  Butler  informs  me  he  will  send  inclosd  to  you  for 
your  Perusial.  I  am  with  Esteem  Your  Obed't  Hum'le  ser't 

Thomas  Posey. 

P.  S.  I  a^m  Informd  there  is  a  number  of  People  throughout  the 
Frontier  settlements,  which  Can  Prove  Dumond's  Carrector  to  be 
Exceeding  Bad.     Youl  se  his  own  Confesion  in  the  affidavits  of 
the  officers. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


Pokeepsie  5th  October  1778. 

Sir, I  am  favoured  with  your  Letters  of  the  27th  &  Major  Posey's 
of  the  23d  Ultimo  with  several  Affidavits  accompanying  the  same 
respecting  the  Death  of  Dumond.  I  never  understood  from  the 
Complaints  made  to  me  of  that  Unhappy  Affair,  the  least  Inten- 
tion of  charging  any  of  your  Officers  with  Misconduct,  and  Please 
to  assure  Major  Posey  that  I  entertain  too  good  an  Oppinion  of 
him  to  doubt  the  Propriety  of  his  Behavour  on  that  Occassion. 
It  is  not,  however,  so  clear  to  me  that  Mr.  Harper  Judging  from 
his  own  Account,  did  not  make  Use  of  some  Deception  which 
might  have  betrayed  a  better  Man  than  Dumond  into  Imprudent 
Expressions  in  his  Situation  which  if  so  is  wrong.  The  Soldiery 
who  had  Dumond  in  Charge,  were  Right  in  obeying  Orders  even 
tho  at  the  Expence  of  his  Life,  as  he  was  wrong  in  attempting  to 
Escape  out  of  their  Custody.  And  tho'  it  is  my  Duty  to  guard 
the  Rights  of  the  Subjects  of  the  State,  I  shoud  be  sorry  were 
they  to  suffer  for  doing  their  Duty.  Please  to  offer  my  best  Re- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  141 

spects  to  Major  Posey  &  believe  me  your  Friend  &  most  Obed't 

Servant 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Colo.  Butler. 


[No.  1832.] 
CONGRESS  CONTINUES  THE  EMBARGO  ON  PROVISIONS. 

And  Passes  an  Act  to  Exchange  Bills  of  Credit  Emitted  &«/  States 
for  Continental  Currency  under  Certain  Conditions. 

Philadelphia  7th  October  1778. 

Sir,  Since  my  last  of  the  27th  Ulto.  I  have  not  been  honored 
with  a  Letter  from  your  Excellency. 

Within  the  present  Inclosure  will  be  found  two  acts  of  Con- 
gress viz. 

1 — of  the  2d  Instant  for  continuing  the  present  Embargo  on 
Provision  until  the  last  day  of  January  1779  and  for  divers  other 
purposes  therein  mentioned. 

2 — An  Act  of  the  5th  for  exchanging  with  Continental  Currency 
such  local  Bills  of  Credit  as  have  been  received  in  the  Loan  Office 
of  each  State  respectively. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  With  the  highest  Respect  Sir  Your 
Excellency's  Obedient  &  most  humble  servant 

Henry  Laurens,  President  of  Congress. 
His  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esquire  Governor  of  New  York. 


In  Congress,  Oct'r  2d  1778. 

Whereas  the  scantiness  of  crops  of  wheat  &  other  grain  in  the 
States  of  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pensylvania,  Delaware,  Mary- 
land &  Virginia  &  the  wicked  acts  of  speculators,  forestallers,  & 


142  PUBLIC  TAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

engrossers,  who  infest  every  quarter  of  the  country  &  are  indus- 
triously purchasing  up  grain  &  flour  at  the  most  exorbitant  prices, 
render  it  impracticable  to  obtain  timely  &  sufficient  supplies  for 
the  operations  of  the  army  &  navy,  unless  the  most  vigorous 
measures  are  without  delay  adopted  to  restrain  practices  so  de- 
structive of  the  public  Weal : 

Resolved,  That  it  be  earnestly  recommended  to  the  legislative 
or  where  vested  with  sufficient  power  to  the  executive  authorities 
of  the  States  above  mentioned,  to  authorise  &  direct  any  civil 
magistrate  within  their  respective  jurisdictions  on  an  informa- 
tion given  by  the  commissary  or  quarter  master  general,  or  by  the 
deputy  commissary  or  quarter  master  general  of  the  respective 
districts  of  any  extraordinary  quantity  of  grain  or  flour  being  pur- 
chased &  in  the  possession  of  individuals,  forthwith  to  issue  his 
warrant  impowering  the  informant  to  seize  the  same  for  the 
public  use  paying  for  the  same  such  price,  as  may  to  the  respec- 
tive legislatures  appear  proper  to  prevent  the  practice  of  engross- 
ing those  articles  in  future  not  exceeding  six  dollars  per  hundred 
for  flour  &  in  proportion  for  grain,  which  may  be  found  in  the 
hands  of  engrossers. 

And  whereas  the  facilitating  the  supply  of  the  army  which 
was  one  of  the  principal  objects  in  laying  the  embargo,  has  been 
defeated  by  individuals  purchasing  grain  &  flour  with  a  view  of 
exporting  the  same  at  the  expiration  of  the  term  for  which  the 
embargo  is  laid  in  the  respective  States; 

Resolved,  That  the  embargo  on  provisions,  which  by  the  resolu- 
tion of  the  8th  day  of  June  last  was  laid  until  the  15th  of  Novem- 
ber next,  be  continued  in  force  subject  to  such  exceptions  as  are 
recommended  by  the  resolution  of  the  2d  Sept'r  till  the  last  day 
of  January  1779  or  until  such  time  as  Congress  shall  give  notice 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  143 

to  the  respective  States  that  sufficient  supplies  have  been  ob- 
tained for  the  operations  of  the  army  &  for  the  French  Squadron 
and  that  it  be  recommended  to  the  respective  States  to  take  the 
most  effectual  measures  for  carrying  this  resolution  into  effect. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  farther  recommended  to  the  legislatures 
of  the  several  States  to  pass  laws  for  the  seizure  &  forfeiture  of 
all  grain  &  flour  purchased  up  or  engrossed,  with  such  exceptions 
&  under  such  limitations  &  restrictions  as  they  may  think  most 
expedient. 

And,  whereas,  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  the  end  pro- 
posed by  Congress,  in  recommending  an  exemption  from  embargo 
by  their  resolution  of  2d  Sept'r,  may  not  only  be  defeated  ;by 
private  purchasers  enhancing  prices  or  by  captains  making  false 
protests  &  bearing  away  to  forejgn  ports,  but  in  cases  where 
vessels  may  actually  arrive  in  some  parts  of  the  eastern  States 
the  cargoes  may  be  engrossed  by  individuals  at  an  extravagant 
rate,  with  a  view  of  preying  upon  the  public;  to  guard  against 
which  evils, 

Resolved,  That  it  be  earnestly  recommended  to  the  legislative 
&  executive  authorities  of  the  respective  States  not  to  grant  any 
exemptions  from  embargo  to  any  vessels  whatever  unless,  in 
addition  to  the  former  security  recommended,  the  persons  apply- 
ing for  the  same,  comply  with  the  following  stipulations,  to  wit: 

1st.  That  the  shipper  or  shippers  of  the  cargo  solemnly  make 
oath  that  no  part  of  the  flour  or  grain  proposed  to  be  shipt  has 
been  purchased  or  contracted  for  since  10  day  of  Octo'r  1778. 

2d.  That  the  shipper  and  every  man  on  board  of  the  said 
vessels  whether  seamen  or  passengers  solemnly  swear,  that  they 
will  not  directly  or  indirectly  be  privy  to  or  concerned  in  any 
measure  whatsoever  which  may  tend  to  defeat  the  arrival  of  the 


144  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

vessel  at  some  safe  port  in  one  of  the  Eastern  States,  but  that 
they  will  without  any  deception,  mental  reservation  or  equivoca- 
tion whatever  take  every  measure  to  carry  into  effect  the  inten- 
tion of  the  license  granted: 

3d.  That  the  shipper  shall  first  agree  with  the  commissary  genl. 
or  person  by  him  duly  authorized,  for  such  purpose  on  the  price 
for  which  the  flour  shipt  shall  be  delivered  at  one  of  the  ports 
in  the  Eastern  States  for  the  public  use. 

Resolved,  That  the  exemption  from  the  embargo  as  recom- 
mended by  the  resolution  of  Congress  of  the  2d  Sept'r  be  ex- 
tended to  vessels  belonging  to  the  middle  &  southern  as  well  as 
those  of  the  Eastern  States  under  the  restrictions  &  stipulations 
above  mentioned. 

Extract  from  the  minutes. 

Chas.  Thomson  secy. 


In  Congress  5th  Oct'r  1778. 

Whereas,  it  is  represented  by  several  commissioners  of  the  con- 
tinental loan  offices,  that  they  have  received  for  loan  office  cer- 
tificates &  lottery  tickets  of  the  United  States,  considerable 
sums  in  bills  of  credit  emitted  by  States,  who  by  acts  of  their 
respective  legislatures  have  stopped  the  circulation  of  such  bills: 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  said  States,  to  direct 
their  treasurers  to  receive  such  bills  of  credit  from  the  said  com- 
missioners respectively,  &  deliver  in  exchange  continental  cur- 
rency to  the  amount  thereof;  the  said  commissioners  declaring 
on  oath  if  required,  that  such  bills  were  received  by  them  in 
virtue  of  their  office. 

Extract  from  the  minutes. 

Chas.  Thomson  secy. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  145 

[No.  1833.] 
A  Petition  to  Procure  the  Exchange  of  Edward  Covenhoven. 

We,  your  Excellencies  humble  Petitioners,  take  the  Liberty  to 
represent  the  unhappy  fate  of  one  of  our  Friends  &  Acquaint- 
ances to  your  Excellencies  attention  &  Consideration,  Edward 
Covenhoven,  a  worthy  &  zealous  friend  to  his  Country,  who,  after 
having  lost  his  all,  which  was  very  Considerable,  has  unluckily 
fallen  into  the  hands  of  our  Common  Enemy  at  Tarry-Town,  & 
in  Consequence,  thereof,  has  left  numerous,  destitute  &  dis- 
tressed family  among  us.  We,  therefore,  your  Excellencies  Peti- 
tioners humbly  pray  that  your  Excellency  will  be  pleas'd,  if  there 
is  any  medium  for  an  Exchange,  that  the  first  &  wou'd  wish  a 
speedy  oppertunity  may  be  improved,  that  the  distresses  of  the 
family  may  in  some  measure  be  relieved. 

And  we"  your  Excellencies  Petitioners  shall  ever  pray. 
Flats  in  Rhine-Beck,  Oct'r  7  1778. 

Stephen    Van    Voorhees,    Robt.    R.    Livingston,    Everardus 
Bogardus,  Jacobus  Kip,  Isaac  Kip,  Leonard  Kip,  Hans  Kier- 
steade,  Cornelius  Bradford,  Win.  Radclift,  William  Skepmus,  P. 
D'Witt 
To  his  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esqr. 


[No.  1834  and  1836.]* 

MAJOR  NATHANIEL  STRONG  MURDERED. 
A    Serious    Charge    Against    Colonel    Woodhull — Verdict    of    the 

Coroner's  Inquest. 

Blooming  Grove  7th  8b:  1778. 

Sir,  We  lament  having  it  in  our  power  to  furnish  you  with  a 
fresh  instance  of  the  villainy  of  Claudius  Smith  and  his  Com- 
rades. 

•To   make  this  story   consecutive,   documents   1834   and  1836   have  been   consolidated 
•under  one   heading.— STATE   HISTORIAN. 

10 


146  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Last  night,  at  midnight,  Claudius  with  six  others  came  to  Capt. 
Woodhull's,  Stole  several  valuable  articles — the  Capt.  was  gone 
to  Clarks  Town;  some  of  the  villians  swore  they  would  soon  have 
him  dead,  or  alive — immediately  after  they  went  to  Major 
Strong's,  broke  open  his  door,  and  his  windows — he  coming  in 
the  room  was  shot  down  and  immediately  expired — 'two  shot 
enter'd  his  face,  one  in  his  neck  and  one  in  the  breast — three  men 
fired  at  him  as  is  said. 

Such  conduct  is  truely  alarming.  All  our  Militia  are  below  the 
mountains,  which  these  beings  undoubtedly  knew,  for  we  have 
reason  to  believe  that  the  whole  of  David  Smith's  tribe  are  con- 
cerned in  assisting  them.  In  short  we  have  not  thought  our- 
selves secure  for  a  long  time.  We  live  so  scattered  that  they  can 
come  in  the  dead  of  the  night  to  any  one  family  &  do  what  they 
please. 

You,  sir,  may,  with  propriety,  say  that  we  have  men  enough 
when  the  Militia  are  at  home  to  take,  kill,  or  drive  them  away — 
'tis  true,  but  what  can  we  do  when  those  to  whom  we  have  given 
power  screens  the  villians  from  Justice.  'Tis  not  our  wish  to  in- 
jure Characters,  but  when  it  becomes  necessary  for  the  good  of 
the  Community  to  describe  the  conduct  which,  opens  a  door  to- 
such  actions  as  above,  we  think  it  our  duty  to  deliver  ourselves 
with  freedom. 

Coll'n  Woodhull  as  a  Senator  should  endeavour  to  have  re- 
moved every  evil  the  People  justly  complain  of — he  Is  Coll'  of  our 
Regt.,  frequent  applications  have  been  made  to  him;  those  vil- 
lains still  range  at  large.  We  are  informed  and  believe  it  truer 
That  he  has  endeavoured  to  screen  from  Justice  a  part  of  Claudius 
his  Gang.  We  shall  not  add  further  than  to  beg  your  Excellency 
to  use  your  endeavour,  in  such  way  as  you  think  best,  to  have 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.       .  147 

removed  this  Smith  Gang  without  leaving  the  Executive  part  to 
ColPn  .Woodhull.  We  are  with  respect  Your  Excellency's  Most 
Obed't  Humb'e  Serv'ts, 

Henry  Brewster,  Israel  Seely,  Ebenezer  S.  Burling,  John  Brew- 
sler,  Joshua  Hobart,  Jos:  Sackett,  jun.,  William  Bradley. 
His  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esq. 


Poukeepsie  8th  October  1778. 

Gentlemen,  I  have  received  your  Letter  of  the  7th  Instant  con- 
taining the  Melancholly  Account  of  the  Murder  of  Major  Strong 
&  the  Roberies  committed  by  Claudius  Smith  &  his  Confederates 
in  your  Neighbourhood  which  gave  me  real  Concern.  I  have  by 
the  Bearer  issued  such  Orders  as  if  vigorously  executed  trust  will 
put  a  stop  to  these  Outrages  in  Future.  I  am  Your  Most  Obed't 

Strv't 

G.  C. 
To  Henry  Brewster  &c. 


PROCEEDINGS  BEFORE  THE  CORONER. 

Goshen  October  ye  8th  1778. 

Honoured  Sir,  Inclosed  I  send  you  a  coppy  of  an  Inquisition 
taken  yesterday  upon  view  of  the  Body  of  the  worthy  Nethaniel 
Strong.  I  send  it  you  to  Confirm  the  mischiefs  Practised  by  the 
Notorious  Claudeus  Smith  and  his  party  hopeing  sum  Measures 
may  be  taken  to  stop  his  Coreer. 

Excuse  hast  as  the  opertunity  wates.  I  am  with  Regard  your 
Excelency  moste  obedient  Humble  Servant 

Wm.  Holly,  Coroner. 


148  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Blooming  Grove  Oct'r  7th  1778. 
Orange  County. 

Mrs.  Woodhull  being  Duly  Sworen  Saith  that  on  the  Night  of 
'the  Sixt  of  this  Instant,  Claudius  Smith  and  a  party  of  armed 
Men  Came  to  hur  House  about  Twelve  Oclock,  and  Did  Bob  hur 
and  wished  hur  Husband  was  at  Home  for  he  would  have  him 
Ded  or  a  Live. 
Sworn  to  before  me  Wm.  Holly,  Coroner. 

Mrs.  Strong  Sath  that  about  One  OClock  She  heerd  Sum  men 
Knocking  at  the  Dore  and  Braken  in  the  windows,  on  which  hur 
Husband  got  Up  and  askt  who  was  there;  they  answered  a  Friend; 
'on  which  they  ordered  him  to  Lay  Down  his  arms  and  open  the 
Dore  and  they  would  not  Hurt  him;  he  answered  he  would  if  he 
Could,  but  that  they  had  so  broake  it  he  Did  not  know  if  fhe 
Could;  they  Told  him  to  lay  Down  his  Gun;  he  Said  he  had;  on 
which  he  Stept  Forred  and  was  Shot  by  the  party  that  had  at- 
tackted  the  House  and  further  She  Heared  hur  Husband  Say  it 
was  Claudious  Smith. 
Sworn  before  Wm.  Holly,  Coroner. 

These  Depositions  wer  onely  taken  hear  so  fur  as  thay  Ke- 
spected  Claudeus  Smith  and  his  party. 
Orange  County  New  Cornwell  Precent,  State  of  New  York. 

Inquisition  Indented  taken  at  the  house  of  Major  Nathaniel 
Strong  the  seventh  Day  of  October  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  Christ, 
one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy  Eight,  and  in  the  third 
year  of  Independency  upon  View  of  the  Body  of  the  said  Na- 
thaniel Strong,  then  and  there  lying  Dead  by  the  oath  of  Daniel 
Colman,  Benjaman  Gale,  John  Wood,  Coe  Gale,  Ebenezer  Bur- 
ling, Patrick  McLaughlin,  William  Williams,  Elija  Heddy,  Wil- 
liam Bradly,  Sail  Colman,  Jonathan  Deboys,  William  Tuthill,  & 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  149 

Samuel  Bartly,  good  and  Lawfull  Men  of  Said  county,  Being 
Duely  Sworn  and  charged  Before  William  Holly,  one  of  the  Coro- 
ners for  said  county,  to  inquire  in  behalf  of  the  good  People  of 
said  State,  when,  where,  how  and  after  what  Manner,  the  said 
Nathaniel  Strong  hath  came  by  his  Death,  do  say  upon  their  oath, 
that  on  the  Night  of  the  Sixth  of  this  insta.  betwen  one  and  two 
oclock  as  it  is  made  appear  to  us  by  the  Evidence  of  the  wife  of 
the  Deceased,  A  cumpany  of  armed  men  one  of  them  supposed  to 
be  Claudeus  Smith,  broak  into  the  house  fiered  hir  husband  and 
Killed  him;  that  so  and  Not  other  ways  the  said  Nathaniel  Strong 
is  came  by  his  death;  to  this  Inquisition  as  well  the  Coroner  as  the 
Juriors  Do  set  their  hands  and  seals. 

Wm.  Holly  Coroner;  seal,  Daniel  Colman,  Benjaman  Gale,  Capt. 
John  Wood,  Coe  Gale,  Ebenezer  Burling,  Patrick  McLaughlen, 
William  William,  Elija  Heddy,  Wiliam  Bradly,  Sail  Colman, 
Jonathan  Deboys,  William  Tuthill,  Samuel  Bartly. 

a  Trew  Coppy  Exammined  by  William  Holly,  Coroner. 
You  shall  Delijently  inquire  and  trew  presentmant  make,  in 
behalf  of  the  good  People  of  this  State,  when,  where,  how,  and 
after  what  manner,  Nathiniel  Strong,  hear  Lying  Dead,  came  by 
his  Death,  and  of  all  such  other  matter  Respecting  the  same  as 
shall  cum  to  your  Knowledg;  So  help  you  God. 


[No.  1835.1 
The  Flag  Boat  Reports  for  Guyler  Dole  and  White. 

Poghkeepsie  Oct'r  8  1778. 

Sir,  Henry  Cujler,  James  Dole  &  Alex'r  White  being  duly  ex- 
changed for  Major  Lush  &  Messrs.  Vantassel  &  Maybe  of  this 
State,  I  gave  them  with  their  Families  &  effects  Permission  to 


150  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

pass  to  N.  York  with  a  Flag  on  Tuesday  with  the  Officer  to  com- 
mand the  Flag  to  be  appointed  by  the  Commanding  Officer  at  W. 
Point 

I  am  this  Moment  favored  with  a  Line  from  Genl.  Washington 
informing  me  that  a  Boat  with  a  Flag  coming  up  from  the  Enemy 
for  Mr.  Cuyler  &  his  Family  is  stopped  below  the  Fort.  I  am  ex- 
tremely happy  this  Caution  is  taken,  for  tho  Mr.  Cuyler  &  the 
other  Persons  are  completely  exchanged  and  I  have  no  Objection 
ag't  their  passing  to  N.  York  with  their  Families  &  Effects  as 
soon  as  convenient,  yet  I  have  Reason  to  believe  the  Enemy  must 
have  other  views  in  send'g  up  the  Flag  than  barely  for  Mr.  Cuy- 
ler, as  Mr.  Cuyler  informed  me  on  his  Return  lately  from  N.  York 
where  he  had  been  to  perfect  his  Exchange,  that  he  had  Permis- 
sion to  proceed  to  New  York  with  the  sloop  engaged  here  for  that 

Purpose.     I  am  Sir  Your  most  obed't  serv't 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Gen.  Putnam.] 


[No.  1836.] 


[No.  1837.] 
William  Palfrey  Asks  for  a  Permit  to  Export  Flour. 

Fish  Kills  October  9  1778. 

Sir,  My  Errand  to  this  place  was  to  purchase  a  few  barrels  of 
Flour  for  the  use  of  my  family  the  ensuing  Winter,  which  I  find 
1  cannot  export  from  the  State  without  a  special  Lipence  for  that 
purpose. 

Nothing  less  than  absolute  necessity  could  induce  me  to  trouble 
your  Excellency  on  such  an  Occasion,  but  I  know  your  goodness 
and  humanity  are  such,  that  you  would  not  wish  to  see  the  fami- 

*  See  footnote  page  145. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  151 

lies  of  those  engaged  in  the  public  Service  suffer  for  want  of 
Bread,  which  is  really  the  Case  with  mine.  Mrs.  Palfrey  writes 
me  word  she  cannot  purchase  Flour,  or  Grain  of  any  kind  for 
Money. 

You  will,  therefore,  oblige  me  exceedingly  by  sending  me  a  Per- 
mit to  convey  out  of  the  State,  Eight  barrels  of  Flour,  which  I 
assure  you  upon  my  honor,  is  intended  solely  for  the  use  of  my 
family,  of  which  I  have  nine  in  number,  exclusive  of  myself  and  a 
Servant  that  is  with  me.  You  will  please  to  inclose  the  permit  in 
a  Letter  by  the  Post,  directed  to  me  at  General  Washington's 
Head  Quarters. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  greatest  Eespect  Your  Excel- 
lency's most  obed't  humble  Servant 

Wm.  Palfrey. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  1838.]* 


[No.  1839.] 
A  Postal  Thief  Steals  the  Governor's  Mail. 

Weathersfield  Oct'r  12th  1778. 

Sir,  We  have  Procur'd  a  few  Sheets  of  Parchment,  beg  your 
Excellency  will  be  Pleas'd  to  accept  of  one  half  of  the  Boll  and 
deliver  the  other  half  to  Thomas  Tredwell,  Esqr.  I  am  for  Mr. 
Platt  &  self  Your  Excellency's  most  obed.  Hbe.  Serv't 

Samuel  Broome. 
His  Excellency,  Gov'r  Clinton. 


Fairfield  13th  October  1778. 

S'r,  No  Doupt  you  will  be  Surprised  to  find  that  this  Letter 
has  been  broke  open;  the  occation  was  this:  Mr.  Peet,  the  post 

*  See  page  184  and  footnote. 


152  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Rider,  came  to  a  publick  house  in  this  town  and  hung  his  horse 
under  a  Shed  Just  in  ye  Dusk  of  ye  Evening  and  went  into  the 
house  to  Deliver  his  Newspapers  and  Letters — and  within  ten 
minutes  after,  the  above  mention'd  Rool  of  Parchment  was  Stole 
and  taken  from  off  his  horse  and  the  thief  got  off  undiscovered. 
Mr.  Peet  being  Exceedingly  uneasy  and  Concern'd  for  fear  it 
might  be  of  great  Value  and  importance  applyed  to  us,  the  Sub- 
scribers to  for  our  advice,  whether  as  it  was  Reasonable  to 
suppose  that  this  Letter  would  give  full  information  of  the 
Contents  of  ye  Rool,  it  would  not  be  prudent  to  open  it,  that 
if  it  was  a  matter  of  great  Value  &  importance,  measure  to  Re- 
cover ye  Same  and  take  ye  thief  might  be  taken  accordingly; 
upon  mature  Consideration  of  the  matter  we  thought  it  prudent 
on  the  whole  to  open  ye  Letter,  and  shall  use  all  possible  means 
to  Recover  the  Same  and  bring  the  thief  to  Justice,  and  we  dont 
Doupt  as  we  acted  for  your  Interest  you  will  Justify  us  in  the 
measures  we  have  Taken,  we  are  with  great  Respect  S'r  your 

most  obedient  Humble  ser't 

Saml.  Bradley,  Justice  Pe. 

George  Burr,  Just.  Peace. 
To  his  Exelency  Gov'r  Glinton. 


[No.  1840.] 
Schaghticoke  Exempts. 

To  his  Excellancy  Governor  George  Clinton  General  and  Com- 
mander in  Chief  of  all  the  Militia  and  admiral  of  the  State 
of  New  York. 

We  the  Subscribers  inhabitants  of  Schacktekock  assotiated 
in  Pursuencence  of  an  Act  of  the  People  of  the  State  of  New 
York  represented  in  Senate  and  Assembly,  Passed  the  3  Day 
of  April  1778,  Do  humbly  Hereby  Certify  that  we  have  Elected 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  153 

for  Capt,  Cornelius  W.  Van  Den  Berg ;  for  first  Liut.  James  Kip ; 
for  Second  Liut.  Jacob  Fort;  for  Ensign  Richard  Van  Veghten 
and  we  hereby  Engage  that  we  will  Severally  and  on  all  oc- 
cations  obey  the  orders  of  our  Respective  officers  and  in  all 
cases  of  invasion  or  Incurtions  of  the  Enemy  or  insurrections 
march  to  repel  the  Enemy  or  Suppress  Such  insurrection  in 
Like  manner  as  the  enrolled  Militia  are  Compelled  to  Do  as  wit- 
ness our  Hands  the  Twelvth  day  of  October  1778. 

Wouter  N.  Groesbeck,  Gerret  Winne,  Leuwes  Vele,  Tunis  L. 
Velaii,  Henrich  Holler,  Weynant  Van  den  Bergh,  John  J.  Viele, 
Peter  Benaowa,  Johns  N.  Groesback,  Lawies  H.  Viele,  Gilbert 
Giles,  lieudriok  Mandevil,  Peter  P.  Winne,  Jacob  Herman,  Con- 
radt  Herman,  Goseph  Gadwin,  Charls  Tol,  Luas  P.  Vyele,  Harma 
Quackanbus,  Luas  Vanantwarpn,  Lowyes  G.  Viele,  John  Velan, 
Wendel  Overacker,  John  Roos,  Willem  Klum,  John  Slay,  Lau- 
rans  Stansalor,  Wylem  Mestes,  Magiel  Sisko,  Jams  Lyans,  Nyck- 
las  Becker. 

[Agreed  &  Entred  Nov.  5  1778.] 


[No.  1841.] 
Petition  for  the  Pardon  of  Isaac  Scouten.* 


[No.  1842.] 
THE  GOVERNOR  HOLDS  OFFICERS  TO  BLAME. 

Informs  Colonel  Klock  that  had  His  Orders  Been  Obeyed,  the  Country 
Would  not  Have  Been  Injured  to  the  Extent  it  Was. 

Poghkeepsing  Oct'r  12th  1778. 

Gentlemen,  I  have  received  your  Letter  of  the  27th  ult  but 
have  not  seen  either  Colo.  Lush  or  Mr.  Dygert  whom  you  mention 

*  Omitted. 


154  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

as  the  Bearers  and  to  whom  you  refer  me  for  more  particular 
Information. 

When  we  are  acquainted  that  W.  Chester,  Orange,  Ulster  & 
Albany  &  Charlotte  Counties  are  equally  exposed  to  the  Rav- 
ages  of  the  Enemy  with  yourselves  and  that  the  Militia  of 
Dutchess  which  is  the  only  remaining  County  have  been  during 
the  Summer  frequently  called  to  strengthen  the  Posts  in  the  High- 
lands, you  will  readily  perceive  that  your  Safety  must  in  a  great 
Measure  depend  upon  your  own  Exertions  &  the  aid  which  can 
be  afforded  you  by  the  County  of  Albany.  Upon  the  first  ap- 
pearance of  Hostilities  in  your  Quarter,  I  represented  your  ex- 
posed Situation  to  his  Excellency  Genl.  Washington  and  in 
Consequence  of  my  application,  Alden's  Regiment  was  contin- 
ued on  and  another  Regt.  sent  to  the  western  Frontier.  If  these 
are  improperly  stationed  so  as  not  to  afford  the  Settlements 
there  the  Protection  that  might  be  expected,  it  is  the  Fault  of 
the  Commanding  Officer  at  Albany  and  not  in  my  Power  to  cor- 
rect. With  Respect  to  the  Militia,  2  Companies  of  Rangers 
were  directed  to  be  raised  in  Tryon  County  &  1  small  Company 
at  Schoharry  for  Albany;  as  early  as  last  winter  the  £  of  the 
Militia  upon  the  first  Intimation  of  Danger  were  ordered  upon 
the  Frontiers  of  both  those  Counties  to  be  stationed  by  the 
Command'g  Officers  at  such  Places  as  would  give  the  most 
equal  &  perfect  Protection  to  the  different  Settlements.  And, 
had  these  Orders  been  obeyed;  the  Country  I  am  persuaded 
would  not  have  experienced  the  Injuries  which  have  been  com- 
mitted upon  it  by  the  Enemy.  These  Orders  are  yet  in  Force 
&  I  am  extremely  sorry,  if  have  it  not  in  my  Power  at  present 
to  give  you  any  further  aid  than  what  you  can  derive  from  car- 
rying them  into  Execution. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  155 

I  will,  however,  make  it  my  Business  to  lay  your  distressed 
Situation  before  the  Legislature,  and  I  wo'd  fain  hope  that  they 
will  put  it  in  my  Power  to  raise  a  sufficient  Body  of  men  to 
carry  on  offensive  operations  ag't  the  Enemy  &  thereby  give 
more  Security  to  the  Frontier  Settlements  in  future.  It  is  not 
for  me  to  determine  whether  it  is  from  the  refractory  spirit  of 
the  men,  or  neglect  of  the  Officers,  that  my  orders,  have  not  been 
executed.  No  Returns  have  been  made  to  me  by  any  of  the 
officers  in  Consequence  of  my  repeated  orders;  neither  does  it 
appear  to  me  that  Courts  Martial  have .  been  held  upon  the 
Conduct  of  the  refractory  &  disobedient.  In  these  Instances  the 
officers  are  certainly  to  blame  &  merit  all  the  Censure  they  have 

received.     I  am  &c. 

[G.  0.] 
[To  Col.  Klock.] 


THE  GOVERNOR'S  LEGISLATIVE  SPEECH. 

A  Brief  Accoimt  of  the  Movements  of  the  Enemy  and  of  the  Condition 
of  the  State  at  that  Time. 

*  Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  and  Assembly, 

The  Enemy,  by  the  Evacuation  of  Philadelphia,  and  their  Re- 
moval to  the  City  of  New-York,  have  again  made  this  State  the 
principal  Seat  of  War.  I  am  happy,  however,  to  inform  you, 
that  instead  of  effecting  the  Conquest  of  the  United  States  of 
America,  their  Main  Army,  after  several  fruitless  Campaigns,  on 
their  Part  barbarously  and  cruelly  conducted,  is  at  length,  through 
the  Vigilance  of  his  Excellency  General  Washington,  and  the 
Spirit  and  Bravery  of  the  Troops  under  his  Command,  confined 

*By  proclamation  the  Governor,  on  September  1st,  1778,  directed  the  Legislature  to 
meet  at  Poughkeepsie  on  the  1st  day  of  October  following,  but  the  number  of  mem- 
bers being  insufficient  for  the  transaction  of  public  business,  an  adjournment  was 
effected  from  day  to  day,  until  October  13,  when  they  assembled  in  the  Senate  Chamber, 
where  Governor  Clintom  made  the  above  speech.— STATE  HISTORIAN. 


156  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

to  defensive  Operations  only;  and  there  is  the  greatest  Keason 
to  hope,  that,  with  the  Blessing  of  a  kind  Providence,  we  shall 
be  enabled,  speedily,  to  bring  the  War  to  a  happy  Conclusion,  and 
perfectly  establish  our  Freedom  and  Independence. 

Our  Northern  Frontier  has,  this  Season,  remained  in  a  State  of 
Tranquility,  and  the  Inhabitants  thereby  been  favoured  with  an 
Opportunity  of  recovering,  in  some  Measure,  from  the  extreme 
Distress  to  which  they  were  reduced  by  the  Operations  of  the  last 
Campaign. 

I  am,  at  the  same  Time,  Gentlemen,  unhappy  to  inform  you  of 
the  Ravages  committed  on  the  Western  Frontier,  and  the  De- 
struction and  Desolation  of  several  valuable  Settlements  in  the 
Counties,  of  Tryon,  Albany,  and  Ulster,  by  the  Savages,  in  Con- 
junction with  the  disaffected  Subjects  of  this  and  the  neighbour- 
ing States:  On  the  first  Appearance  of  Hostilities  in  that  Quarter, 
I  ordered,  into  actual  Service,  a  considerable  Part  of  the  Militia 
for  the  protection  of  the  exposed  Inhabitants;  but  every  Exertion 
I  have  been  able  to  make  for  their  Security,  though  burthensome 
to  the  Militia,  and  very  expensive  to  the  Public,  has  (owing  to  the 
Extent  of  Country  to  be  guarded,  against  an  Enemy  carrying  on  a 
desultory  War)  proved  ineffectual. 

The  Disaffection  and  turbulent  Conduct  of  many  of  the  Inhabit- 
ants of  the  Northeastern  District  of  this  State,  will  claim  your 
Attention,  and  call  for  such  Measures,  as  Justice,  the  public  Good, 
and  the  Honour  of  the  State  may  demand. 
Gentlemen  of  the  Legislature, 

As  the  Terms  for  which  the  present  Delegates  in  Congress,  and 
the  Members  of  the  Council  of  Appointment  for  this  State,  were 
elected,  are  expired;  it  will,  of  Course,  be  your  first  Business  to 
proceed  to  the  Election  of  proper  Persons  to  fill  those  important 
Offices. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  157 

The  continued  Depreciation  of  the  Paper  Currency,  is  a  Circum- 
stance of  the  most  alarming  Nature.  Temporary  Expedients, 
such  as,  Laws  for  the  Reduction  of  Prices,  though  they  may  serve 
for  a  Time  to  palliate,  will,  in  the  End,  be  found  to  increase  the 
Evil.  The  only  effectual  Remedy  is,  that  of  reducing  the  Quan- 
tity of  circulating  Currency,  by  Taxation;  a  Measure  which  I 
would  wish  to  recommend  to  your  particular  and  early  Attention: 
For,  exclusive  of  every  other  Consideration,  no  Time  can  be  more 
proper  than  the  present,  for  paying  off  our  public  Debts  by  Taxes, 
when  the  staple  Commodities  of  the  State  command  the  most  ad- 
vanced Prices. 

By  the  35th  Section  of  our  Constitution',  the  Laws  of  this  State 
are  necessarily  become  complicate;  and,  as  every  Member  of  So- 
ciety is  materially  interested  in  the  Knowledge  of  the  Laws  by 
which  he  is  governed,  I  am  induced  to  believe,  a  careful  Revision 
of  the  Laws  of  this  State,  would  be  an  acceptable  Service  to  your 
Constituents,  and  attended  with  the  most  salutary  Effects. 

In  the  Course  of  the  War,  this  State  has  frequently  been 
charged  by  Congress  with  the  Superintendence  and  Management 
of  various  Kinds  of  public  Business;  in  the  Prosecution  of  which, 
large  Disbursements  have  been  occasionally  made,  and,  notwith- 
standing the  Advances  by  Congress,  I  am  informed  a  very  con- 
siderable Balance  remains  due  to  this  -State;  and,  as  new  Ac- 
counts are  daily  accruing,  some  proper  and  permanent  Mode, 
for  the  Liquidation  and  Settlement  of  the  public  Accounts  of  this 
State,  is  become  necessary. 

You  will  readily  perceive,  from  the  Nature  of  the  Service,  it  is 
not  in  my  Power  to  render  you  an  Account  to  any  fixed  Period, 
of  the  Expenditures  made  in  the  Payment  and  Subsistance  of 
the  Militia,  who  have  been  employed  on  the  Frontiers:  I  have 


158  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

great  Reason  to  believe  that  they  far  exceed  the  Sum  allowed  by 
the  Legislature  for  this  Purpose,  and  have  therefore  to  recom- 
mend, that  Provision  be  made,  not  only  for  Discharging  the  extra 
Debts  that  may  have  been  contracted  for  this  Service,  but  also, 
for  enabling  me  to  execute  more  effectual  Measures  for  the  De- 
fence of  the  Frontier  Settlements,  against  the  Depredations  of  a 
savage  Enemy  in  future. 
Gentlemen, 

There  are  many  other  Matters  worthy  of  the  Deliberation  of  the 
Legislature,  which  in  the  Course  of  the  Session,  I  shall  occasion- 
ally take  proper  Opportunities  of  laying  before  you. 

Your  Zeal  for  the  public  Welfare,  as  well  as  the  Duty  you  owe 
to  your  Constituents,  will,  I  am  persuaded,  induce  you  to  prose- 
cute the  Business  of  the  present  Session  with  that  Unanimity  and 
Firmness  which  become  the  Representatives  of  a  free  and  vir- 
tuous People;  and  the  Necessity  there  is  (during  the  unsettled 
State  of  our  public  Affairs)  for  your  Presence  in  the  several 
Counties  in  which  you  reside,  will  equally  excite  you  to  Die 

patch. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Poughkeepsie,  October  13,  1778. 


[No.  1843.] 
COLONEL  HAWKES  HAY  ASKS  FOR  REINFORCEMENTS. 

Governor  Clinton  Orders  Captain  BelVs  Company  to  Protect  the 
Southern  Part  of  Orange  County. 

Clarkstown  Octo'r  9  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  I  hope  your  Excelency  will  be  good  enough  to  excuse 
my  not  writing  to  you  before;  but  can  assure  you,  that  it  is  owing 
to  the  distresst  Confusion  we  have  been  in,  and  the  hurry  of 

•From  Journals  of  the  Legislature. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  159 

i 

business,  On  the  first  alarm  we  gott  of  the  Enemy,  I  imediately 
imbodied  my  Regt.  and  marched  down  two  or  three  miles  in  New 
Jersey  to  oppose  the  Enemy,  but  soon  found  to  our  Sorrow  that 
we  had  not  one  Twentieth  part  of  strength  enough  and  if  two  De- 
serters had  not  come  in  to  us  and  given  us  Intelligence  we  all 
would  have  been  cut  off.  My  malitia  which  is  very  few,  have  be- 
haved Extraodinary  well,  but  they  are  now,  very  much  distressed 
.and  fatigued,  and  am  very  apprehensive  I  shall  not  be  able  to 
keep  them  together  much  longer;  many  of  them  have  not  sowen 
any  winter  Grain  this  Season,  and  none  have  cut  their  Buckwheat, 
which  is  now  spoiling.  I  do,  therefore,  request  that  you  will  be 
so  kind  as  to  order  us  some  assistance  and  relieve  a  poor  distrest 
People,  who  have  never  yett  rec'd  any  assistance  from  any  of  their 
neighbours,  or  the  army  Except  from  Col.  Marvin  who  is  down 
with  about  one  Hundred  men  including, Officers.  We  raised  a 
Company  for  Col.  Graham's  Regt.  which  was  to  be  imployed  for 
the  defence  of  this  State  and  they  are  now  imployed  in  New 
Jersey.  I  beg  leave  to  request  that  you  will  be  so  kind  as  to  order 
that  Company  here;  they  may  be  of  great  Service  to  us  as  they 
•are  well  acquainted  with  the  Ground;  I  am  Dear  Sir  Your  Ex- 
cellency's most  Obt.  Serv't 

A.  Hawkes  Hay. 

N.  B.  I  am  informed  that  Lt.  Col.  Wisener  of  Warwick  is  on  his 
inarch  with  Eighty  men. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


Poghkeepsie  Oct'r  13th  1778. 

D'r  Sir,  By  the  acct's  which  prevailed  here  for  some  Days  past 
and  which  I  credited  the  more  from  my  not  having  any  applica- 
tion for  assistance  from  your  Quarter,  I  was  led  to  believe  that 
the  Enemy  had  left  you,  until  I  was  undeceived  by  your  Letter 


160  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

of  the  9th  this  Day  received.  I  am  sorry  to  learn  that  my  orders 
to  the  Militia  of  your  County  on  the  North  Side  of  the  Mountains, 
which  was  to  march  as  great  a  Proportion  as  could  be  spared  con- 
sistent with  the  Safety  of  the  Frontiers,  has  afforded  you  so  little 
aid.  I  have  sent  an  Order  to  Capt.  Bell  to  join  you  in  the  Pro- 
tection of  the  Inhabitants  in  your  Part  of  the  Country  &  take  his 
further  Orders  from  you  or  other  officer  command'g  the  militia 
being  superior  to  him  in  Rank.  You  may  rest  assured  that  every 
other  possible  Exertion  shall  be  made  to  give  you  Succor.  In 
the  mean  Time  let  me  intreat  you  to  continue  your  own  laudable 

Exertions.     I  am  &c. 

[G.  0.] 
[To  Col.  Hay.]  v 


Poughkeepsie  Oct'r  13th  1778. 

Gentlemen,  Upon  the  first  Intimation  I  had  from  Mr.  Smith  of 
the  Enemy's  being  in  your  Quarter,  I  issued  my  orders  to  the 
Commanding  Officer  of  the  Militia  in  your  County  on  the  N.  Side 
of  the  Mountain  to  call  into  actual  Service  and  march  to  your 
assistance  as  great  a  Proportion  of  their  respective  Regiments  as 
could  be  spared  consistent  with  the  safety  of  the  Frontiers.  I 
am  extremely  sorry  to  find  that  these  orders  contrary  to  my  Ex- 
pectation have  afforded  you  so  little  assistance.  From  the  ac- 
counts which  prevailed  here,  I  had  been  induced  to  hope  that  the 
Enemy  had  left  your  Part  of  the  Country,  as  they  were  so  well 
authenticated  as  to  be  commonly  credited,  and  I  was  confirmed 
in  this  by  receiving  no  applications  from  you  for  further  aid.  I 
send  you  inclosed  an  Order  for  Capt.  Bell's  Company  to  join  the 
Militia  in  your  Defence,  and  you  may  rest  assured  that  every 
other  Exertion  in  my  Power  shall  be  made  to  give  you  succour  as 
well  by  application  to  Genl.  Washington  for  Continental  Troops 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  1G1 

as  by  the  Militia.     Let  me  intreat  you  in  the  mean  Time  to  con- 
tinue your  own  Endeavors.     I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 

[To  the  Committee  from  the  Southern  Part  of  Orange  County.]* 

Capt.  Bell's  Company  raised  for  Defence  of  this  State  will  im- 
mediately upon  Keceipt  hereof  march  &  join  the  Militia  of  Colo. 
Hay's  Regt.  in  the  Defence  &  Protection  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
Southern  Part  of  Orange  County  ag't  the  Ravages  of  the  Enemy 
and  take  his  further  Orders  from  Colo.  Hay  or  the  Officer  com- 
mand'g  the  Militia,  being  his  superior  in  Rank.f 


•This  letter  in  mss.  is  addressed  to  no  one.  It  is  evidently  intended  as  an  answer 
to  the  petition  from  the  residents  of  the  southern  part  of  Orange  County.  The  dates 
have  no  doubt  been  confused.  See  pages  169-172.— STATE  HISTORIAN. 

fThe  British  commander  at  New  York  having  information  that  seven  hundred  rebel 
militia  were  cantoned  in  the  neighborhood  of  Hackensack,  New  Jersey,  a  little  after 
eleven  o'clock  last  night,  ordered  the  troops  to  march.  The  second  battalion  of  light 
infantry  led  the  column,  supported  by  the  2d  regiment  of  grenadiers,  with  the  33d  and 
64th  regiments,  these  commanded  by  Major-General  Gray.  Between1  one  and  two  this 
morning  they  arrived  at  the  rebel  cantonments;  Major  Straubenzee  had  been  detached 
with  six  companies  of  the  same  battalion  of  light  infantry;  the  other  six  under  the 
Honorable  Major  Maitland,  kept  the  road,  by  which  manoeuvres  the  enemy's  patrol,  con- 
sisting of  a  sergeant  and  about  a  dozen  men,  was  entirely  cut  off.  Major  Straubenzee 
moved  on  with  the  71st  light  company,  and  in  a  small  village  surprised  a  party  of 
Virginia  cavalry,  styled  Mrs.  Washington's  Guards,  consisting  of  more  than  one  hun- 
dred, commanded  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Baylor,  who,  with  Major  McLeod  and  two  other 
officers,  upon  forcing  the  door  of  a  house,  attempted  to  get  up  a  large  Dutch  chimney; 
the  two  former  were  mortally  wounded,  the  third  killed,  and  the  fourth  made  prisoner. 
Upon  entering  the  house,  one  of  the  rebel  officers,  demanding  the  name  of  the  corps 
which  had  attacked  them,  was  answered,  "  The  Britsh  light  infantry,"  on  which  he 
exclaimed,  "  Then  we  shall  all  be  cut  off." 

From  hence  a  part  of  Sir  James  Baird's  company  was  detached  to  a  barn  where  six- 
teen privates  were  lodged,  who.  discharging  ten  or  twelve  pistols,  and  striking  at  the 
troops  sans  effet  with  their  broadswords,  nine  of  them  were  instantly  bayoneted,  and 
seven  received  quarter.  Major  Maitland's  force  coming  up  at  that  time,  attacked  the 
remainder  of  the  rebel  detachment,  lodged  in  several  other  barns,  with  such  alertness 
as  prevented  all  but  three  privates  from  making  their  escape.  The  troops  lay  on  their 
arms  till  daybreak,  when  moving  forward,  the  light  infantry  fell  in  with  a  volunteer 
company  of  militia  in  a  very  thick  wood  and  swamp;  these  gave  one  fire,  which  the  40th 
company,  commanded  by  Captain  Montgomery,  returned  and  drove  them  off,  leaving 
six  dead,  but  afterwards  scampering  across  a  road  in  front  of  a  company  of  our  grena- 
diers, three  more  were  killed  by  them.  The  light  infantry  in  pursuing  them  up  to  Tap- 
pan,  where  they  were  entirely  dispersed,  took  five  prisoners,  all  of  them  wounded.  The 
whole  loss  of  the  British,  on  this  occasion,  was  one  private  of  second  battalion  light 
infantry  killed.— Rivington's  Royal  Gazette,  October  3,  1778. 
11 


162  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  1844.] 

Nathaniel   Gorham  Requests   a   Permit   to   Export  Flour  to 
Massachusetts. 

To  his  Excellency  Governor  Clinton  of  the  State  of  New  York. 

Council  Chamber  October  14th  1778. 

The  Council  of  the  State  of  Massachusetts  Bay  would  repre- 
sent to  your  Honor  that  the  Inhabitants  of  this  State  are  in  great 
want  of  Flour  for  their  own  Consumption  and  would,  therefore, 
recommend  Nathaniel  Gorham,  Esqr.  a  respectable  Inhabitant  of 
this  State,  for  your  Honor's  Permission  to  purchase  and  bring  to 
the  Market  here  a  Quantity  of  Flour  for  the  Use  of  the  Inhabi- 
tants. 

A  true  Copy.  Attest  Jno.  Avery,  D'y  Secy. 


Boston  Oct.  15  1778. 

Sir,  The  great  want  of  Bread  in  these  parts  and  the  great  dis- 
tress into  which  many  people,  the  poor  especially,  are  thereby 
involved  is  truly  alarming.  I  have,  therefore,  been  induced  to 
attempt  the  bringing  a  quantity  of  flour  from  your  State  into 
this,  and  having  applied  to  Councill  desiring  them  to  take  some 
measures  for  facilitating  the  plan,  they  have  furnished  me  with 
the  within  recommendation  to  your  Excellency;  but  my  avoca- 
tions in  the  Assembly  &  at  the  Board  of  Warr  are  such  as  renders 
it  impossible  for  me  to  pay  my  respects  to  your  Excellency  in 
person.  Mr.  William  Stimpson  the  bearer  of  this  will,  therefore, 
wait  upon  you  as  he  is  connected  with  me  in  the  affair,  and  if  it 
is  by  any  means  possible  to  permit  him  to  transport  a  quantity  of 
flour  from  your  place  to  this,  it  will  be  an  act  of  the  greatest 
humanity  and  benevolence  and  treating  a  sister  state  in  that  way 
and  manner  which  I  have  no  doubt  your  Excellency  will  be  glad 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  163 

to  do  is  possible.    I  am,  with  the  greatest  respect,  your  Excel- 
lency's most  obedient  Humble  servant,  &c. 

Nathaniel  Gorham. 
[To  Gov.  George  Clinton.] 


[No.  1845.] 
THE  INCEPTION  OF  THE  SULLIVAN  EXPEDITION. 

Governor  Clinton  Calls  Washington's  Attention  to  the  Necessity  of 
•  Destroying  an  Indian  Settlement. 

Poukeepsie  15th  October  1778. 

D'r  Sir,  I  am  unhappy  in  being  again  obliged  to  trouble  your 
Excellency  with  the  further  disagreable  Intelligence  from  our 
Western  Frontier  contained  in  the  inclosed  Copies  of  Letters 
which  I  have  just  now  received  from  Colo.  Cantine  &  Colo. 
Thustin. 

I  find  it  impossible  to  secure  the  Frontier  Settlements  ag't  the 
Depredations  of  the  Enemy  by  the  utmost  exertions  I  am  able  to 
make  with  the  Militia,  &  I  am  lead  to  fear  that  unless  some 
effectual  Check  can  be  given  to  their  Opperations,  exclusive  of 
the  Distresses  which  they  bring  on  Individuals,  who  more  imme- 
diately suffer  by  them  they  will  sensibly  affect  the  public,  as  the 
last  Settlements  they  have  destroyed  usually  afforded  greater 
supplies  of  Grain  than  any  other  of  equal  Extent  in  this  State. 

I  have  hitherto  entertained  some  Hopes  that  Colo.  Butler's  & 
Alden's  Regiments,  joined  by  the  Militia  who  were  ordered  into 
Service  on  the  Frontiers  &  posted  abjacent  to  the  Places  at  which 
they  are  stationed,  would  have  been  imployed  in  some  Offensive 
Opperations  ag't  the  Enemy  at  Anaquaga.  This  Place  is  a  con- 
siderable Indian  Settlement  not  far  distant  from  our  Frontier 
Settlements,  nor  (for  light  Troops)  difficult  of  access,  and  is  the 
Principal  Place  of  Rendevouz  for  the  Enemy,  and  I  am  perswaded 


164  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

unless  it  can  be  destroyed  &  the  Enemy  thereby  oblidged  to  re- 
tire farther  Back  into  the  Country  that  no  Force  however  formid- 
able will  be  able  to  protect  us  ag't  their  practices.  Besides  the 
Enemy  by  occupying  that  Post,  wrill  soon  acquire  a  very  consider- 
able accession  in  strength  &  Numbers.  Many  of  the  Militia  of 
Ulster  &  Orange  Counties  are  desirous  of  Joining  in  Expedition 
ag't  the  Enemy  at  that  Post,  &  if  they  coud  obtain  the  Assistance- 
of  one  Continental  Regt,  only,  with  a  Proper  officer  to  take  the- 
Command,  I  am  perswaded  the  Measures  woud  be  attended  with 
Success  &  the  most  salutary  Consequences.  I  inclose  your  Ex- 
cellency a  Copy  of  a  Letter  I  lately  received  from  Colo.  Cantine 
on  the  Subject  giving  the  Distance  &  Route  to  Anaquago.  I  have- 
only  to  add  that  if  your  Excellency  shoud  approve  of  the  Measure 
I  will  exert  myself  in  rendering  every 'Assistance  in  my  Power 
towards  executing  it  &  as  the  Season  is  quickly  advanced  the 
sooner  it  is  entered  upon  the  more  practicable  it  will  be. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Gen.  Washington.] 


[No.  1846.] 

Captain  Jeremiah  Snyder  Asks  for  Ammunition  for  His  Command 

at  Shandaken. 

Little  Schondeacon  Octbr.  15  1778. 

Sir,  I  think  proper  to  let  you  know  that  upon  my  taking  the- 
Command  at  this  Place  I  found  that  the  Company  was  in  a  bad 
posture  of  Defence  in  Regard  to  Ammunition.  I,  therefore, 
would  be  glad  you  would  endeavour  to  send  a  fresh  Supply  as 
soon  as  possible,  that  we  may  be  able  to  make  some  Resistance 
in  case  the  enemy  should  make  an  excursion  upon  this  Settle- 
ment; but  we  have  at  Present  no  Intelligence  of  there  being  near 
this  Place. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


165 


The  Company  now  Consists  of  Forty-one  Private,  besides 
Serjeants  &  Corporals,  and  these  I  can  not  Suply  with  three 
Cartirages  a  peice;  from  this  you  may  Judge  what  Defence  we 
•can  make.  My  Bequest  is,  therefore,  you  will  Send  a  Supply  as 
soon  Possible  and  you'll  oblidge,  Sir,  Your  Most  Hble  Serv't 

Jeremiah  Snyder,  Capt. 
[To  Gov.  George  Clinton.] 


[No.  1847.] 

A  Proposition  to  Exchange  Edward  Covenhoven  for  John  Cummings. 
Dear  Sir,  I  have  the  Pleasure  to  inform  you  that  a  Certificate 
a^companys  this  Letter  by  Mr.  Willet's  Flag,  under  Cover,  to 
Governor  Clinton,  of  which  I  send  you  a  Copy  herein  inclosed, 
expressing  that  Mr.  Covenhoven  (a  Gentleman  of  Influence  in  the 
leighbourhood  of  Tarry  Town),  who  was  lately  taken  in  Arms  at 
that  Place,  will  be  sent  out  the  Instant  that  you  shall  make  your 
appearance  at  our  Lines,  and  I  hope  there  remains  at  this  Hour 
no  further  Obstructions  to  your  Release.  That  it  may  be  so  and 
that  I  may  have  the  Pleasure  of  seeing  you  soon  at  this  Place 
is  the  sincere  wish  of,  D'r  sir,  Your  very  hum'e  Serv't 

Arch'd  Campbell  Lieut.  Colo.  71st  Regiment. 
York  Oct.  15th  1778. 

(Transcript) 
rovernor  Clinton.  New  York  Oct.  14th  1778. 

In  Consequence  of  your  Letter  to  Mr.  John  Gumming  now  a 
Prisoner  of  war  in  Albany  Goal,  I  make  you  a  tender  of  Mr. 
Edward  Covenhoven  taken  at  or  near  Tarry  Town  on  the  28th 
sept,  last  in  Exchange  for  him  and  have  the  Honour  to  be  with 

lue  Respect  Your  most  &c. 

Jos.  Lowring. 


166  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  1848.] 
Colonel  Neivkerk's  Guards  Attacked. 

New  Hurly,  Octo'r  16th  1778. 

D'r  S'r,  I  make  no  doupt  before  this  Comes  to  hand  your  Hon'r 
will  be  Inform'd  of  the  depretation  made  by  the  Enimy  at  Pepack 
and  all  the  particulars  of  it. 

I,  however,  thought  it  my  duty  to  Lett  your  Honn'r  know  that 
on  Tuesday  night  about  11  oClock,  I  Rece'd  an  Express  from 
Capt.  Cross,  from  Poughkanisink,  who  teld  me,  that  he  had 
that  moment  Rece'd  an  Express  from  Collo.  Newkerk,  at  peen- 
pack,  that  the  Gards  of  that  place  had  been  attacked  about  11 
oClock  that  morning  &  before  night  had  Retreated;  that  Collo. 
Newkerk  thought  the  whole  Gards  along  the  frontier  to  Marble- 
town  whould  be  attac'd  the  next  morning,  I,  thereupon,  Issued 
orders  to  seven  Comp's  of  Collo.  Hasbrouk's  Regt.,  Immediately 
to  march  to  Mamecotting  £  Left  the  four  River  Comp'ys  till  fur- 
ther orders;  (but  ordered  them  under  arms);  I  went  myself  to 
Mamecotting  next  morning,  in  order  [to]  act  In  conjunction  with 
Collo.  Cantine,  but  at  my  Coming  there  I  found  the  Enemy  had 
Gon  of.  I  thought  it  best  to  dismiss  part  of  the  men  but  Left 
a  Sufficient  Gard  untill  Cantine  &  his  Gard  should  Return.  I  am 
with  much  Esteem  Honn'd  S'r  Your  Verry  Hum.  Serv't 

Job's  Hardenbergh,  Jr.  Lt.  Collo. 
To  his  Excel'y  G.  Clinton. 


A  Company  of  Rangers  for  Ulster  County's  Western  Frontier. 

[To  the  Legislature:]*  Gentlemen,  I  Take  this  Method  of  pre- 
senting to  the  Legislature,  for  their  Consideration,  the  Memo- 
rial of  John  Beebe,  Philip  Frisbie,  and  others,  in  Behalf  of  them- 
selves and  their  Associates,  Inhabitants  of  King's  District,  in 
the  County  of  Albany,  with  a  State  of  their  Cause  to  which  it 
refers. 

*From  Journal  of  the  Legislature. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  167 

And  also,  a  Paper,  signed  by  a  Number  of  the  Inhabitants  of 
Peinpack,  on  the  Western  Frontier  of  Ulster  County,  and  re- 
questing that  a  Company  of  Rangers  be  raised  for  their  Protec- 
tion ;  together  with  Copies  of  two  Letters  which  I  have  received, 
giving  an  Account  of  some  late  Depredations  committed  by  the 

Enemy  in  that  Quarter. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Poughkeepsie,  October  17,  1778. 


[No.  1849.] 

Washington  Orders  General  Scott  to  Detail  Small  Parties  to  Protect 
Farmers  in  the  Field. 

(Copy)  Head  Quarters  October  17  1778. 

Sir,  You  will  give  Orders  to  the  Commissary  of  your  Corps  to 
Supply  such  small  Parties  of  Militia  with  Provisons  as  Genl. 
Morris  shall  think  Necessary  for  the  Protection  of  the  Farmers, 
who  by  their  Situation  are  Liable  to  be  Interrupted  in  their 
farming  business,  and  you  will  Second  the  Militia  in  this  Duty 
as  much  as  circumstances  will  allow  by  the  Disposition  of  your 
Patrolls  contributing  all  in  your  Power  to  the  Security  of  the 
Country  People.  I  am  Sir  Your  most  ob.  Servant 

Geo.  Washington. 
Brigadier  Genl.  Scott  near  Bedford. 


[No.  1850.] 
PLANNING  AN  EXPEDITION  AGAINST  INDIANS. 

Governor  Clinton  Submits  a  Project  to  the  Commander-in-Chief  tdth 
Rochester  as  the  Base. 

Poghkeepsie  17  Oct'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  am  favored  with  your  Excellency's  Letter  of  yesterday. 
Anaquaga  lies  on  the  Susquehanah  about  a  West  Course  from 


1G8  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Kingston  in  Ulster  County  different  Routes  may  be  taken  to  it — • 
the  first  by  the  way  of  Peenpack  or  Minisink  which  is  situate 
on  the  Delaware  about  40  miles  west  of  New  Windsor,  the  sec- 
ond is  from  Rochester  25  miles  S.  W.  of  Kingston  as  described 
in  Colo.  Cantine's  Letter  Copy  of  which  I  inclosed  in  my  last 
to  your  'Excell'y.  The  3d  is  from  Schohary,  which  is  at  the 
Distance  of  35  or  40  miles  S.  W.  of  Albany,  being  the  Place 
at  which  Colo.  Butler  was  stationed;  this  last  Route  is  by  the 
way  of  Cobus  Kill  &  Unadilla  &  I  am  informed  is  the  shortest 
and  most  practicable  and  Troops  marching  from  thence  ag't 
Anaquaga  may  be  join'd  by  those  from  Cherry  Valley  at  Cobus 
Kill  or  Unadilla.  There  are  many  Reasons  which  induce  me, 
however,  to  prefer  Rochester  as  the  Place  of  Rendevous  for 
the  Troops  which  are  now  intended  for  the  Frontier  Service. 
A  greater  Number  of  the  Militia  in  that  Part  of  the  Country 
may  be  obtained  to  assist  in  the  Expedition;  they  are  more  to 
be  relied  on  than  those  at  the  other  Places  &  the  Inhabitants 
in  general  will  chearfully  give  every  assistance  in  their  Power. 
Supplies  also  of  Provision  &  Forage  can  be  easier  provided  for, 
and  as  this  Place  abounds  in  good  Teams,  there  will  be  no  Dif- 
ficulty in  convey'g  any  Stores  than  may  [be]  necessary  from 
the  Land'g  at  Kingston  (to  which  Place  they  ought  to  be  for- 
warded), to  the  Frontier  Settlem't  at  Rochester,  and  the  Troops 
from  this  &  the  other  Posts  may  co-operate  together  by  forming 
Junction  with  niuch  perseverance  at  Papachton  on  the  East 
Branch  of  Delaware. 

Besides,  by  the  Troops  occupying  3  different  Stations  the  prin- 
cipal Frontier  Settlements  will  in  some  measure  be  guarded  ag't 
the  Depredations  of  the  Enemy  whilst  the  Preparations  requi- 
site for  the  Expedition  are  making. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  169 

Your  Excellency  will  observe  that  by  Colo.  Cantine's  Letter, 
the  Route  from  Rochester  to  Anaquaga  is  particularly  described 
and  that  the  greatest  Part  of  it  is  not  passable  with  Carriages 
but  by  Pack  Horses  only.  A  Number  of  Horses,  tho'  I  think  not 
a  Sufficiency,  may  be  procured1  in  the  Neighbourhood  upon  the 
Principles  mentioned  in  Colo  Cantine's  Letter.  Pack  saddles 
&  some  Horses  will,  however,  be  necessary — as  the  Season  is 
far  advanced — it  will  not  admit  of  any  very  formal  Preparations 
for  the  Expedition,  nor  indeed  do  I  conceive  them  to  be  of  Con- 
sequence, as  the  Success  of  the  Enterprize  will  in  some  measure 
depend  upon  its  being  carried  suddenly  into  Execution.  If  Ana- 
quaga was  Colo.  Butler's  Object,  as  I  suppose  it  was,  Unadilla, 
the  only  intermediate  Settlement  being  destroyed  before  he 
marched,  he  must  have  arrived  at  Anaquaga  at  the  time  when 
the  Enemy  were  at  Peenpack  &  of  Course  has  been  able  to  de- 
stroy it  with  little  or  no  Opposition — but  I  fear  the  Force  he 
had  with  him  was  not  formidable  enough  to  render  it  prudent 
to  venture  so  far  into  the  Country  without  knowing  the  Force 
there  was  to  oppose  him.  If  anything  further  occurs  to  me  on 
the  Subject  I  shall  take  the  earliest  Opportunity  of  transmitting 

it  to  your  Excellency.     I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Gen.  George  Washington.] 


[No.  1851.] 
ORANGE  COUNTY  PROTESTS. 

Troops  Raised  for  that  District  Ordered  Elsewhere — The  Frontier 

Unprotected. 

To  his  Excelency  George  Clinton  Esqr.  Governor  and  Commander 

in  Chief  of  the  State  of  New  York. 

The  Petition  of  the  Subscrbers  Freeholders  and  Inhabitants  of 
Orange  County  and  State  of  New  York. 


170  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Humbly  Sheweth  That  your  petitioners  conceive  it  to  be  their 
duty  to  inform  your  Excelency  that  on  the  23d  Ulto.  the  Enemy 
Landed  a  large  body  of  Troops  at  Paulus  Hook  and  marched  to 
Hackensack  Bridge  and  Scralenburg;  that  the  Inhabitants  ime- 
diately  turn'd  out  in  Coll.  Hays  Regt,  to  oppose  them  and  gave 
Information  to  Genl.  Putnam  of  the  Strength  and  Situation  of  the 
Enemy  and  Required  assistance,  and  tho'  we  were  assur'd  by  Let: 
ter  from  him  of  imediate  help,  yet  he  has  since  given  us  to  un- 
derstand that  we  are  not  to  expect  any  from  him. 

That  upon  application  to  his  Excelency  Genl.  Washington, 
Genl.  Woodford's  Brigade  of  TOO  men  was  sent  over  to  our  as- 
sistance, and  marched  as  far  as  the  New  City  Court  House,  where 
they  lay  for  a  Short  time  and  then  were  drawn  off  to  New  Jersey, 
and  Coll.  Hays  Regt.  alone  left  to  protect  the  property  of  the  In- 
habitants of  this  State. 

That  the  men  raised  by  the  South  part  of  this  County  for  the 
Express  purpose  of  Defending  this  State  and  put  under  the  Com- 
mand of  Major  Fell  has  also  been  Stationed  in  New  Jersey  tho? 
raised  at  a  great  expence  by  the  Inhabitants  of  this  State. 

That  the  malitia  under  Coll.  Hay  has  been  upon  actual  Service 
since  the  first  appearance  of  the  Enemy,  and  are  worn  .out  by  tho 
hard  duty  they  have  been  obliged  to  perform,  that  many  of  them 
have  not  put  any  Winter  Grain  in  the  Ground  and  their  Buck- 
wheat now  suffer  for  want  of  Hands  to  cut  it;  that  the  whole 
Shore  from  Sneden's  to  Kings  Ferry  Remains  open  to  the  Enemy, 
who  have  Several  times  appeared  in  the  River  with  their  Sniping; 
that  Coll.  Hathorn's  Regt,  march'd  into  New  Jersey  and  after 
some  stay  there,  just  made  their  appearance  at  Kackeate  and  re- 
turned home,  that  the  only  assistance  your  petitioners  have  had 
from  the  State  is  about  90  men  under  Coll.  Marvin;  that  the 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  171 

Enemy  having  Plunder'd  the  Inhabitants  in  the  English  Neigh- 
bourhood and  carried  of  their  Grain  and  fforage  and  are  now 
Extending  their  Ravages  into  this  State,  and  on  Monday  the  29th 
Ulto.  made  their  appearance  at  Tappan  with  a  large  Body  Com- 
manded by  Cornwallis  in  Person,  and  after  Butchering  in  a  most 
inhuman  manner  a  number  of  the  Light  Horse  and  malitia  who 
had  Surenderd  themselves  prisners,  they  turn'd  their  Cruelties  to 
Women  and  Old  men,  whome  they  treated  with  every  kind  of 
Bruteality  their  Perfidiousness  could  invent;  and  from  thence  Ex- 
tended their  Depradations  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  Clarks- 
town,  and  have  Continued  every  day  since  to  display  in  and  about 
this  State  the  most  wanton  Sceenes  of  Cruelty;  and  knowing  the 
small  number  of  our  whole  force  we  have  every  reason  to  expect 
we  must  unless  imediately  Relieved  fall  a  Sacrifise  to  the  Enemy, 
ar.d  as  we  have  every  reason  to  believe  that  no  aid  will  be  afforded 
from  the  Continental  Army. 

In  this  Distressed  Situation  your  petitioners  think  it  their  duty 
to  apply  to  your  Excelency  for  Relief,  and  to  Intreat  your  utmost 
Exertions  in  their  behalf;  and  Humbly  pray,  that  imediate  as- 
sistance may  be  given  in  such  way  as  to  your  Excelency  may 
seem  best,  and  that  you  would  use  your  Influence  with  Genl. 
Washington  for  that  purpose  as  we  cannot  but  Consider  our  selves 
and  property  in  the  utmost  danger  of  being  entirely  Destroyed 
unless  imediately  Supported. 

And  your  petitioners  shall  ever  pray  &c. 

Andris  Onderdouck,  Johannes  Blauvelt,  Thomas  Blauvelt,  Cor- 
nelius Blauvelt,  Abraham  Blavvelt,  Uyldrick  Brouwer,  Derick 
Vanderbilt,  Daniel  Martine,  Johannis  Vanderbielt,  David  Smith, 
John  Coleman,  William  Sickels,  Walter  his  X  mark  Vanorder, 
Jacob  Onderdonck, ,  Johannis  Blauvelt,  Abraham 


172  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Blawfelt,  David  Pye,  Jacob  Cole  J.  P.,  G.  Jones,  John  Stagg,  Sen'rr 
John  Farrand,  John  D.  Haring,  Wm.  Heyer,  Marlines  Hogen- 
kamp,  Abraham  Lamater,  Barent  Nangle,  David  his  X  mark 
Demeray,  Yan  Nagel,  John  J.  Bogert,  Richard  Blauvelt,  Thomas 
Cregier,  Andrew  Thompson,  James  Emmens,  Henry  Broadwellr 
Roulof  Onderdunck,  William  Stephens,  William  his  X  mark 
Slutt,  Jhon  Poulhemeus,  Handrick  Poulhamous,  Joseph  D.  his  X 
mark  Clarck,  Yohannis  Nagel,  Resalvirt  Striegansen,  Gerret 
Onderdunck,  John  Montanye,  Edward  Salyer,  James  Quackin- 
bush,  Nicholas  Cox,  Isaac  Blauvelt,  Peter  De  his  X  mark  pue, 
Andris  Onderdonck,  Yohanis  Myer,  Joseph  Seaman,  David  Van 
Sickel,  Aart  Polhemens,  Andrew  Cole,  Johannes  J.  Blauveltr 
Ca.pt,  John  Hoogland,  David  Vanhouta,  his  X  mark,  Joseph 
Johnson,  John  Hallsed,  Stephen  Canpell,  Jacobus  de  Clerck. 
Roger  Osborn,  Abram  Derunder,  Garret  Van  Cleft,  Abr'm  W. 
"Van  Deursen,  Peter  Vandervoort,  Jacob  King,  William  Nagel, 
William  Christie,  Cornelius  Blauvelt,  John  Tinkie,  John  Gardner, 
Daniel  Haring,  Jacobus  Ver  Veelen,  Tobies  Derunder,  John  Bla- 
velt,  Gilbirt  Hunt,  John  Onderdunck,  Samuel  Knapp,  William 
Conklin,  Daniel  Phillips,  Eli  Phillips,  Gibbart  Phillips,  Richard 
Dickens,  Corn's  C  K  his  mark  Cooper,  Hendrick  his  X  mark  Der- 
uuder,  Peter  his  X  mark  Crum,  Gilbert  his  X  mark  Williams, 
Rulof  Stephens,  John  Stagg,  John  his  X  mark  Conkling,  Joseph 
his  X  mark  Conkling,  Wiam  his  X  mark  Tilt,  Francis  his  X 
mark  Gurnee,  Lukus  his  X  mark  Degraw,  Edward  his  X  mark 
Smith,  John  Smith,  Jack  Campbell,  A.  L.  Haring,  John  Myer,. 
Johannis  Vandalfsen,  Corn's  C.  Roosevelt,  Jacob  Arden  Jun'r,. 
John  Suffern. 
Oct'r  18  1778. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  173 

[No.  1852.] 
Petition  for  the  Pardon  of  Andrew  Bois*  aged  16  years. 

[No.  1853.] 
Petition  for  the  Pardon  of  Cornelius  Tayler* 

CLINTON  AND  WASHINGTON  COMMENDED. 

Patriotic   Answer   of   Both   Branches   of   the   Legislature   to    the 
Governor's  Speech — The  Governor's  Replies. 

fThe  Answer  of  the  Senate  of  the  State  of  New- York,  to  the 
Speech  of  his  Excellency  George  Clinton,  Esquire,  Governor  of 
the  said  State,  General  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  all  the 
Militia,  and  Admiral  of  the  Navy  of  the  same: 

Sir,  Distressed  as  we  are  to  see  this  State,  once  more,  the  prin- 
cipal Seat  of  War,  yet  we  cannot  sufficiently  admire  and  applaud 
the  distinguished  Conduct  of  his  Excellency  General  Washington, 
and  the  Bravery  of  the  Troops  under  his  Command,  in  not  only 
obliging  the  Enemy  to  adandon  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
with  it  the  Idea  of  conquering  the  United  States  of  America,  but 
also  in  compelling  them  to  desist  from  offensive  Operations,  and 
seek  Security  in  their  strong  Holds;  We  are  happy  in  agreeing 
with  your  Excellency,  that  there  is  the  greatest  Reason  to  hope 
that  this  War  (which  a  merciless  Enemy  have  pursued  with  more 
than  savage  Cruelty)  will  be  soon  brought  to  an  honorable  and 
happy  Conclusion,  and  the  Freedom  and  Independence  of  our 
Country  established  upon  a  secure  and  permanent  Basis. 

Having  felt,  most  sensibly,  the  Distresses  of  our  Bretheren  on 
the  Northen  Frontier  of  this  State,  we  enjoy  particular  Satisfac- 

*  Omitted. 

tFrom  the  Senate  Journal. 


174  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

tion  in  your  Excellency's  Assurances,  that  the  Tranquility  in  that 
Quarter,  this  Season,  has  enabled  them,  in  some  Measure,  to  sur- 
mount the  Evils  they  suffered  from  the  last  Campaign. 

The  Condition  of  the  Western  Frontier  is  truly  distressing: 
We  highly  approve  of  the  Measures  your  Excellency  has  taken 
for  the  Security  of  its  Inhabitants,  and  are  extremely  sorry  they 
have  not  been  more  adequate  to  your  good  Intention.  But  from 
late  Information,  that  his  Excellency  General  Washington  in- 
tends to  send  Troops  into  that  Quarter,  and  your  known  Zeal  in 
applying  the  Strength  of  the  Militia,  we  flatter  ourselves  with  a 
Prospect  of  greater  Security  to  that  Part  of  the. State. 

We  view,  with  the  greatest  Concern,  the  turbulent  Conduct  of 
many  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Northeastern  Parts  of  this  State: 
Convinced  that  a  decisive  Interposition  by  Congress,  would  have 
effectually  checked  it,  we  are  surprised  they  have  so  long  delayed 
thus  to  interpose:  We  are  clearly,  however,  of  Opinion,  that 
should  they  much  longer  omit  it,  the  Honour  of  this  State,  and 
the  Safety  of  the  Thirteen  United  States,  will  call  upon  us  to 
concur  in  Measures  to  secure  the  Obedience  of  those  disorderly 
Subjects  of  this  State :  We  say  the  Safety  of  the  United  States, 
clearly  foreseeing  should  such  Practices  be  permitted  to  pass  un- 
opposed, they  will  stand  as  Precedents  for  turbulent  and  unruly 
Dispositions  to  perpetrate  the  like  Offences  in  any  or  all  of  the 
other  States;  thereby  gratify  our  inveterate  Enemies  by  creating 
internal  Divisions,  and  render  the  Confederation  a  mere  dead 
Letter. 

We  are  extremely  happy  in  agreeing  with  your  Excellency,  that 
the  properest  Time  for  discharging  our  public  Debts,  is  when  the 
staple  Commodities  of  this  State  are  at  the  highest  Prices,  and 
that  the  most  effectual  Method  to  put  a  Stop  to  the  encreasing 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OB"  GEORGE  CLINTON.  175 

Depreciation  of  our  Paper  Currency,  is  a  Diminution  of  its 
Quantity  by  Taxation:  We  shall,  therefore,  with  the  greatest 
Cheerfulness,  concur  with  the  other  Branch  of  the  Legislature  in 
a  Bill  for  that  Purpose. 

The  Senate  will  contribute  its  utmost  Endeavours  for  a  Re- 
vision of  the  Laws  of  this  State,  and  the  Liquidation  of  the  public 
Accounts,  as  Matters  of  the  highest  Concernment. 

We  are  convinced  of  your  Excellency's  Prudence  in  the  Public 
Expenditures  for  the  Militia  Service,  and  will  cheerfully  unite 
with  the  Honorable  the  House  of  Assembly  in  making  a  further 
legal  Provision,  suitable  to  the  Nature  of  that  Service. 

Anxious  for  the  Welfare  of  the  State,  we  assure  your  Excel- 
lency, we  shall  zealously  and  firmly  pursue  the  public  Business, 
and  give  it.  all  the  Dispatch  in  our  Power,  consistent  with  its 
Importance. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  signed  by  the  President. 


THE  GOVERNOR'S  RESPONSE. 

*  Gentlemen,  The  polite  Terms  in  which  you  have  been  pleased 
to  express  your  Approbation  of  my  Conduct,  and  the  Confidence 
you  repose  in  my  Attention  to  the  public  Interest,  demand  my 
warmest  Acknowledgments. 

Give  me  Leave  to  assure  you,  that  my  Endeavours  shall  not  be 
wanting  to  give  Vigor  and  Success  to  every  Measure  for  promot- 
ing the  Honor  and  Prosperity  of  the  State,  and  that  I  entertain 
the  fullest  Persuasion  that  these  great  Objects  will  invariably 

have  their  due  Weight  in  all  your  Deliberations. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Poughkeepsie,  October  22, 1778. 

•From  the  Senate  Journal. 


i76  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

THE  ASSEMBLY  CONGRATULATES  THE  GOVERNOR. 

*To  his  Excellency  George  Clinton,  Esquire,  Governor  of  the 
State  of  New-York,  General  of  all  the  Militia,  and  Admiral  of  the 
Navy  of  the  same. 

The  respectful  Address  of  the  Assembly  of  the  said  State,  in 
Answer  to  his  Excellency's  Speech,  at  the  opening  of  the  Session. 
May  it  please  your  Excellency, 

We  the  Representatives  in  Assembly,  of  the  State  of  New-York, 
beg  Leave  in  Return,  to  congratulate  your  Excellency,  on  the 
pleasing  Prospect,  that,  from  the  reduced  Condition  of  the 
Enemy,  the  War  will  be  speedily  and  honorably  terminated;  and 
consequently  that  our  Freedom  and  Independence,  will  soon  be 
perfectly  established:  And  while  we  humbly  acknowledge  this 
Instance  of  the  Divine  Goodness,  we  cannot  sufficiently  admire 
and  applaud  the  Vigilance  and  good  Conduct  of  the  General,  and 
the  Valour  and  Perseverance  of  the  Army,  who  have  been  the 
happy  Means  of  effecting  these  important  Purposes. 

With  your  Excellency,  we  sincerely  lament  the  late  Devasta- 
tions on  our  Western  Frontiers;  we  have  Confidence,  however, 
Sir,  that  you  have  not  been  wanting  in  your  Endeavours  to  pro- 
tect those  exposed  Settlements;  and  your  Excellency  may  be  as- 
sured, that  as  far  as  the  present  Circumstances  of  the  State  will 
admit,  we  will  readily  make  further  Provision  for  their  future 
Safety  and  Defence. 

It  is  with  the  greatest  Concern,  we  learn  from  your  Excellency, 
that  Disorders  still  prevail  in  the  North-Eastern  Parts  of  the 
State — We  hoped  that  the  Inhabitants,  in  that  Part  of  the  Coun- 
try, after  the  present  Government  of  this  State,  had  so  evidently 
testified  a  Disposition  to  satisfy  every  Claim,  consistent  with 

*From  the  Assembly  Journal. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  177 

Justice;  would  at  least  have  made  Overtures  towards  an  Accom- 
modation— That  from  a  Consciousness  that  they  might  safely  have 
confided  in  us  for  a  Redress  of  their  Grievances,  they  would  have 
relinquished  the  Scheme  of  separating  from  us;  a  Scheme  so 
unjust  with  Respect  to  the  rest  of  the  Community,  so  subversive 
of  all  Government,  so  peculiarly  injurious  at  this  Crisis,  to  the 
common  Cause  of  America;  and  if  persisted  in,  so  ruinous 
and  destructive  to  themselves;  for  we  solemnly  assure  your 
Excellency,  that  tho'  we  are  willing,  and  we  conceive  we  speak 
the  general  Sense  of  our  Constituents,  that  the  Controversy,  rela- 
tive to  the  Right  of  Soil,  should  be  determined  upon  the  most 
enlarged  Principles;  yet  that  we  are  resolved,  at  every  Hazard, 
to  maintain  the  Jurisdiction  of  the  State,  throughout  the  whole, 
of  its  Territory — Little  will  avail  our  Resistance  to  a  Foreign 
Enemy  and  Domination;  unless  we  can,  by  inforcing  a  due  Sub- 
ordination to  Government,  establish  Peace  and  good  Order  among 
ourselves. 

We  entirely  agree  with  your  Excellency,  that  the  Depreciation 
of  the  Paper  Currency,  is  a  Circumstance  of  an  alarming  Nature; 
and  that  Taxation  is  the  only  effectual,  and  rational  Remedy — 
From  this  Conviction  therefore,  we  shall  embrace  every  Oppor- 
tunity for  carrying  into  Execution  so  salutary  a  Measure. 

The  other  Matters  recommended  by  your  Excellency,  will  re- 
ceive from  us  that  Degree  of  Attention,  which  they  justly  merit; 
and  in  deliberating  on  them,  together  with  the  other  Business  of 
the  Session,  we  shall  be  influenced  by  a  due  Regard  to  the  Interest 
and  Honor  of  our  Constituents,  and  the  general  Peace  and  Pros- 
perity of  the  whole  Confederation. 

By  Order  of  the  Assembly  of  the  State  of  New-York. 

Walter  Livingston,  Speaker. 

Chamber,  October  15,  1778. 
12 


178  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

THE  GOVERNOR'S  REPLY. 

*  Gentlemen,  I  thank  you  for  this  Address;  confiding  in  the 
Wisdom  and  Justice  of  the  Assembly,  permit  me  to  assure  you, 
that  it  shall  be  my  constant  Endeavour,  effectually  to  carry  into 
Execution,  every  Measure  which  may  be  found  best  calculated 
to  promote  the  Interest  and  Prosperity  of  the  State. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Poughkeepsie,  October  16,  1778. 


The  Governor  Again  Addresses  the  Legislature. 

*Gentlemen  of  the  Legislature, 

With  this  Message  I  supmit  to  your  Consideration,  the  copy  of 
a  Letterf  from  his  Excellency  General  Washington,  dated  Fred- 
ericksburgh,  'September  22,  1778,  representing  the  Difficulties  that 
attend  the  obtaining  of  a  sufficient  Quantity  of  Forage  for  the 
Use  of  the  Army;  together  with  Copies  of  two  Letters,  dated  the 
6th  and  10th  of  the  same  Month,  from  Colonel  Biddle,  Commis- 
sary of  Forage,  and  Charles  Pettit,  Assistant  Quarter-Master  Gen- 
eral, on  the  same  Subject;  and  a  Representative  of  Royal  Flint_,$ 
Assistant  Commissary  General  of  Purchases,  containing  a  State 
of  the  public  Magazines,  and  the  Difficulties  he  labours  under  in 
procuring  the  necessary  Supplies  of  Flour  and  Wheat,  for  the 
Consumption  of  the  Army,  together  with  the  Copy  of  a  Letter 
from  the  Common  Council  of  the  City  of  Albany,  setting  forth 
the  Distresses  that  threaten  the  Inhabitants  of  that  City,  from  the 
Conduct  of  Engrossers  and  Monopolizers  of  Flour  and  Wheat. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Poughkeepsie,  16th  October,  1778. 

*From  the  Assembly  Journal. 

f  Not  found. 

JSee  pages  89  and  135. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  179 

The  Governor  Notifies  the  Legislature  that  Congress  has  Advanced 

One  Hundred  Thousand  Dollars. 
*Gentlemen, 

You  will  receive  with  this  Message,  an  Extract  of  a  Letter  from 
the  Honorable  William  Duer  and  Gouverneur  Morris  Esquires, 
two  of  the  Delegates  of  this  State,  informing  that  they  have  ob- 
tained from  Congress,  an  Advance  of  One  Hundred  Thousand 
Dollars,!  for  the  Use  of  this  State,  and  for  which  it  is  to  be 
accountable.  This  Money,  for  Want  of  a  safe  Opportunity  of  con- 
veying it  to  the  Treasury,  remains  in  the  Hands  of  the  Delegates ; 
and  it  appears  to  me  necessary  that  a  Method  should  be  devised 
for  having  it  brought  forward,  or  that  some  other  proper  Dis- 
position be  made  of  it. 

For  the  Information  of  the  Legislature,  you  will  herewith  also 
receive  the  Returns  of  Clothing,J  now  in  the  public  Stores  of  this 
State,  and  of  the  late  Issues,  and  the  Deficiencies;  with  a  Copy 
of  a  Letter  from  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  Esquire,  one  of  the  Commis- 
saries, which,  as  it  points  out  the  Inexpediency  of  the  present 
Mode  of  obtaining  Supplies,  merits  the  early  Attention  of  the 
Legislature. 

A  Copy  of  a  Resolution  of  Congress  of  the  8th  of  September, 
1778,  respecting  the  Clothing  of  the  Army,  will  also  be  herewith 

delivered  you. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Poughkeepsie,  October  17,  1778. 


[No.  1854.] 
-*, 
General  Greene  Proposes  an  Enumeration  of  all  the  Grain  in  the 

State. 

Fish  Kills  Oct.  21  1778. 

Sir,  Your  Excellency  is  sensible  how  necessary  it  is  for  a  Gen- 
eral to  know  the  resources  of  a  Country  in  which  he  means  to 


*From  the  Assembly  Journal. 

tSee  Volume  III,   pages  460-461,    500-501,   567-570,   648,   and  Volume  IV  pages  294  and 
321. 
}See  page  119. 


ISO  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

canton  his  Troops.  I  was  mentioning  to  His  Excellency  General 
Washington  the  necessity  of  haveing  an  account  of  all  the  Grain 
taken  in  this  State  and  that  the  best  mode  to  effect  it  would  be 
to  get  your  Excellency  to  appoint  proper  Persons  for  the  purpose 
in  every  Town.  The  General  promised  me  he  would  write  your 
Excellency  upon  the  subject;  and  that  he  would  engage  the  ex- 
pences  to  be  defrayed  by  the  Public.  If  it  meets  with  your  Ex- 
cellency's approbation  I  wish  it  may  be  executed  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible. It  is  a  very  interesting  question  to  the  quarter  master's 
department.  In  takeing  the  account  there  must  be  no  depend- 
ance  upon  the  information  of  the  Proprietors;  but  the  Persons 
must  see  and  examin  for  themselves.  All  kinds  of  Grain  should 
be  taken  into  the  account  that  will  answer  either  for  bread  or 
Forage. 

I  am  well  perswaded  from  the  feeble  influence  of  money  that 
both  the  Commisaries  and  quarter  masters  department  will  stand 
in  need  of  the  aid  of  Civil  Government  to  procure  sufficient  sup- 
plies for  the  Army. 

However,  this  is  a  question  that  will  come  upon  the  carpet  here- 
after. 

The  Enemy  appear  to  be  preparing  for  a  general  evacuation 
of  New  York;*  and  most  people  think  they  are  all  going  off,  but 
I  cannot  help  thinking  they  will  leave  a  Garrison.  However  if 
they  should  we  must  endeavor  to  serve  them  as  they  did  us,  drive 
them  out  by  Force. 

"The  British,  at  New  York,  have  embarked  ten  full  regiments,  and  the  vessels  have 
fell  down  with  them  to  the  Hook.  We  have  information  by  deserters  this  day  that  the 
enemy  have  evacuated  Paulus  Hook  and  Hoobuck;  if  so,  they  have  no  fort  left  in  Jer- 
sey. They  were  also  evacuating  Fort  Washington  and  Fort  Independence;  their  other 
works  without  King's  Bridge  they  had  abandoned  some  days  ago.  We  observed  them 
moving  off  from  their  encampment  nearest  us  on  Staten  Island  this  morning,  whether 
with  intent  to  leave  the  island,  or  settle  down  on  some  other  part  of  it,  is  yet  uncer- 
tain.— New  Jersey  Gazette,  October  21,  1778. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  181 

I  beg  your  Excellency  to  make  my  most  respectful  compliments 
to  Mrs.   Clinton.     I  am  with  great  respect  Your  Excellency's 

Most  Obedient  humble  Serv't 

Nath  Greene,*  Q.  M.  G. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  1855.] 
Tarrytown  and  its  Neighborhood  Harassed  ~by  the  Enemy. 

Oct'r  21st  1778— Pokeepsie. 

Sir,  The  Inhabitants  of  Tarry  Town  and  the  adjacent  neigh- 
bourhood complain  that  they  are  greatly  exposed  to  the  Incur- 
sions of  the  Enemy,  which  are  very  frequent  and  distressing  to 
them  on  these  occasions;  you  will  observe  by  the  Militia  Law 
that  it  is  your  Duty  without  waiting  for  Orders,  to  call  into 
Service  a  sufficient  Proportion  of  your  Brigade  to  expel  the 
Enemy  &  protect  the  Inhabitants,  and  this  I  expect  you  imme- 
diately will  do,  unless  you  can  obtain  from  General  Scott  a  Body 
of  light  Troops,  competent  for  this  Purpose,  which  I  am  per- 
suaded he  will  readily  grant  you,  if  it  can  be  done  consistent 
with  the  good  of  the  public  Service.  I  am  D'r  Sir  with  great 

Regard  Your  most  obed't  serv't 

[G.  C.] 
Genl.  Morris. 


[No.  1856.] 

Governor  Clinton  Prepares  Colonel  Cantine  for  the  Contemplated 
Movement  Against  the  Indians. 

Poughkeepsie  21st  October  1778. 

Sir,  The  inclosed  Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Mr.  Deane  our  Indian 
Interpreter  at  Onida,  I  just  now  received  by  Express  from  his 

*  March    2,    1778,    General    Greene    was   appointed    quartermaster-general  by  Congress 
and  was  permitted  to  retain  his  rank  of  major-general  of  the  line.— STATE  HISTORIAN. 


182  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.     . 

Excellency  Genl.  Washington.  The  Account  it  contains  of  the 
Hostile  Intentions  of  the  Senecas  &  other  Tribes  of  Savages,  per- 
fectly agreeing  with  those  transmitted  by  Colo.  Hartly  from  the 
Frontiers  of  Pensylvania  to  Congress  &  other  Intelligence,  may 
be  relied  on,  and  of  Course  we  have  the  greatest  reason  to  appre- 
hend some  Capital  Stroke  ag't  our  Frontier  which  it  is  our  Duty 
by  all  Means  to  guard  against.  Colo.  Cortlandt's  Regiment  are 
now  on  their  March  from  Peeks  Kill  for  Rochester,  and  I  have 
Reason  to  expect  my  Brother's  whole  Brigade,  which  as  Van 
Schaak's  is  ordered  to  relieve  the  Garrison  of  Fort  Schuyler  now 
consists  of  but  3  Regts.  for  the  Frontier  Service.  It  will,  how- 
ever, be  some  Time  before  even  Cortland's  Regiment  can  pos- 
sibly reach  the  Frontier  Settlements.  I  have  thought  it  advise- 
able  in  the  Mean  Time,  to  call  into  actual  Service  on  the  Frontier 
a  greater  Proportion  of  the  Militia,  agreable  to  the  inclosed 
Orders,  Copies  of  which  you  will  immediately  forward  by  Ex- 
press to  the  several  Officers  commanding  Regiments  of  Militia  in 
the  Counties  of  Ulster  &  Orange  &  press  their  Complyance  with 
them  without  the  least  Delay.  From  the  inclosed  Accounts 
Minisinck  appears  to  me  to  be  in  the  most  iminent  Danger  &  you 
will  of  Course  pay  particular  Attention  to  its  Safety.  I  have 
submitted  your  Letter  respecting  Provissions  to  the  Legislature  & 
1  have  every  Reason  to  believe  they  will  remove  all  Difficulties 
on  that  Score.  In  a  little  Time  you  will  be  properly  supplied  by 
Continental  Commissaries.  I  am  your  most  Obed't  Serv't 

[G.  C.] 
Colo.  Cantine. 

I  have  forwarded  Copies  of  the  inclosed  Orders  to  the  Com- 
man'g  Officer  of  the  3  Regts.  of  Orange  County  myself. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  183 

[No.  1857.] 

Major  Pawling  Instructed  by  Governor  Clinton  to  See  to  it  that  Mr. 
Hake  Smuggles  no  Goods. 

Instructions  for  Major  Pawling: 

Major  Pawling  will  proceed  with  Mr.  Samuel  Hake  (who  is 
lately  come  out  of  New  York  with  the  Flag  Schooner,  "  Janet ") 
to  Peeks  Kill.  Mr.  Hake  was  taken  on  Board  of  a  vessel  coming 
from  England  to  New  York  and  had  my  Permission  with  General 
Washington's  Pass  to  go  into  New  York  for  the  Purpose  of  secur- 
ing his  Books  and  accounts  in  the  Hands  of  Cary  Ludlow,  Esqr., 
with  such  articles  of  Furniture  as  he  represented  were  left  at 
New  York  when  he  went  Home  to  England.  Mr.  Hake  is  lately 
returned  from  New  York  with  the  Schooner  above  mentioned, 
in  which  there  are  Reasons  founded  upon  his  own  Confession  to 
believe,  there  is  considerable  Quantity  of  Merchandize  which  he 
intends  to  dispose  off  in  the  Country  and  so  under  Pretext  of 
the  above  Indulgence  make  a  trading  voyage.  Wherefore,  Major 
Pawling,  is  to  see  that  no  Goods  be  brought  by  Mr.  E[ake  from  on 
Board  the  said  Schooner  but  his  Furniture,  Books  &  accounts, 
together  with  his  wearing  apparel,  &  for  this  Purpose  is  to  ex- 
amine all  suspected  Packages  &  compare  the  Packages  with  the 
Invoice,  and  if  it  appears  that  any  goods  have  been  taken  out, 
he  is  to  make  Report  thereof  to  me  and  cause  the  Flag  to  be  de- 
tained until  my  farther  orders  shall  be  received  by  him.  But  if 
nothing  has  been  taken  out,  then  after  the  Furniture,  Books, 
accounts  &  wearing  apparel  aforesaid  are  on  shore,  Mr.  Hake 
will  return  with  the  Major  without  being  permitted  thereafter 
to  go  on  Board  the  said  Schooner  &  strict  orders  be  given  to  the 
Centinels  to  prevent  any  thing  from  being  landed.  And,  further, 
Mrs.  Lupton  with  her  Servants  (except  male  ones  capable  of  bear- 


184  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

ing  arms),  is  to  be  suffered  to  go  on  Board  the  said  Schooner, 
agreeable  to  her  Permission,  and  the  Flag  is  then  without  the 
least  Delay  to  return  to  New  York.     One  Lewis  who  is  on  Board 
the  Flag  is  not  to  be  permitted  to  come  on  Shore  but  to  return. 
By  orders  of  his  Excellency  Gov'r  Clinton 

Stephen  Lush  A.  D.  C. 
Oct'r  22d  1778,  Poghkeepsie. 


Congress  in  the  Cause  of  Good  Morals. 

*Gentlemen,  This  Message  is  accompanied  with  a  Copy  of  a 
Resolution  of  Congress,  of  the  12th  Instant,  which,  as  it  is  in- 
tended for  the  Encouragement  of  Religion  and  good  Morals,  can- 
not fail  engaging  the  particular  Attention  of  the  Legislature. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Poughkeepsie,  October  22,  1778. 


In  Congress  Oct'r  12  1778. 

fWhereas  true  religion  and  good  morals  are  the  only  solid 
foundations  of  public  liberty  and  happiness 

Resolved,  That  it  be  and  it  is  hereby  earnestly  recommended 
to  the  several  States,  to  take  the  most  effectual  measures  for  the 
encouragement  thereof,  and  for  the  suppressing  of  theatrical  en- 
tertainments, horse  racing,  gaming  and  such  other  diversions  a» 
are  productive  of  idleness,  dissipation  and  a  general  depravity 
of  principles  &  manners. 

Extract  from  the  minutes. 

Chas.  Thomson  secy. 

•From  Journals  of  the  Legislature. 

fThis  message  to  the  Legislature  is  not  found  in  the  Clinton  MSS.  The  resolution 
of  Congress  is  numbered  in  the  MSS.  collection  as  document  1838.  For  the  sake  of 
unity  it  is  subjoined  to  the  Governor's  message.— STATE  HISTORIAN. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  185 

[No.  1858.] 

Depositions  of  William  Thomson  and  Henry  Main,  Relative  to  Colonel 
Butler's  Expedition. 

October  the  22th  1778,  Apeared  Before  me,  Jochen  Schon- 
maker,  Esqr.,  one  of  the  Justices  of  the  peace  for  the  County  of 
Ulster,  in  the  State  of  New  York,  one  William  Thomson  and 
Henry  Main  Being  Sworn  Upon  the  holy  Evengilist  of  almigty 
[God]  Deposeth  and  Saith: 

That  on  the  25th  Day  of  Sept'r  Last,  they  was  Commanded  to 
march  from  Schohary  to  Unidille,  Under  the  Command  of  Coll. 
\Vm.  Butler,  and  from  that  to  an  Indian  Settlement  Called 
Auchquago,  and  from  that  to  Tuskarora,  which  Latter  they  De- 
stroyed, after  which  they  Returned  to  Auchquago  and  Burnt  and 
Destroyed  that;  from  that  to  Unidilla  which  Sheared  the  Same 
fate;  these  Deponents  further  Saith  that  after  they  left  Unidilla 
about  35  miles,  they  was  ordered  out  to  look  for  horses,  and 
when  they  Returned  the  party  they  Belonged  to  was  gone  of; 
from  thence  they  Whent  on  to  Schohary  Kill,  Where  they  where 
informed  By  an  officer  of  the  Rifel  men  that  the  Company  they 
Belonged  to  and  two  other  Companies  was  gone  Down  to  a  place 
Called  Cokehose,  and  from  thence  Down  to  the  Minissings,  which 
said  Officer  Ordered  them  to  make  the  Best  of  their  way  to  Minis- 
sing  to  Joyn  their  Company.  And  farther  these  Deponents  Saith 
not. 

The  above  affidavids  was  takeing  By  Request  of  Coll.  John 

Contine. 

Jochem  Schoonmaker. 

To  his  Excellency,  Gorge  Clinton,  Pochkepsy. 


186  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  1850.] 
A  Proposition  to  Exchange  Prisoners  Confined  at  Albany. 

Peekskill  22nd  Oct.  1778. 

Gent,  Having  received  Orders  to  send  into  New  York  all  the 
British  officers,  Prisoners  of  war,  as  well  as  the  officers  belong- 
ing to  the  New  Levies  now  in  our  Possession,  for  w7hich  Purport 
have  taken  the  Liberty  of  Inclosing  a  Return  of  five  now  residing 
at  Albany;  should  there  be  more  in  your  Parts  either  British  or 
New  Levies  to  have  them  collected,  adding  their  Names  to  the 
Return  with  the  Cores  they  belong  to;  a  Parole  I  have  inclosed  for 
them  to  sign,  which  please  get  them  to  do,  with  the  Rank  they 
hold  &  Regiment;  it  will  be  necessary  that  they  discharge  their 
Board,  and  what  other  Debts  they  may  have  contracted,  and  that 
in  hard  Specie,  before  you  send  them  off;  when  accomplished  let 
them  be  ordered  of  immediately  to  Fish  Kill  under  the  Care  of  a 
proper  Person  to  whom  you'll  give  your  Letter  to  be  forwarded 
to  Head  Quarters;  on  his  arrival  there  direct  it  for  Colo.  Beatty 
Commissary  General  of  Prisoners  Head  Quarters  or  to  myself  as 
I  shall  then  know  what  Rout  they  will  be  ordered  in — your  im- 
mediate Compliance  will  singularly  oblige,  as  our  own  Officers 
are  suffering  in  Captivity  for  want  of  theirs  being  sent  in.  I,  am 
with  much  Respect  Gent,  Your  most  Obedient  hum:  Serv't 

John  Adams,  D.  C.  of  Prisoners. 

N.  B.  their  Paroles  and  Return  don't  omit  inclosing.  I  set 
out  to  Day  for  Head  Quarters  at  Fredericksburgh  &  shall  en- 
deavour to  be  if  possible  at  Fish  Kill  by  the  Time  I  expect  them 
down. 

A  Return  of  five  Officers  in  the  British  Service  belonging  to  the 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  187 

New  Levies  taken  Summer  1777  up  the  Mohawk  River  and  at 
Saratoga  and  now  residing  at  Albany. 

Peter  Ten  Broeck,  Captain,  William  Bowen,  Lieut.,  Sir  John 
Johnson's  Corps; 

William  Schermerhorn,  Capt.  Coll.  Jessup's  Core  Loyal 
Americans; 

Peter  Drummond  Capt.,  William  McCrea,  McAlpin's  Corps. 


[No.  I860.] 
Petition  for  the  Pardon  of  Bartholomew  Hess.' 


[No.  1861.] 
OCTOBER  OYER  AND  TERMINER. 

The  Judges'  Report  to  Governor  Clinton — Together  With  the 
Evidence  in  the  Ducalon  Case. 

Albany  October  23d  1778. 

Sir,  During  the  sitting  of  a  Court  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  and 
General  Goal  Delivery  in  the  County  of  Albany  the  following  per- 
sons have  been  tryed  convicted  and  sentenced,  and  their  Execu- 
tion ordered  on  the  sixth  day  of  November  next  to  wit : 

Cornlius  Taylor.  On  an  Indict't  for  robbing  Rutger  Vanden 
Bergh.  On  an  Ind't  for  stealing  of  him  a  Black  Gelding;  On  an 
Ind't  for  robbing  Cornelius  Vanden  Bergh;  On  an  Ind't  for  rob- 
bing George  White  Isaac  Sheldon  &  Abner  Pease;  On  an  Ind't 
for  stealing  three  Geldings  of  the  same  persons;  On  an  Ind't  for 

"  Omitted. 


188  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

robbing  Henry  Van  Bensselaer;  Each  of  these  convictions  were 
on  the  fullest  proof. 

Isaac  Scouten.  On  Indictm't  for  stealing  a  roan  Horse,  and 
Bay  mare  of  Isaac  Fonda — upon  his  own  confession. 

Andrew  Buys.  On  an  Indict't  for  the  same  felony  as  last  above 
mentioned — upon  his  own  confession.  He  stands  also  convicted 
on  two  other  Indictments,  the  one  for  stealing  a  Harnass  &  the 
other  for  stealing  a  woodsleigh,  both  within  Clergy. 

Bartholomew  Hess.  On  an  Indictment  for  robbing  Harmen 
Coons.  On  an  Ind't  for  Burglary  in  the  House  of  Hend'k  Mesick. 
On  an  Ind't  for  Burglary  in  the  House  of  George  Philip — Upon 
full  proof. 

Nathaniel  Morgan  alias  John  Morgan.  On  an  Ind't  for  robbing 
Henry  Van  Bensselaer.  On  an  Ind't  for  Burglary  in  theHouse 
of  Hendrick  Mesick.  On  an  Ind't  for  robbing  Harmen  Coon. 
Upon  full  proof. 

Of  this  number  we  beg  leave  to  recommend  Andrew  Buys  for 
a  pardon.  Because  he  is  a  Lad  under  seventeen  years,  and  ap- 
pears ignorant  harmless  and  undesigning,  and  probably  has  been 
seduced  by  Isaac  Scouten.  His  mother  who  is  a  widow  in  indi- 
gent circumstances,  and  depends  on  him  for  support. 

Altho'  Bartholomew  Hess  has  been  convicted  for  several  Rob- 
beries and  Burglaries,  there  are  several  Circumstances  in  his  con- 
duct, which  operate  with  us  in  favour  of  mercy.  We  shall  how- 
ever only  mention  those  circumstances,  and  leave  it  with  your 
Excellency  to  determine  whether  he  is  a  proper  object  for  a  par- 
don. 

Upon  his  Examination  at  Claverack,  he  confessed  every  Bob- 
bery in  which  he  had  been  concerned,  and  with  great  candor  dis- 
covered his  accomplices,  and  the  persons  who  harboured  and  eon- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  189 

cealed  them.  Many  of  the  unhappy  sufferers,  thro'  his  means,  got 
a  great  part  of  their  Effects  again.  Many  persons  there  testifyed 
in  favour  of  his  humanity.  That  he  had  been  instrumental  in 
restraining  his  Companions  from  .committing  greater  Excesses. 
We  have  the  honour  to  be  with  the  greatest  Respect  Your  Excel- 
lency's most  obt.  and  humble  servants 

Robert  Yates, 

Ab'm  Ten  Broeck, 

John  Barclay. 
To  his  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esqr. 

*See  Volume  III  pages  665  and  701,  and  Volume  IV  page  237. 

The  People  of  the  State  &c.  vs.  Stephen  Ducalon;  On  Trial. 

Jan  V.  Schaack  proves  the  Robbery  on  Saturday  night  before  easter  Sunday  of  a 
small  Trunk  with  Hard  money— about  50  silver  Dollars  or  upwards  in  it— 800  Doll'rs 
Continental  money,  Quantities  of  cloathing — and  sundry  arms — value,  and  persons  in 
the  House  as  per  Indictm't. 

William  Bartow,  sworn,  says  that  upwards  of  a  week  before  the  Robbery  of  Arent 
V.  Schaack,  S.  Ducalon  bo't  a  pistol  of  him  for  5  Dollars  &  promised  to  pay  him  in 
a  few  days.  About  two  hours  after  he  bo't  the  pistol  he  returned  to  the  House  with 
Robt.  Youngs.  Youngs  proposed  to  buy  a  Higland  Broad  sword.  That  he  declined 
selling  it  &  said  he  might  incur  blame.  Ducalon  urged  him  to  sell  the  sword  as  he 
had  other  arms  enough.  Ducalon  agreed  with  him  for  the  sword  for  himself  as  he 
said.  The  price  also  5  Doll'rs.  At  Ducalon's  request  he  went  with  them,  to  receive  the 
money  for  the  pistol. 

Ducalon  called  him  upstairs  into  his  Doctor's  Shop.  Ducalon  proposed  to  tell  him 
of  something  would  be  a  great  Benefit  to  him  as  he  was  a  poor  man,  &  perhaps  would 
the  making  of  him — but  laid  him  under  the  most  Solemn  &  Strict  engagements 
aot  to  discover  it.  That  by  many  persuasions  he  engaged  to  keep  the  Secret.  Ducalon 
then  told  him  a  party  intended  to  cross  the  River  to  Philip  Van  Alstyne's  to  take 

is  hard  cash,  and  wanted  him  to  steer  the  Batteau.    That  he  made  objections — asked 

irho  they  were — that  Ducalon  answered  that  man  below  (meaning  Youngs)  would 
be  one  of  them.  That  Ducalon  urged  him  much  on  the  subject,  told  him  he  need  not 
leave  the  Batteau  or  go  up  from  the  river,  only  wait  and  bring  the  party  back — he  would 

eceive  a  full  share— it  would  be  worth  his  going.  As  it  blew  very  hard  he  objected, 
difficulty  &  hard  wind.  Ducalon  said  it  would  be  nothing  to  poll  her  up 

?'t     the     wind.    That     he     declined     to     go.    Ducalcn     paid     him     5     Dollars     for 

le  pistol.  They  came  out  of  the  House,  &  Youngs  with  them.  That  Deponent  said 
blows  hard.  Youngs  answered  rather  too  fresh;  that  next  day  he  saw  two  men 

rell  dressed  go  to  Doct'r  Ducalon's.  Deponent  went  there  soon  after.  Each  of  the 
two  men  had  a  pistol  slung  by  a  strap  or  Garter  under  their  coats.  That  these  two 

len   he  has   since   known   to   be   John   Sloss   &   Robert   Sloss.    That  John   Sloss  wore 

ic   pistol    which    Depon't   sold    to    Ducalon.    That    Deponent    told    him    he    knew    that 

istoi.  That  he  was  induced  to  go  to  Ducalon's,  after  saw  the  said  two  men  go 
there  as  he  suspected  they  were  Continental  Officers  or  persons  in  some  continental 
employm't;  that  as  he  was  coming  away  Elizabeth  Ducalon  was  at  the  -Door — he 
observed  to  her  that  these  two  men  answered  the  Descriptions  of  the  two  men  whom 

le   people   on   the   other   side   of   the    River   were    searching   for.    That   the   said    Eliz. 

)ucalon  charged  him  for  his  life  not  to  tell  that  he  had  seen  such  men  there. 

That  aftwards  and  about  a  week  or  some  days   before   the  Robbery  of  V.    Schaack, 

lobt.   Sloss  about  dusk  one  Evening,  came  to  him  armed  near  his  the  depon'ts  House 


190  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

and  ordered  to  go  in  and  get  his  arms— swore  he  should  get  them  &  threatned  him, 
— lie  got  his  arms,  when  he  came  out,  five  others  came  up  armed.  They  ordered 
him  to  shew  them  the  House  of  John  L.  Bronk.  He  went  with  them  a  part  of  the 
way — attempted  to  alarm  them  by  informing  them  that  Bronck's  family  were  numer- 
ous &  well  armed.  That  the  Dogs  would  alarm  them.  Some  of  them  threatened 
to  shoot  the  first  man  who  drew  back.  That  afterwards  spoke  to  Roeloff  Vander  Kar 
one  of  the  party  whom  he  knew  in  the  same  manner.  Vander  Kar  was  alarmed. 
They  stopped  &  conferred  together,  then  suffered  'him  to  come  up  to  them.  Morgan 
spoke  of  getting  more  men.  They  charged  him  at  his  peril  not  to  mention  what  had 
passed  among  them— they  returned  &  separated— and  Robt.  Youngs  and  Morgan  went 
to  Step.  Ducalon's. 

That  on  the  Friday  Evening  before  Easter  Sunday,  he  went  across  to  the  East  side 
of  Hudson's  River  to  a  smith  &  for  some  Hay.  The  wind  [blew]  so  hard  he  did  not 
return  until  Saturday  Evening.  Saw  some  of  Penman's  family — was  desired  to  send 
word  to  Duca/lon  that  his  mare  had  been  sick — it  was  dark  when  depon't  got  home. 
That  some  time  in  the  night  two  or  three  Hours  after  he  came  home  Robt.  Sloss 
came  to  him  armed  i&  desired  him  put  him  s'd  Sloss  and  some  others  over  the  River. 
Depon't  fatigued  &  unwilling.  Sloss  promised  to  pay  him  well  if  he  went  &  threatned 
him  if  he  refused.  He  put  on  his  shoes  &c.  went  to  the  River  Side— there  came  to 
them  Stephen  Ducalon  the  other  Sloss  Youngs  and  Morgan. 

Ducalon  told  him  these  men  had  been  to  his  house  to  be  ferried  over,  but  that  he 
refused  unless  deponent  with  him — being  asked  which  way  they  came  to  him  at  the 
canoe,  says  they  came  from  the  southward  or  southwestward  and  along  a  path  which 
was  the  most  direct  road  from  A.  V.  Schaak's — and  that  the  prisoner's  house  is  to 
the  northward  from  there  &  from  the  deponent's  house. 

That  they  put  several  Guns  and  some  Bundles  of  Cloathing  into  the  canoe.  That 
he  ferried  them  across  the  River. 

That  this  was  on  Saturday  night  before  Easter  Sunday.  That  on  landing  he  wanted 
his  pay.  One  of  the  company  ordered  to  give  him  seven  Dollars.  That  another  of 
them  gave  him  immediately  a  Bill  &  told  him  it  was  a  seven  Dollar  Bill,  (but  it 
was  only  a  four  dollar  Bill  and  that  he  kept  it  until  he  shewed  it  to  the  Commis- 
sioners at  Albany  who  said  it  was  a  good  Bill).  That  he  proposed  to  return  home, 
but  Ducalon  insisted  on  going  up  to  the  House  of  Alexander  Penman  and  that  he 
would  soon  return  with  him.  That  he  went  with  Ducalon  to  Penman's.  The  others 
remained  at  the  Boat.  That  Ducalon  called.  Penman  awaked  &  answered  &  let  them 
In.  Ducalon  asked  for  a  Candle,  Penman  said  he  had  none — by  Information  of  one 
of  the  women  a  piece  of  candle  was  found  &  alighted.  That  at  Ducalon's  desire 
he  went  to  the  party  at  the  Boat  &  told  them  that  Doctor  Ducalon  desired  them  to  come 
to  the  House.  They  bro't  up  two  large  Bundles,  appeared  to  be  Cloathing— five  Guns— 
&  one  of  bro't  a  small  Trunk  under  his  arm.  Ducalon  with  the  candle  went  with 
them  into  the  Cordwainer's  shop.  That  Morgan  in  the  shop  had  a  small  Trunk  in  his 
hand.  That  Ducalon  come  out  and  told  him  to  go  farther  off  from  the  shop — on  the 
deponent  asking  the  reason,  Ducalon  said,  lest  he  would  see  more  than  he  ought  to 
see.  Ducalon  went  into  the  shop  &  shut  the  door.  Deponent  heard  pounding  &  break- 
ing, sounded  as  if  on  the  Trunk;  heard  ratling  &  Jingling  like  silver  or  hard  money. 
Ducalon  came  out  to  him,  gave  him  a  silver  Dollar— told  him  the  company  gave 
him  that  for  his  Trouble.  Ducalon  went  into  the  shop  again;  some  time  after  came 
out  &  bro't  him  a  Gun— told  him  they  gave  him  that  for  a  fowling  piece.  That  he 
refused,  saying  he  had  a  good  Gun  but  Ducalon  insited  on  his  taking  &  he  took  it. 
Ducalon  bid  him  take  good  care  of  it.  That  Ducalon  asked  him  to  pilot  the  men 
to  and  over  the  Creek  towards  Meesick's  &  they  would  pay  him  for  it— he  peremp- 
torily refused.  Ducalon  desired  to  ask  Penman  to  pilot  them.  Deponent  asked  Pen- 
man &  he  refused  to  arise  or  pilot  them.  That  they  came  out  of  the  shop  with 
several  Bundles.  That  when  they  could  get  no  pilot  one  of  them  said  he  could  find 
the  way  himself.  That  some  of  them  spoke  of  taking  Horses.  That  Duca:on  advised 
them  to  the  contrary,  &  damned  them  and  asked  them  would  they  take  Horses  there 
&  make  a  disturbance  at  that  side  of  the  River  also.  That  Ducalon  had  a  Gun  which 
he  said  he  would  keep;  one  of  the  company  took  a  fowling  piece  &  said  he  would 
take  that  with  him — that  the  Deponent  had  one  which  Ducalon  before  bro't  to  him. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  191 

That  there  were  two  other  Guns,  which  the  party  refused  to  take  with  them— they 
then  offered  them  to  the  depon't,  he  refused  them.  They  then  said  that  he  and  Ducalon 
must  take  them  &  if  they  would  not  keep  them  they  must  throw  them  In  the 
River.  That  when  they  were  gone  off,  not  chusing  to  throw  the  Guns  in  the  River 
or  carry  them  home,  he  proposed  to  Ducalon  to  conceal  the  four  Guns,  to  which 
Ducalon  agreed— they  accordingly  hid  them  under  a  fallen  Tree  on  a  hill  in  the  woods. 
They  then  returned  to  Penman's  &  went  into  the  House,  and  S.  Ducalon  told  Penman 
that  if  any  person  enquired  about  his  having  been  there,  Penman  should  say  that  he 
came  about  his  mare  that  was  sick.  Penman  said  he  would  give  that  answer.  That 
in  crossing  the  River  homward,  Ducalon  told  him  that  he  believed  he  could  find 
another  Gun  which  thpse  men  had  thrown  away  in  a  Slough.  That  he  said  to 
Ducalon  he  wondered  where  they  had  been.  Ducalon  answered  a  little  way  back 
here.  That  the  next  day  being  Easter  Sunday  he  the  deponent  went  again  to  the 
East  Side  of  the  River  with  some  women.  That  he  went  alone  to  the  Guns  immediately; 
knew  the  Gun  which  Ducalon  had  the  night  before  taken  to  himself  to  be  the  Gun 
which  Jan  Van  Schaack  shot  a  Goose  with  at  the  house  of  the  Xtmas  pro- 
ceeding, and  also  thought  that  the  other  three  belonged  to  Van  Schaack's  Family.  That 
he  removed  all  the  four  Guns  and  hid  them  in  a  Brush  Fence.  That  he  told  Penman 
he  had  hid  some  Guns  safely  in  one  of  his  Brush  Fences,  but  did  not  tell  him  the 
place. 

That  on  the  next  Sunday  after  Easter  Sunday,  Ducalon  came  to  the  deponent's  House. 
That  the  deponent  told  him  that  the  Gun  which  he  had  hid  away  for  himself  over 
the  River  was  the  Gun  of  Jan  Van  Schaack  with  which  he  had  Shot  the  Goose  last 
Xtmas.  That  Ducalon  replied  it  is  the  very  same.  That  the  Deponent  then  mentioned 
and  also  afterwards  mentioned  the  Gun  which  he  had  said  was  thrown  into  a  Slough, 
and  proposed  at  each  Time  of  mentioning  that  they  should  go  together  &  search  for 
it;  but  that  the  prisoner  did  not  to  that  make  him  any  answer. 

That  the  prisoner  on  that  day  told  the  deponent  that  they  would  put  the  Guns  they 
had  hid  away  into  a  hollow  log  or  piece  of  Timber  and  bury  the  Stick  with  the  Guns 
in  it.  That  the  deponent  did  not  inform  the  prisoner  that  he  had  removed  the  Guns 
from  where  they  were  at  first  secreted.  That  he  soon  after  discovered  the  said  Guns 
to  the  Committee  and  the  said  four  Guns  were  delivered  to  the  Committee. 

Jan  Van  Schaak.  Further  examined  says  that  the  said  four  Guns  delivered  to 
the  Committee  were  taken  away  at  the  time  of  the  Robbery  and  have  been  returned 
to  his  Father  &  the  Family.  And  that  one  of  them  was  the  Gun  with  which  he  shot 
the  said  Goose  at  the  preceeding  Xtmas. 

Alexander  Penman — sworn,  says  that  Ducalon  had  a  Horse  &  mare  at  his  Farm — he 
was  to  maintain  them  some  time  &  use  them  in  his  Plow.  That  the  mare  got  sick. 
That  on  the  Saturday  afternoon  preceding  Easter  Sunday,  he  saw  Wm.  Bartow  at  Jacob 
Moors  and  desired  him  to  tell  Ducalon  that  his  mare  was  sick.  That  he  found  the 
mare  the  better  for  riding  and  had  that  day  rode  to  the  mill  with  a  little  Grain 
and  returned  home  when  the  sun  was  an  hour  high.  That  in  the  night  Duca'.on  & 
Bartow  came  to  his  door.  Ducalon  called  to  him — he  let  them — Ducalon  asked  for 
a  Candle.  That  he  told  him  he  had  none.  That  Ducalon  insisted  he  must  have  a 
•Candle.  That  by  the  Information  of  one  of  the  women  a  piece  of  candle  was 
found  for  him.  That  the  deponent  alighted  the  Candle  &  gave  it  to  Ducalon.  That 
Ducalon  went  out  with  the  Candle  &  ordered  the  Deponent  not  to  come  out  of  his 
house  until  he  Ducalon  came  in  again.  That  the  deponent  went  to  bed  again. 

Being  asked  what  time  of  the  night  it  was  he  says  he  does  not  know.  That  he 
wrought  at  his  Trade  with  cand'.e  Light .  that  night  an  hour  and  half  or  two  Hours 
until  he  had  no  more  candle  that  he  knew  of.  That  he  was  up  some  time  afterwards 
but  cant  tell  how  long  he  had  slept.  That  he  heard  some  pounding  or  striking  In 
his  shop  and  that  he  afterwards  heard  some  Jingling  or  noise — but  did  not  then  much 
attend  to  it  as  Ducalon  had  wagon  Giers  &  Tacklin  in  the  shop.  That  some  time 
after  Bartow  called  to  him  &  asked  if  he  would  pilot  four  men  to  the  Creek  or  over 
the  Creek  and  that  they  said  they  would  pay  him.  That  he  refused.  That  some  time 
after  S.  Ducalon  &  Bartow  came  into  the  House.  That  Ducalon  desired  him  If  any 
person  should  enquire  if  he  had  been  over  there  to  say  that  he  came  to  see  his  mare 
which  was  sick.  Deponent  promised  to  give  that  answer  If  it  should  be  enquired 


192  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

about.  That  some  time  the  next  afternoon  Wm.  Bartow  came  to  deponent's  house. 
Enquired  of  Depon't  if  he  intended  to  burn  any  of  his  Brush  fences  soon.  Dep't 
said  no,  not  this  spring.  Bartow  said  its  very  well  as  it  is  Sunday.  I  have  hid  some 
Guns  in  one  of  them — but  gave  depon't  no  other  information.  That  s'd  Guns  were  after- 
wards delivered  to  the  Committee. 

John  Sloss.  Sworn,  proves  the  Robbery  fully  &  perfectly— that  the  prisoner  planned 
it — was  their  guide — that  each  of  the  company  had  on  a  division  of  the  silver  nine  dol- 
lars (except  Ducalon  who  had  but  eight  because  he  had  refused  to  go  into  the  House 
but  only  to  stand  sentry)  and  that  a  silver  Dollar  was  sent  out  by  Ducalon  to  Bartow. 

See  Sloss  Examination  of  the  17th  August  before  J.  M.  Beekman  Esqr.  page  1669, 
&  his  affidavit  taken  by  Grand  Jury  the  7th  Instant. 

On    Behalf   of   the   Prisoner    at   the    Bar: 

Johannes  Spore.  Sworn,  asked  as  to  prisoner's  general  Character  &  reputati'on  says 
"  That  before  this  Robbery  he  never  heard  that  the  prisoner  robbed  or  stole." 

Matthias   Goes— sworn,   says  the  very   same  words. 

Peter  Bronk — sworn,  asked  as  above,  was  about  to  mention  some  former  particular 
charges  ag't  the  prisoner  but  being  prevented  and  enquired  of  as  to  his  general  repu- 
tation says  "  it  is  &  has  been  but  very  indifferent."  That  "  before  this  Robbery  he 
never  heard  of  his  having  robbed  or  stolen  from  any  of  the  neighbours  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood where  he  lately  dwelt." 

Peter  Conine — sworn,  says  That  the  prisoner  since  he  grew  up  to  manhood  lived  most 
of  his  Time  somewhere  in  the  Bounds  of  Claverack  at  the  west  side  of  the  River. 
That  he  did  not  hear  of  his  doing  any  hurt  in  the  Deponent's  neighbourhood  before 
this  Robbery. 

Elizabeth  Ducalon— Sworn— Says  that  she  is  sister  in  Law  to  the  Prisoner  at  the 
Bar.  That  she  knows  nothing  of  the  Robbery  of  V.  Schaak.  That  Ducalon  was  at 
home  the  Evening  it  is  said  to  have  happened,  to  wit  the  Saturday  Evening  before 
Easter  Sunday.  That  Ducalon  went  to  go  over  the  River  to  see  his  mare  some  time 
before  sundown  &  returned  before  dark.  That  he  eat  supper  with  his  Family — went 
upstairs  to  go  to  bed;  it  was  then  early,  it  was  hardly  dusk — eat  supper  with  daylight. 
That  she  went  to  bed  soon  after — she  did  not  hear  him  go  out  again. 

Being  interrogated  says  there  was  another  passage  out  of  the  House  above,  with- 
out his  coming  down  stairs  again,  but  then  he  must  have  gone  thro  a  room  where 
another  woman  slept — names  the  other  woman. 

N.  B.  This  other  woman  subpoenad  but  is  not  attending.  She  says  the  other  woman 
refused  to  attend.  Says  Robt.  Youngs  was  not  at  Ducalon's  that  Evening.  Says  she 
never  saw  any  but  one  Sloss  there  and  only  once.  Says  she  does  not  remember  to  hava 
told  Bartow  for  his  Life  not  to  mention  the  Sloss's  being  there. 

Wm.  Bartow — further  Examined  says  this  Eliz.  Ducalon  is  the  woman  gave  him  the 
charge  above  mentioned  &ca.  &  confirms  his  former  Testimony. 

Alex'r  Penman — That  he  returned  from  mill  with  Ducalon's  mare  on  the  Saturday 
afternoon  before  Easter  Sunday  about  an  hour  before  sunset — was  not  from  his  house 
afterwards— did  not  see  DucaCon  there  nor  hear  he  had  been  there  until  Ducalon  waked 
him  in  the  night  as  before  mentioned. 

John  S:oss — knows  the  witness  Eliz.,  has  seen  her  at  Ducalon's — says  Ducalon  came- 
to  them  in  the  woods  near  his  house  about  Dusk— piloted  the  company  to  Van  Schaak's 
&ca. 

Observed  to  the  Jury— Eliz.  Ducalon's  Testimony  reconcilable  to  the  witnesses  for 
the  people.  Ducalon  might  have  gone  out  of  the  door  of  the  upper  house.  The  woman 
who  slept  in  that  room  has  refused  to  attend.  Eliz.  Ducalon  prisoner's  sister  in  Law 
&  if  the  Testimony  is  not  reconcilable  she  is  contradicted  by  three  witnesses  as  to 
parts  of  her  Testimony. 

Nathaniel  Morgan  being  duly  sworn  the  6th  of  October  1778. 

For  Morgan's  testimony  see  Volume  III  page  701. 

The  above  is  a  part  of  the  Deposition  of  Nathaniel  Morgan  wrote  by  William  Ludlow, 
subscribed  &  Sworn  to  by  the  said  Morgan  before  Hezekia  Van  Orden  Esqr.  one  of  the 
Justices  &ca.  and  the  same  is  a  true  Copy  of  part  of  the  said  Deposition  or  affidavit. 

John  McKesson. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  193 

[No.  1862.] 

PUTNAM  SNUBS  COLONEL  MALCOM. 

The  Colonel  Appeals  to  the  Governor  and  Insists  upon  His  Rights. 

Fort  Clinton  Oct.  23rd  1778. 

Sir,  Notwithstanding  General  Putnam  thought  proper  to  take 
the  direction  of  your  flag  out  of  my  hands,  I  hoped  nothing  w'd 
have  happened  to  lay  me  under  the  necessity  of  troubling  your 
Excellency  on  the  Subject. 

However  the  Vessell  is  returned;  what  went  ashore  below  the 
fort  I  know  not,  but  there  is  still  a  Considerable  cargo  remains — a 
number  of  women — Mr.  Van  Schaack  &c.  and  a  considerable 
quantity  of  goods.  I  send  an  Inventory  of  the  whole  as  complete 
as  possible,  but  as  an  examination  on  board  has  not  been  made, 
I  doubt  it  is  not  all.  I  detain  the  whole  here  for  your  orders. 
Genl.  Clinton  is  with  me  &  joins  me  in  opinion  that  these  women 
shoud  be  sent  back.  Every  kind  of  Policy  urges  the  doing  so.  I 
have  got  all  the  newspapers  &c.  &  send  them.  Willet  has  by  no 
means  followd  your  orders —  which  were  to  take  the  flag  officer 
from  me, — &  Genl.  Putnam  orderd  him  off,  contrary  to  directions 
I  had  from  the  Commander  in  Ohieff — "  to  allow  no  flags  to  pass 
without  his  knowledge."  This  I  know  would  have  been  got  (as  it 
was  from  you)  on  asking — but  still  I  coud  not  dispense  w'h  the 
Ceremony.  I  send  Major  Stag  who  will  relate  to  you  the  whole 
process.  The  Enemy  are  fond  of  send'g  persons  out,  if  only  to 
disperse  their  papers — which  I  should  have  burnt  only,  that  I 
thought  it  right  to  send  them  to  you.  Genl.  Clinton  thinks  these 
people  ought  to  be  sent  by  the  Vessel  Hake  came  in — whether  to 
send  them  at  all — by  Willet  or  w'h  Hake's  Sloop  is  for  your  Ex- 
cellency to  pronounce. 
13 


194  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

If  I  am  to  command  at  this  post  I  insist  on  having  the  direction 
of  flaggs.  You  know  what  I  mean.  You  recollect  the  corres- 
pondence of  old  times.  I  wish  not  to  suffer  as  much  by  it  as  you 
did.  I  am  with  the  greatest  Respect  Your  Excellency's  mo.  ob. 

serv't 

W.  Malcom. 
[To  Gov.  George  Clinton.] 


[No.  1863.] 

Major  Paine  Seizes  Flour  as  Contraband  of  War — The  Governor's 

Position. 

Oct'r  23th  Day  1778. 

Sir,  As  I  was  Returning  home  I  was  Informd  of  a  quantity  of 
flower  being  about  to  be  Exported  out  of  this  state;  on  this  Infor- 
mation I  went  after  said  flower  and  found  it  on  the  Road  betwen 
Backmens  presinct  and  Connecticut,  and  Seisd  said  flower;  the 
Baror  Shoes  an  agreament  betwen  him  self  and  one  Mr.  Wing, 
that  Lives  in  this  state  on  the  Edge  of  Connecticut,  I  shall  wait 
Your  Excellency's  order  in  the  matter.  I  am  Your  Verry  Hum- 
ble Serv'nt 

Brinton  Paine. 
To  His  Excellency,  George  Clinton,  Esqr. 


Poukeepsie  Oct'r  24th  1778. 

Sir,  In  answer  to  your  Letter  of  yesterday,  his  Excellency  the 
Governor  directs  me  to  inform  you,  that  he  has  no  Instructions 
to  give  you,  (in  consequence  of  the  joint  Resolutions  of  the  Sen- 
ate &  Assembly),  other  than  those  contained  in  his  Letter  to  you, 
accord'g  to  which  you'l  govern  yourself  and  do  what  is  proper  on 

the  Occasion.     I  am  &c. 

R.  Benson. 
Major  Brinton  Paine. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  195 

[No.  1864.] 
MR.  WILLETT  EXCEEDS  HIS  AUTHORITY. 

The  Governor's  Stringent  Orders  to  Colonel  Malcom  in  Regard  to 

Flags. 

Poukeepsie  24th  October  1778. 

Sir,  I  have  received  your  Letter  of  yesterday.  The  inclosed 
Abstract  of  a  Letter  from  his  Excellency  Genl.  Washington, 
-Copy  of  my  Letter  in  Consequence  thereof  to  Genl.  Putnam,  to- 
gether with  the  Original  Pass  or  Flagg  which  you  can  see  in 
the  Hands  of  Mr.  Willett,  will  fully  inform  you  of  the  Business 
for  which  the  Flagg  was  sent  into  New  York  with  the  Cautions 
that  were  taken  on  my  Part  that  the  same  shoud  be  carefully 
&  properly  conducted.  You  will  observe,  that  it  was  the  Com- 
manding Officer  at  West  Point  whom  I  intrusted  with  the  Ap- 
pointment of  an  Officer  to  take  Charge  of  the  Flagg,  &  that  his 
Excellency  Genl.  Washington's  Permission  for  its  passing  down 
was  previously  obtained.  Mr.  Willett  had  my  most  positive 
Directions  not  to  bring  any  Person  on  his  Sloop  on  his  Return 
from  Xew  York  but  such  as  coud  produce  my  Permission  to  come 
into  the  Country  or  such  of  our  Friends  as  might  be  exchanged. 
He,  likewise,  was  forbid  to  bring  up  the  least  Article  of  Mer- 
chandize &  all  Letters  which  he  was  possessed  of  containing 
Orders  for  that  Purpose  were  kept  back.  Mr.  Willett  indeed, 
who  was  to  be  paid  by  Mr.  Cuyler  for  the  Sendee  of  himself 
-and  Sloop,  had  my  Consent  to  receive  from  Mr.  Cuyler  in  Part 
pay,  some  few  Articles  for  his  own  private  Use  only;  which  I 
presume  are  those  mentioned  in  the  Certificate  granted  to  Cuy- 
ler. Considering  the  Precautions  which  I  had  taken,  I  am  much 
surprized  to  find  this  Flagg  so  basely  prostituted,  and  am  de- 
termined to  have  a  thorough  Inquiry  made  into  this  Matter; 


196  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

for  this  Purpose  Major  Lush  will  accompany  Major  Stagg  to  your 
Post,  &  assist  in  collecting  the  necessary  Evidence  of  the  differ- 
ent Facts  respecting  this  Matter,  who  I  have  directed  to  con- 
sult you  on  the  Subject,  &  to  cause  all  the  Persons  on  Boat  to 
be  returned  by  the  Flagg,  except  such  as  you  shall  determine 
ought  to  remain  in  the  Country,  which  brought  Hake  up.  I  am 

Sir  Your  most  Obed.  Ser't 

[G.  C.] 

I  shall  always  approve  of  the  strictest  Measures  you  shall  take 
in  Transactions  of  this  Nature. 
[To  Col.  Malcom.] 


[No.  1865.] 
THE  DISPUTE  BETWEEN  NEW  YORK  AND  VERMONT. 

The  New  York  Legislature  Willing  to  Submit  the  Matter  to  Congress 

for  Arbitrament. 

State  of  New  York.  In  Assembly  Octob  24th  1778. 

Whereas,  the  Senate  and  Assembly  of  this  State  did  by  con- 
current Resolutions,  passed  the  twenty  first  day  of  February 
last,  propose  certain  Overtures  with  respect  to  the  controverted 
Lands  in  the  North  Eastern  parts  of  the  County  of  Albany, 
and  certain  parts  of  the  Counties  of  Cumberland,  Charlotte  and 
Glouster,  in  order  to  quiet  the  Disorders  prevailing  in  that  part 
of  the  State,  And,  whereas,  the  said  Resolutions  have  been  mis- 
understood by  some  and  misrepresented  by  others,  &  are  deemed, 
not  to  apply  to  the  Cases  of  many  Persons  entituled  to  relief, 
by  reason  whereof  apprehensions  still  remain  on  the  minds  of 
many  of  the  Inhabitants  in  that  part  of  the  State,  and  they 
have  not  in  consequence,  thereof,  returned  to  their  allegiance 
to  this  State  within  the  time  for  that  purpose  in  the  said  Resolu- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  197 

tions  limited,  in  Order,  therefore,  more  effectually  to  remove 
such  apprehensions  and  more  fully  to  explain  the  said  Resolu- 
tions and  manifest  the  equitable  intentions  of  the  Legislature, 

Eesolved,  Nem :  Con :  that  with  respect  to  all  such  Lands  which 
have,  heretofore,  been  granted  by  the  Governments  of  Hampshire 
or  Massechusets  Bay  and  have  not  since  been  granted  by  the 
Goverment  of  New  York,  that  all  such  Grants  under  New  Hamp- 
shire or  Massechusets  Bay  shall  be  confirmed  and  declared  good, 
valid,  and  effectual  -to  all  intents  and  purposes,  as  if  the  same 
had  been  made  by  the  Goverment  of  New  York,  &  shall  not  be 
deemed  null  or  void  by  reason  of  the  nonperformance  of  any 
Condition  contained  in  the  same. 

And  whereas  it  is  impossible  to  establish  any  general  principle 
for  the  determination  of  all  disputes  that  may  arise  between 
Persons  claiming  under  New  Hampshire  or  Massachusets 
Bay  on  the  one  and  New  York  on  the  other  part  but  each  case 
must  be  determined  according  to  its  particular  merits, 

Eesolved,  therefore  Nem:  Con:  that  in  all  cases  of  Disputes 
arising  between  Persons  claiming  under  New  Hampshire  or  Mas- 
sachusets Bay  on  the  one,  and  New  York  on  the  other  part, 
for  the  same  Lands  (besides  confirming  such  Possessions  as  were 
made  under  New  Hampshire  or  Massachusetts  Bay  prior  to  any 
Grants  for  the  same  Lands  under  New  York)  the  Legisature  will 
submit  the  determination  thereof,  to  Such  Persons  as  the  Con- 
gress of  the  United  States  of  America,  shall  elect  or  appoint 
for  that  purpose,  to  be  determined  according  to  equity  and  jus- 
tice without  adhering  to  the  Strict  rules  of  Law,  and  will  also 
provide  that  where  Persons  claiming  under  New  Hampshire, 
Massachusetts  Bay,  or  New  York,  shall  by  any  such  determina- 
tions, or  where  any  Person  claiming  under  New  York,  shall  by 


198  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

reason  of  such  Confirmations  to  Settlers  under  New  Hampshire- 
or  Massachusetts  Bay  be  deprived  of  property,  such  Persons- 
shall  be  compensated  for  such  Loss  by  Grants  of  other  Lands,. 
OP  money  in  lieu  thereof,  according  to  the  Equity  arising  out  of 
each  particular  case;  Provided  always,  that  nothing  in  these 
Overtures  contained,  shall  deprive  any  Person  actually  pos- 
sessing Lands  under  New  York  of  the  Lands  so  by  them  sever- 
ally actually  possessed,  but  such  persons  shall  be  Confirmed 
in  their  respective  possessions,  and  the  Persons  claiming  such 
Lands  under  Massachusetts  Bay  or  New  Hampshire  and  having 
equitable  right  to  the  same  shall  be  compensated  for  the  Lands 
they  may  be  deprived  of,  in  consequence  of  Such  Confirmations  to- 
Occupants  under  New  York  in  like  manner  as  is  above  Specified. 

Kesolved,  that  nothing  contained  either  in  the  above  mentioned 
or  these  Resolutions,  shall  be  construed  to  effect  any  Disputes- 
that  may  arise  between  any  Persons  independent  of  a  Claim  un- 
der New  Hampshire  or  Massachusetts  Bay  on  the  one  &  New 
York  on  the  other  part. 

Resolved,  that  all  persons  shall  be  intitled  to  the  benefit  of 
the  above  mentioned  or  these  Resolutions,  notwithstanding  they 
may  have  withheld  their  allegiance  from  and  been  in  opposition 
to  the  Government  of  this  state  Since  the  first  day  of  May  last. 

Provided,  that  no  Person  shall  be  intitled  to  such  benefit  who- 
shall  have  committed  Treason  against  this  State  by  adhering  to> 
the  King  of  Great  Britain. 

Ordered,  that  Mr.  L'Hommedieu  and  Mr.  E.  Clarke  carry  a 
Copy  of  the  above  Resolutions  to  the  Honorable  the  Senate  and 
request  their  Concurrence  to  the  same. 

A  true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

John  J.  Myers,  D.  Clk. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  199 

[No.  1866.] 
Bold  Robberies  in  Eastern  Long  Island. 

Poukeepsie  25th  Dec'r  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  I  am  favoured  with  your  Letter  of  the  22d  Inst.  with 
the  Representation  it  inclosed  of  abuses  committed  on  the  In- 
habitants of  Long  Island.  I  have  always  been  opposed  to  the 
Measure  of  sending  small  Parties  on  Long  Island,  (except  on 
particular  Occassions,  &  then  under  the  Conduct  of  a  discreet 
Officer),  from  a  Perswasion,  that  our  Friends  were  some  Times 
plunderd  by  them  &  frequently  suffered  in  other  Respects  by 
their  Impudence.  You  will  please  to  observe,  that  the  few  Com- 
missions granted  by  this  State,  authorizes  the  Persons  to  whom 
they  are  given  to  exercize  in  the  Sound  only  &  they  are  not  pos- 
sessed of  any  Instruction  extending  the  authority  granted  by  their 
Commissions.  Capt.  Scudder  has  been  recommended  to  me  as  a 
brave  honnest  Man  by  a  Number  of  Gentlemen  of  Charecter 
&  among  them  I  think  by  yourself  and  as  such  I  have  no  Doubt 
but  he  will  not  only  meet  with  Justice  but  every  Indulgence 
which  can  be  given  him  by  you,  consistent  with  the  good  of  the 
Service. 

The  Deposit  of  Money  in  our  Treasury  will  not  discharge  a 
)ebt  due  in  Great  Britain.     The  Law  providing,  only  in  Cases 
rhere  the  Creditor  has  gone  over  to  the  Enemy  or  being  an  In- 
habitant  of  the   State   have  volluntarilly   remained   with  the 

Enemy.     I  am  D'r  Sir  Your  most  obed't  serv't 

[G.  C.] 
Genl.  Parsons. 


Oct.  23d  1778  at  1  or  2  o'Clock  A.  M. 

There  came  to  the  House  of  Arthur  Dingee,  Simeon  Crossman, 
[saiah  Whitman  and  carried  out  of  the  House  by  Force,  in  hard 


200  PUBLIC  PAPERS  ,  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

money  £52—7 — 10,  besides  small  cash,  taken  out  of  a  Chest  un- 
known to  me  how  much ;  three  Dollars  in  congress  money — at  the 
Same  Time  a  pr.  of  Silver  Knee  Buckles;  one  pr.  of  Cloth 
Breeches;  a  Hat;  a  peice  of  Bearskin;  two  &  one  half  papers  of 
Pins;  6  Knives  &  forks,  new;  a  cannister  with  1^  Lb.  Tea;  1  foul- 
ing Peice;  a  p't  of  a  Bag  of  Shott;  Powder  Horns  &  Powder;  2 
Pocket  Books,  one  a  Leather,  wrote  in  the  double,  Zophar 

Wheeler. 

Arthur  Dingee. 
Huntington  South  on  Long  Island. 

Copy 


Nehemiah  Heart  Jr.  &  Philip  Platt  both  of  Huntington  say 
that  Oct'r  22d  1778,  at  Night,  between  the  Hours  of  11  &  12,  the 
House  of  Nehemiah  Heart  was  besett  by  Eleazer  Whitman  & 
Simeon  Grossman  &  order  me  to  open  the  Door  or  they  would 
Have  it  open;  &  then  I  opend  the  Door  &  then  they  came  in  & 
plunderd  the  House  of  Cash  &  Goods  to  the  Value  of  300  or  400£ 
and  carried  them  out  of  the  Door,  &  was  going  of  with  them,  but 
found  that  they  were  known  by  P.  Platt  &  Timothy  Abbott;  they 
brought  the  Goods  &  Cash  back  &  returnd  it  to  me  again;  & 
then  Wm.  Sammis  came  into  the  House  as  one  of  their  Company, 
&  said  their  were  more  out  of  Doors,  and  they  staid  till  between 

the  Hours  of  1  &  2  o'Clock  and  then  went  off. 

Nehemiah  Heart. 
Copy. 


[No.  1867.] 

THE  PUTNAM-MALCOM  MISUNDERSTANDING. 
The  Latter  Places  All  the  Correspondence  Before  Governor  Clinton. 

Fort  Clinton  Oct.  25  1778. 

Sir,  The  arrival  of  Major  Lush  last  evening,  I  imagine  saved  me 
from  an  arrest  by  General  Putnam, — The  major  came  up  to  the 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  201 

Flag  sloop  last  night  armed  with  a  pass  &  orders  to  proceed  to 
Poughkepsie  from  his  father.  For  your  amusement  I  send  by 
Major  Lush  a  Copy  of  our  Correspondence. 

You  will  observe  that  I  endeavor'd  to  keep  the  old  Gentleman 
from  engaging  in  a  dispute  which  would  have  added  to  his  dis- 
grace. I  thought  it  was  prudent  and  I  dare  hope  that  you  will 
approve  of  my  doing  so.  By  his  letters  &c.  it  appears  that  he 
mistooke  your  Excellency's  meaning,  as  well  as  the  General's. 
The  Greatest  part  of  the  passengers  were  put  on  shore  ere  the 
vessell  got  to  Peeks  Kill  and  there  are  very  extraordinary  reports 
on  that  account.  Some  we  have  dissmissd  &  others  are  returnd 
with  Mrs.  Lupton.  I  consider  Mr.  Vanschaack  as  a  very  danger- 
ous man  and  indeed  wish  he  were  sent  by!  Land  to  York  even  with- 
out an  exchange,  if  none  can  be  speedily  got  for  him.  I  believe 
he  is  made  use  of  as  a  Mercury. 

I  got  from  on  board  another  cargo  of  papers  &  Proclamation 
which  I  have  burnt.  I  shoud  have  seized  the  goods  on  board, 
only  for  the  reputation  of  the  Country  &  my  own.  I  wish  I  had 
pour  orders  concerning  such  Civil  matters  of  that  or  any  kind 
which  may  be  supposed  to  come  in  my  way,  while  on  my  present 
luty. 

Major  Lush  has  heard  the  story s  that  prevail  concerning  the 
rhole  Transaction  but  as  he  has  not  time  to  waite  for  a  proper 
mquiry  I  shall  write  again  if  any  of  consequence  are  supported 
to  deserve  your  notice. 

I  take  leave  to  Congratulate  you  on  the  Increase  of  your  family 
and  am  with  much  Respect  Your  Excellency's  most  ob.  &  very 

Hble.  serv't 

W.  Malcom. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


202  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

(Copy) 

Mandevils  23rd  Octob'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  should  be  glad  to  know  by  what  authority  you  stop  the 
Flagg,  which  his  Excellency  Governor  Clinton  ordered  to  New 
York,  and  which  was  to  make  her  Return  to  the  Governor.  His 
Excellency  Genl.  Washington  ordered  and  Governor  Clinton  de- 
sired me,  to  give  a  Flagg  for  the  Sloop  to  go  to  New  York,  and 
to  put  an  Officer  on  board  to  conduct  it  down.  This  I  did,  and  on 
her  Return  gave  a  Pass  for  her  to  proceed  to  Poughkeepsie  and 
make  her  Report  to  the  Governor. 

If  you,  Sir,  have  not  particular  Orders  either  from  Genl.  Wash- 
ington or  Governor  Clinton  to  stop  the  sloop  I  desire  that  she 
may  have  Permission  to  proceed.  I  am  Sir  Your  hum'le  Serv't 

Israel  Putnam. 
Col.  Malcom. 


October  23rd  1778. 

Sir,  I  had  no  kind  of  intention  to  offend  you  by  detaining  the 
Flag  Sloop.  I  nevertheless  think  myself  justifiable  in  doing  so 
and  know  that  I  must  answer  the  consequence  if  I  do  wrong. 

I  have  sent  all  the  Papers,  Proclamations,  Letters  and  Pass- 
ports to  his  Excellency  the  Governor  and  expect  his  Orders  in 

the  morning.     I  am  with  due  Respect  Sir  &c. 

W.  Malcom. 
Genl.  Putnam. 


(Copy) 

Flagg  Sloop  24th  October. 

Sir,  Inclosed,  I  send  you  an  Order  I  have  just  receiv'd  from 
Genl.  Putnam  directing  me  to  proceed  immediately  to  Governor 
Clinton  with  the  Sloop,  that  I  went  as  a  Flagg  in  to  New  York. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  203 

I  consider  this  passport  as  sufficient,  unless  you  absolutely 
forbid  me  to  proceed.  In  that  case;  I  think  this  question  will 
remain  to  be  solved  "  Whether  as  Commanding  Officer  of  the 
Garrison  at  West  Point,  your  authority  is  sufficient  to  detain  a 
Vessel  that  has  the  Pass  of  a  Major  Genl.  and  positive  Instruc- 
tions to  proceed  immediately  to  the  Governor." 

I  shall  be  glad  if  you  will  return  the  Instructions  that  I  have 
inclosed  you.  I  am  with  respect  Sir  Your  most  Obed't  Serv't 

D.  Putnam. 
Col.  Malcom. 

(The  answer) 

October  24th  1778. 

Sir.  I  every  moment  expect  the  Governor's  Orders  concerning 
the  Flag  Sloop  which  will  probably  decide  the  matter  without 
any  trouble,  either  to  Genl.  Putnam  or  me.  However,  sir,  if  you 
are  unwilling  to  wait  this  evening  for  that  purpose,  you  shall 
have  my  answer  to  your  demand  by  the  return  of  your  next  mes- 
senger. I  submit  the  Choice  to  your  prudence  and  am  with  re- 
spect S'r  Y'r  mo.  Ob.  Serv't 

W.  Malcom. 

To  Major  Putnam  on  board  the  Flag  Sloop  at  Fort  Clinton. 


(Copy) 

7  O'Clock  P.  M. 

Sir,  I  am  this  moment  favor'd  with  y'r  Letter.  I  wish  that 
)rders  from  the  Gov'r  concerning  the  Flagg  may  arrive  soon, 
it  is  verry  disagreeable  for  the  Passengers  to  wait  here  longer 
lan  is  absolutely  necessary.  The  Wind  is  now  fair  and  the 
will  serve  some  time  this  Night  for  us  to  proceed.  I  shall 
you  my  Honor  that  nothing  shall  be  landed  from  the  sloop 
till  I  make  a  report  to  his  Excel'y  of  every  particular.  These 


204  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

things  all  considered  and  the  prospect  of  a  Northerly  Wind  at 
this  season  of  the  year,  added  to  our  having  lost  our  Cable  & 
anchor  in  the  last  storm,  I  think  will  justify  our  proceeding 
when  the  Tide  will  serve.  I  am  told  that  a  Mrs.  Davis  who 
came  up  in  the  Flagg  has  reported  that  I  landed  a  woman  with 
sealed  Letters  on  my  way  up.  I  think  I  ought  in  Justice  to  my 
own  Reputation  say,  that  it  is  an  infamous  Falsehood  as  every 
Person  on  board  is  willing  to  say  upon  Oath,  that  there  was 
no  Letters  of  any  kind  went  on  Shore.  The  woman  was  a  poor 
distressed  Creature  who  has  been  shut  up  in  New  York  &  whose 
Children  are  all  in  the  Country — this  and  this  only  is  the  ground 
from  w'h  that  Woman  has  made  such  a  false  representation.  I 

am  with  great  Respect  Sir  Your  most  Obed't 

D.  Putnam. 

P.  S.  The  Husband  of  the  woman  above  mentioned  is  now  con- 
fined in  New  York  and  is  as  hearty  a  friend  as  any  there. 

D.  P. 


(True  Copy) 

The  bearer  Major  Putnam  my  Aid  De  Camp  has  Permission 
to  pass  under  sanction  of  a  flag  to  New  York,  for  the  purpose 
of  conducting  thither  the  Families  &  Effects  of  Henry  Cuyler, 
Mr.  Dole  &  Mr.  White.  He  will  also  take  under  his  care  the 
British  flag  now  in  the  River  and  Conduct  that  to  the  first  British 
post  on  the  North  River. 

Given  &c.  9th  Octob'r  1778. 

Israel  Putnam,  M.  G. 


(A  true  Copy) 

Sir,  You  will  immediately  proceed  to  Poughkeepsie  and  make 
y'r  Report  to  Governor  Clinton  of  your  proceedings  at  New  York 
during  the  time  you  were  at  New  York  under  the  protection  of 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  205 

the  Flag  sent  in  at  the  Request  of  Gov'r  Clinton  and  this  shall 

be  y'r  sufficient  passport. 

Israel  Putnam,  M.  G. 
Highlands  24th  Oct.  1778. 

To  Major  Putnam. 


[No.  1868.] 
GEORGE  CLINTON'S  OLD  SOLDIERS  APPEAL. 

Exchanged  Troops  Captured  at  Fort  Montgomery  Ask  for  Arms, 
Wages  and  Rations  Due  Them. 

To  his  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esq.  Governour  &c  of  the 

State  of  New  York. 

Worthy  Sir,  We  the  (Subscribers  hereof,  being  of  the  Number 
of  those  who  had  the  Misfortune  to  be  taken  Prisoners  at  Fort 
Montgomery,  and  lost  our  arms  at  that  fatal  Time,  which  renders 
us  unfit  for  the  further  Service  of  our  Country,  now  when  we  are 
return'd,  And,  therefore,  have  presumed  in  this  manner  to  apply 
to  your  Excellency  that  we  may  be  supply'd  with  Arms;  and  also 
receive  our  Wages,  Rations,  due.  And  we  trust  your  Excellency 
will  take  our  Case  into  your  Consideration,  and  grant  such  relief 
in  the  Premises,  as  to  your  Excellency  may  seem  meet.  We  con- 
clude in  the  most  profound  respect,  Worthy  Sir, 

Your  most  Obed't  Humble  Serv'ts 
John  Dareos,  Serjt.,  Andrew  Willson, 

Cornelius  Slote,  Serjt.,  Eliphant  Seers, 

William  Humphrey,  John  Vanorsdall, 

George  Humphrey,  Robert  Cooper, 

James  Humphrey,  Robert  Wool, 

William  Stinson,  James  Wood, 

Robert  Henry,  James  Miller, 

John  Blakeny  Carmichael,  John  McMullen, 

Moses  Contine,  William  Scoat. 


206  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Of  and  belonging  to  Coll.  James  McClaghry's  Regt.  of  Militia 
foot,  in  Ulster  County,  who  was  taken  Prisoners  of  War  at  Fort 
Montgomery,  who  was  exchanged  by  Cartel,  at  New  York,  August 
6th,  1778: 
26th  October  1778. 


John  Darcos,  Serjt.  Cornelius  Slote,  Serjt.  William  Humphrey, 
George  Humphrey,  James  Humphrey,  William  Stinson,  Robert 
Henry,  John  Blakeney  Carmichael,  Moses  Cantine,  Andrew  Will- 
son,  Eliphant  Seers,  John  Vanorsdal,  Robert  Cooper,  Robert 
Wool,  James  Wood,  James  Miller,  John  McMullen  and  William 
Scot,  Privates  all  of  Colo.  McClaughry's  Regiment  of  Militia  be- 
ing made  Prisoners  at  the  taking  of  Forts  Montgomery  &  Clinton 
by  the  Enemy,  and  having  there  lost  all  their  arms,  &  since 
suffered  a  long  Imprisonm't,  and  being  now  unprovided  with 
arms,  and  not  having  received  their  Pay  and  Rations  for  their 
Services,  are  to  be  exempted  from  ordinary  Militia  Drafts  until 
steps  can  be  taken  to  provide  them  with  arms  and  their  Pay 
and  Rations  rec'd  for  their  past  Services.  Given  at  Poghkepsie 

Oct'r  27th  1778. 

By  order  Stephen  Lush. 

[No.  1869.] 

Leniency  to  be  Shown  Prisoners  for  the  Time  Being. 
Gentlemen,  This  will  be  handed  to  you  by  Mr.  Van  Schaack 
who  is  returned  from  New  York,  without  having  been  able  to 
affect  an  Exchange  for  himself  and  the  other  Gentlemen  confined 
at  Albany.  I  am  informed,  however,  and  have  Reason  to  believe, 
that  our  State  Prisoners  are  not  now  treated  with  the  same  De: 
gree  of  rigor  which  they  formerly  experienced,  and  as  it  is  not 
my  Desire  to  increase  the  Distresses  of  Individuals  by  Close  & 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  207 

rigorous  Confinement,  only  when  it  may  become  necessary  by 
Way  of  Retaliation,  which  is  a  Rule  I  mean  strictly  to  adhere  to, 
I  have,  therefore,  to  request  that  you  will  cause  Mr.  Van  Schaak 
with  the  other  Prisoners  for  Exchange,  to  be  placed  in  such  Mild 
Confinement,  either  by  Parole  to  a  certain  limitted  District,  not 
being  their  former  Place  of  Residence,  or  to  a  Room  as  you  shall 
judge  most  consistent  with  Prudence  &  safety,  until  their  Ex- 
change can  be  effected,  or  Contrary  Usage  to  our  Friends  in  New 
York  may  render  different  Treatment  necessary  &  Justifiable. 

I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 

I,  Henry  Van  Schaack,  E'sqr.,  Prisoner,  do  promise  that  I  will 
proceed  immediately  to  Albany,  and  deliver  myself  up  to  the  Com- 
missioners for  detecting  Conspiracies,  &c.,  there,  and  abide  their 
farther  order. 

Given  under  my  Hand  at  Poghkeepsie  Oct'r  26th  1778. 

H.  V  Schaack. 
Test: 


[No.  1870.] 
The  Alleged  Infractions  of  the  Saratoga,  Convention. 

Albany  October  26th  1778. 

Sir,  Upon  my  Return  to  Town,  this  Evening,  I  found  Mr.  Swart 
had  procured  Major  Frey  to  give  an  Account  of  the  Enemy's  pro- 
cedure respecting  the  Conventionists.  His  Affidavit*  I  do  myself 
the  Honor  to  inclose. 

Several  persons  who  are  now  in  the  Neighbourhood  of  Stil- 
ater,  and  who  have  recently  left  Canada  can  corroborate  Major 
Drey's  Information,  but  apprehensive  of  being  committed,  they 
will  with  Difficulty  be  persuaded  to  make  Depositions. .  Mr.  Swart 

*Not  found. 


208  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

will  take  Measures  to  induce  them  to  meet  him  and  I  propose  to 
go  up  on  Monday  to  assist  in  taking  their  Affidavits,  which  will 
be  transmitted  to  your  Excellency  as  soon  as  possible.  I  have  the 
Honor  to  be  Respectfully  Sir  Your  most  obedient  &  very  hble. 

Servant 

J.  Lansing,  Jun'r. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  Clinton  &c. 


[No.  1871.] 
Associated  Exempts  in  Albany  County. 

Albany  the  27  Octob'r  1778. 

Sir,  The  Association  alledged  to  in  Mr.  Visscher's  Letter  in- 
closing your  Excellency  an  association  in  which  we  ware  recom- 
mended as  Officers  has  been  compleated,  and  the  associators  have 
also  Elected  Us  as  their  Officers.  A  Recommendation  of  as  many 
of  them  as  ware  in  Town  and  could  Conveniently  meet,  Your  Ex- 
elJency  will  find  inclosed  together  with  a  Return  of  those  that 
have  associated. 

We  beg  your  Excellency  will  forward  our  Commissions  as  soon 
as  Conveniently  may  be. 

We  have  the  Hon'r  to  be  y'r  Excellency's  most  Obed't  Serv'ts 
Corn's  Van  Santvoordt,  David  Groesbeeck,  Marte  Myndertse. 
To  His  Excellency  George  Clinton,  Commander  in  Chief  of  the 

State  of  New  York,  Poghkeepsie. 


A  Return  of  the  Associated  Company  in  the  City  of  Albany 
Commanded  by  Capt  Corn's  Van  Santvoordt. 

Capt.  Lleuts.  Sergt.  Corp'ls  Privates  Total 

1  2  4  4  41  52 

Albany  the  8  Octo'r  1778. 

Corn's  Van  Santvoordt,  Capt.  David  Groesbeeck,  Lieut.  Marte 
Myndertse,  Lieut. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  209 

We,  the  Subscribers,  having  agreeable  to  an  Act  of  the  Legisla- 
ture of  this  State  for  regulating  the  Militia  thereof,  associated 
ourselves  and  having  Elected  the  following  Gent.,  to  be  our  Offi- 
cers, to  wit  Corn's  Van  Santvoordt  Capt.,  David  Groesbeeek  & 
Marte  Myndertse  Lieuts.,  do  hereby  Recommand  them  to  be  Com- 
missioned accordingly;  and  we  do  hereby  farther  request  our  said 
Officers  to  transmit  this  our  Becommandation  together  with  a  re- 
turn of  our  said  Company  to  his  Excellency  Governor  Cinton  with 
all  Convenient  speed. 

William  Verplanck,  Wouter  Deforest,  Anthony  E.  Bratt, 
Saml.  Pruyn,  Teunis  Bradt,  Jellis  Winne,  Paul  Hogstrasser,  Isaac 
Van  Aernam,  Isaac  Verplanck,  Jacob  Bleecker,  John  Roseboom, 
Jr.  Casparus  Pruyn,  John  J:  Bleecker,  Henry  Merselis,  Jocghem 
Js.  Staats,  Thomas  Lansingh,  Thomas  Barrett,  Isaac  Freyer,  Jo- 
hannis  L.  Reddli,  B.  Visscher,  Jonathan  Pettet. 


[No.  1872.] 

Major  John  Frey  Makes  a  Brief  Affidavit  Relative  to  the  Breach  of 
the  Saratoga  Convention. 

Albany  27th  Oct'r  1778. 

I  am  directed  to  enclose  to  your  Excellency  Extracts  of  the 
Indictments  whereon  Andrew  Buys  was  lately  convicted  and  sen- 
tenced— also  a  Copy  of  one  of  his  Examinations.*  Some  other 
papers  and  extracts  relative  to  the  other  prisoners  lately  convic- 
ted and  sentenced  are  also  enclosed. 

Major  John  Frey  of  Tryon  County  arrived  here  yesterday  and 
pried  in  Town  about  two  Hours — he  was  in  great  Haste  how- 
ever I  obtained  a  short  affidavit  of  him  before  the  mayor,  in  sub- 
stance that  after  the  Resolutions  of  Congress  preventing  the 

>  Omitted. 

14 


210  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Embarkation  of  Gen.  Burgoyne's  Army,  General  Carlton  pub- 
lished a  proclamation  requiring  all  persons  who  had  been  in- 
cluded in  that  Convention  to  join  their  respective  Corps  and 
Regiments  and  hold  themselves  no  longer  bound  by  the  Conven- 
tion. Major  Frey  said  he  read  a  Copy  of  the  proclamation  fre- 
quently, &  bro't  a  printed  Copy  into  New  England. 

Major  Lansing  last  Evening  took  the  affidavit,  informed  me  he 
was  directed  to  procure  proof  that  nature,  and  would  transmit 
it  to  your  Excellency.  I  have  sent  for  it  repeatedly  this  morning 
and  hope  to  detain  the  Bearer  until  it  may  be  obtained  &  sent  to 
you  by  him. 

I  wish  you  Joy  of  a  son — my  most  respectful  compliments  wait 
on  Mrs.  Clinton.  I  have  the  Honor  to  be  Sir  Your  most  obedient 

humble  Serv't 

John  McKesson. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  1873.] 
An  Indian  Uprising  Reported  from  Rochester. 

Sir,  Major  Wynkoop  just  arrived  here,  from  Rochester  informs 
me  that  the  Inhabitants  on  the  Frontier  are  greatly  alarmed  by 
accounts  of  the  approach  of  a  considerable  Body  of  the  Enemy 
under  Brandt,  who  have  advanced  as  far  as  Coshicting  and  expect 
a  Reinforcement  there  from  the  Seneca  Indians.  If  it  is  possible 
you  will,  therefore,  cause  your  Regiment  to  be  marched  there 
without  Delay  where  as  Major  Wyncoop  acquaints  me  they  will 
be  provided  with  Shoes  and  Stocking  by  the  Inhabitants. 

Your  Compliance  with  this  Request  will  greatly  oblige  the 
Country  as  it  will  probably  tend  to  the  Safety  and  Protection  of  a 

most  valuable  Part  of  it.     I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
Oct.  27th  1778. 

Colo.  Cortlandt. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  211 

[No.  1874.] 

Militia,  Reported  to  fee  Short  of  Ammunition — The  Governor's  Quick 

Response. 

Kingston,  Oct'r  27th  1778. 

Sir,  It  is  with  concern  that  we  are  reduced  to  the  necessity  of 
representing  to  your  Excellency  a  matter  which  ought  to  flow 
from  a  Different  Quarter — and  as  we  are  daily  allarmed  with  ac- 
counts of  the  Enemies  approach  towards  our  Froniers,  we  con- 
ceive it  our  duty  to  inform  your  Excellency  that  it  has  been  rep- 
resented to  us  that  the  militia  late  Ordered  out  are  destitute  of 
ammunition,  particularly  that  Detachment  now  lying  at  Shan- 
daken  have,  as  we  are  informed,  sent  down  for  a  Supply  of  that 
necessary  article,  and  have  not  been  able  to  procure  more  than 
about  three  Pounds  of  Cartrages,  which  has  provoked  the  Men 
stationed  there,  to  such  a  Degree,  that  they  openly  declare  that 
they  will  quit  that  post  whenever  the  Enemy  shall  appear. 

This,  Sir,  is  a  matter  that  gives  us  such  concern,  that  we  hope 
it  will  require  your  attention,  which  will  be  greatfully  acknowl- 
edged by  Sir  Your  most  Obed't  Humb'e  Serv'ts 

Christopher  Tappen  in  behalf  of  the  Trustees  of  Kingston. 

His  ExcelPv  Gov'r  Clinton. 


Oct'r  28  1778. 

Gentlemen,  It  gives  me  great  Pain  to  find  that  a  scandalous 
Neglect  of  the  Officers  whose  Duty  it  is  to  see  that  the  Militia  is 
properly  provided  with  ammunition  shoud  have  occassioned  you 
the  Trouble  of  addressing  me  on  that  Subject.  I  have  now  issued 
an  order  in  Favour  of  Colo.  Snyder's  Eegt.  on  the  Commissary  of 
Military  Stores  &  I  am  determined  to  prevent  you  the  like 
Trouble  in  Future  by  calling  the  Delinquents  to  a  most  severe  ac- 
count. I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 

To  the  Trustees  of  Kingston. 


212  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[Nos.  1875-1877-1880.*] 
THE  DISPUTE  WITH  VERMONT. 

Further  Legislative  Deliberation  on  the  Subject — The  Governor 
Directed  to  Issue  a  Proclamation. 

State  of  New  York.  In  Senate  Oct'r  27th  1778. 

The  Senate  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the  Resolutions 
of  the  Honorable  the  House  of  Assembly  of  the  24th  Instant  re- 
specting the  Disorders  in  the  north  eastern  Parts  of  this  State. 
The  first  of  the  said  Resolutions  being  read  and  the  question  put 
whether  this  Senate  do  Concur  therein,  it  was  carried  in  the 
affirmative: 

Resolved,  therefore,  that  this  Senate  do  concur  with  the  Hon'e 
the  House  of  Assembly  in  the  first  of  their  said  Resolutions. 

The  second  of  the  said  Resolutions  being  read  &  the  question 
put  thereon  it  was  carried  in  the  negative. 

Resolved,  therefore,  that  this  Senate  do  not  concur  with  the 
Honorable  the  House  of  Assembly  in  the  second  of  their  said 
Resolutions. 

The  third  of  the  said  Resolutions  being  read  and  the  question 
put,  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative. 

Resolved,  therefore,  that  this  Senate  do  concur  with  the  Honor- 
able the  House  of  Assembly  in  the  third  of  their  said  Resolutions. 

The  fourth  or  last  of  the  said  resolutions  being  read  and  the 
question  put  thereon  it  was  carried  in  the  negative. 

Resolved,  therefore,  that  this  Senate  do  not  concur  with  the 
Honorable  the  House  of  Assembly  in  the  fourth  or  last  of  their 
said  Resolutions. 

Ordered,  that  Mr.  Scott  and  Sir,  .Tames  Jay,  be  a  committee  to 
prepare  and  bring  in  Resolutions  to  be  substituted  in  the  stead  of 
those,  of  the  above  mentioned  Resolutions  of  the  Honorable  the 
House  of  Assembly,  in  which  this  Senate  do  not  concur. 

*For  the  purpose  of  making  a  consecutive  chapter,  documents  1877  and  1880  are  consol- 
idated with  document  1875. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  213 

Oct'r  28th  P.  M. 

Mr.  Scott  from  the  Committee  for  the  Purpo.se  appointed  re- 
ported the  following  resolutions  (to  be  substituted  in  the  stead  of 
those  of  the  Hon'e  the  House  of  Assembly  of  the  24th  Instant  in 
which  this  Senate  do  not  concur)  which  were  read  and  agreed  to 
viz. 

"And,  whereas,  it  is  impossible  to  establish  any  general  Prin- 
ciple for  the  Determination  of  all  Disputes  that  may  arise  be- 
tween Persons  claiming  under  New  Hampshire  or  Massachusets 
Bay  on  the  one  and  New  York  on  the  other  part  But  each  case 
must  be  determined  according  to  its  particular  Merits. 

Resolved,  therefore,  if  the  Honorable  the  House  of  Assembly 
concur  herein,  that  in  all  cases  of  Disputes  arising  between  Per- 
sons claiming  under  New  Hampshire  or  Massachusets  Bay  on 
the  one,  and  New  York  on  the  other  Part  for  the  same  Lands, 
besides  confirming  such  Possessions  as  were  made  under  New 
Hampshire  or  Massachusets  Bay  prior  to  any  Grants  for  the 
same  under  New  York,  the  Legislature  will  submit  the  Determ- 
ination thereof  to  such  Persons  as  the  Congress  of  the  United 
States  shall  elect  or  appoint  for  that  purpose  to  be  determined 
according  to  Equity  and  Justice  without  adhering  to  the  strict 
Rules  of  Law.  Provided  always  that  nothing  in  these  overtures 
contained  shall  deprive  any  persons  actually  Possessing  Lands 
under  New  York  of  the  Lands  so  by  them  severally  actually  pos- 
sessed but  such  Persons  shall  be  confirmed  in  their  respective 
Possessions. 

Resolved,  in  case  of  the  like  Concurrence  that  all  Persons  shall 
be  entitled  to  the  benefit  of  the  above  mentioned  and  these 
resolutions  and  those  of  the  hon'ble  the  House  of  Assembly  of  the 
24th  Instant  wherein  this  Senate  has  concurred  notwithstanding 


214  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

they  may  have  withheld  their  allegiance  from  and  been  in  opposi- 
tion to  the  Government  of  this  State  since  the  first  Day  of  May 
last  Provided  that  no  Person  shall  be  entitled  to  such  Benefit  who 
shall  have  committed  Treason  against  this  State  by  adhering  to 
the  King  of  Great  Britain. 

Ordered,  that  Sir  James  Jay,  carry  a  Copy  of  the  aforegoing 
Resolutions  together  with  a  'Copy  of  the  proceedings  of  this 
Senate  (of  the  27th  Instant)  on  the  Resolutions  of  the  Hon'ble 
the  House  of  Assembly  of  the  24th  Instant,  to  the  hon'ble  the 
House  of  Assembly. 

A  true  Copy  from  the  minutes.     Robt.  Benson,  Clk. 

A  true  copy  from  the  minutes.     John  J.  Myers,  D.  C'k. 


State  of  New  York.  In  Assembly  October  30th  1778. 

The  House  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  tjhe  two  Resolu- 
tions of  the  Honorable  the  Senate  of  the  28th  Inst.  respecting 
the  disorders  prevailing  in  the  North  Eastern  parts  of  this  State, 
thereupon 

Resolved,  that  this  House  do  concur  with  the  Honorable  the 
Senate  in  the  said  two  Resolutions: 

Resolved,  (if  the  Honorable  the  Senate  shall  concur  herein), 
that  his  Excellency  the  Governor  be  requested  to  Issue  his  Proc- 
lamation, to  Contain  the  substance  of  the  Concurrent  Resolu- 
tions of  both  Houses,  passed  in  this  present  Session,  relative  to 
the  Disorders  prevailing  in  the  North  Eastern  parts  of  this  State, 
and  to  cause  such  proclamation  to  be  published  &  distributed 
throughout  those  part  of  the  State,  and  employ  Persons  for  that 
purpose;  and  that  the  Legislature  will  defray  the  Expense  there- 
of, and  that  his  Excellency  in  such  Proclamation  be  authorized 
to  pledge  the  Faith  of  the  Legislature  of  this  State  for  the  faith- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  215 

full  Performance  of  the  several  matters  contained  in  the  said 
concurrent  Resolutions,  and  require  all  Persons  to  take  notice 
thereof,  and  to  Govern  themselves  Accordingly. 

Ordered  that  Mr.  Honeywell   &  Mr.  Baker  -carry  the  above 
Resolutions  to  the  Honorable  the  Senate. 

A  true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

John  J.  Myers  D.  Clk. 


State  of  New  York.  In  Assembly  Octob:  31st  1778. 

A  message  from  the  Hon'ble  the  Senate  by  Mr.  Smith  was  read, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit, 
"  State  of  New  York.    '  In  Senate  Octob.  31st  1778. 

"  Resolved  that  this  Senate  do  concur  with  the  Hon'ble  the 
House  of  Assembly  in  their  Resolution  of  Yesterday  requesting 
his  Excellency  the  Governor  to  issue  his  Proclamation  to  contain 
the  Substance  of  the  concurrent  Resolutions  of  both  Houses 
passed  in  this  present  session  relative  to  the  Disorders  prevailing 
in  the  Northeastern  parts  of  this  state  and  to  cause  such  Procla- 
mations to  be  published  &  distributed  throughout  those  parts 
of  the  State  and  employ  Persons  for  that  purpose  and  that  the 
Legislature  will  defray  the  Expence  thereof,  And  that  his  Excel- 
lency in  such  Proclamation  be  authorized  to  pledge  the  Faith  of 
the  Legislature  of  this  state  for  the  faithful  performance  of  the 
several  matters  contained  in  the  said  concurrent  Resolutions  & 
require  all  Persons  to  take  notice  thereof  &  to  govern  themselves 
accordingly. 

"  Ordered  that  Mr.  Smith  carry  a  Copy  of  the  aforegoing 
Resolution  to  the  Hon'ble  the  House  of  Assembly. 

'"A  true  Copy  from  the  minutes. 

"Robt.  Benson,  Clk." 
A  true  Copy  from  the  minutes. 

John  J., Myers  D.  Clk. 


216 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


[No.  1876.] 
Petition  for  the  Pardon  of  Stephen  Ducalon.* 


[No.  1877.]  f 


[No.  1878.] 
Returns  of  Major  Fonda's  Corps  of  Militia  at  Schoharie. 

A  WEEKLY  STATE   OF  THE  MILITIA  AT   SCHOHARY  UNDER  THE  COMMAND 
OF  MAJOR  JOHN  FONDA  30TH  OCT'R  1778. 


Officers  present  fit  for  Duty 

Rank  &  File 

Field 

Commiss'd 

Staff 

Non 
Commiss'd 

Regiments 

3 

. 

1 

o 

^ 

b 
S 

b 

.O 

_^ 

rt 

a 

o 

1? 

S 

"3 

3 

& 

g 

• 

a 
o 

*c 

n2 

£ 

b 

O 

'£? 

a 

'eS 

i 

c 
o 

1 

00 

6 

00 

a 

1 

0 

5= 

<c 

a 
a 

rum  & 

resent 

ck  Pre 

,= 
M 

0 

c 

3 

1 

"a 

- 
a 
o 

c 
O 

a 

1 

a 

0 

^ 

W 

<3 

o» 

VI 

ft 

PH 

« 

» 

^ 

< 

0 

C 

h 

Col.  Stephen  Schnyler's 
Col.  Philip  Schuyler's 

i 

1 
1 

1 

1 

2 
4 

14 
26 

1 

1 

14 

28 

Col  Lansing's 

1 

1 

i 

3 

2 

24 

1 

2 

•27 

Col.  Rensselaer's 

1 

2 

4 

12 

1 

It 

Col.  Quackenboss 
Col.  Wempel's 

1 

1 
1 

1 

2 
4 

14 
33 

8 

14 
35 

Col.  Vroman's 

1 

1 

1 

3 

2 

34 

1 

3 

38 

Total 

i 

5 

7 

2 

2 

i 

22 

4 

157 

1 

- 

1 

1 

1 

8 

169 

Lieut.  Phlemsburgh  of  Col.  Quackenbush  Regiment  abs't  with 

leave. 

John  J.  Fonda  Major. 


[No.  1879.] 
The  Albany  Conspiracy  Commissioners  Decline  a  Peculiar  Request. 

Albany  30th  Oct.  1778. 

Sir,  Mr.  Volckert  P.  Douw,  Mr.  Harmon  Gansevoort  and  six 
other  Gentlemen  applied  to  us  this  Day  in  Behalf  of  theselves 

•Omitted. 
fSee  page  212. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  217 

and  several  other  Gentlemen  of  this  City,  to  permit  Mr.  Henry 
Van  Dyck  and  the  other  Persons,  late  Inhabitants  of  this  City, 
by  us  removed  within  the  Enemies  Lines,  to  return  to  their  re- 
spective Places  of  Abode,  under  such  Restrictions  as  we  might 
think  proper,  except  taking  the  oath  prescribed  for  neutral  Char- 
acters; upon  their  being  informed  that  were  we  even  inclined 
thereto,  no  such  Power  was  vested  in  us,  and  that  their  applica- 
tion ought  to  be  to  the  Legislature,  they  requested  us  to  lay  such 
their  application  before  your  Excellency,  which  we  have  hereby 
the  Honour  of  doing. 

Those  Gentlemen  further  requested,  in  Case  Mr.  Van  Dyck 
could  not  be  permitted  to  return  that  Mrs.  Van  Dyck  and  her 
Sister  Miss  Rachel  Douw  might  be  permitted  to  go  in  and  see  him 
and  return.  We  have  the  Honor  to  be  Your  Excellency's  most 
Ob't  Serv'ts:  Mat  Visscher,  Isaac  D.  Fonda,  John  M:  Beeckman. 
His  Excellency  Gov'r  Clinton. 


[No.  1880.]* 


More  Money  Required  for  the  Five -Continental  Battalions. 

fGentlemen,  As  the  Monies,  heretofore  granted  by  the  Legis- 
lature for  supplying  the  five  Continental  Battalions,  raised  under 
the  Direction  of  this  State,  with  Necessaries,  are  nearly  ex- 
pended; I  have  to  recommend  that  a  further  Provision  be  made 
for  this  Service:  A  Letter  from  Mr.  Currie,  on  this  Subject,  will 
be  herewith  delivered  to  you  for  your  better  Information. 

I  also,  with  this  Message,  refer  to  the  Consideration  of  the 
Legislature,  sundry  Pay-Rolls  for  Services  performed  by  the 

*See  page  212. 

tFrom  Journal  of  the  Legislature. 


218  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Militia,  at  the  Request  of  the  Civil  Magistrate,  which,  however, 
reasonable  they  may  appear  to  be,  I  do  not  conceive  myself  au- 
thorised by  Law  to  discharge. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Poughkeepsie,  October  31,  1778. 


[No.  1881.] 

Contractor  Lewis  Appeals  to   Governor  Clinton  Because  Lumber 
Dealers  have  Doubled  their  Price. 

Albany  28th  Octo'r  1778. 

I  am  under  the  Necessity  of  Troubling  your  Excellency  on  a 
Subject,  which  tho  disagreeable,  of  sufficient  importance  to  jus- 
tify my  application.  Some  few  weeks  since  I  received  orders 
from  the  Quarter  Master  Genl.,  to  purchase  all  the  Boards  that 
could  be  procured  within  my  Department,  for  the  purpose  of 
Building  Barracks  at  Fish  Kill  for  the  Reception  of  the  Soldiery. 
When  I  first  entered  upon  this  Piece  of  Business  the  Proprietors 
sold  their  Boards  to  my  agent  at  two  Shillings  and  their  Plank 
at  Three,  delivered  at  the  Mills.  But  soon  as  they  discovered 
the  Great  Demand  these  articles  were  in,  and  the  Necessity  I  was 
under  of  Purchasing  them,  they  took  a  base  advantage  of  the 
Necessities  of  the  Public,  and  at  a  meeting  held  for  the  Particu- 
lar purpose,  advanced  immediately  One  Hundred  P  Cent  on  the 
Prices  afore  mentioned,  Vizt.:  four  Shillings  for  Boards,  &  Six 
for  Plank.  By  advice  of  the  Quarter  Master  General,  I  have 
offered  them  Three  Shillings  and  four  Shillings  &  Six  Pence,  im- 
agining that  fifty  P  Cent  advance  at  one  Step  was  a  Generous 
allowance,  and  sufficent  to  satisfy  any  Reasonable  person.  Buf 
they  have  absolutely  refused  to  accept  of  it,  and  thereby  put  me 
under  the  Necessity  of  requesting  your  Excellency  to  lay  the 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  219* 

Matter  before  the  Legislature  who  I  am  Satisfied  will  do  Justice 
to  all  Parties.     I  am  With  sentiments  of  Esteem  &  Respect,  Your- 

Excellency's  Most  Obt.  Serv't 

M.  Lewis. 
His  Excellency  Geo.  Clinton. 


Pokeepsie  Nov'r  1st  1778. 

Sir,  I  rec'd  your  Letter  of  the  28th  Ult.  but  as  the  Legislature- 
are  now  preparing  to  adjourn  it  will  answer  no  End  to  lay  your 
application  before  them.  The  Practices  you  complain  of,  in  the- 
Proprietors  of  Board  &c.  meet'g  together  &  confederating  to- 
secure  their  Prices  are  certainly  unjust  and  injurious  to  the- 
Public  but  I  know  of  no  Method  at  present,  you  can  adopt,  but 
that  of  agreeing  with  them  for  their  Boards  at  the  lowest  Rate- 
you  can  obtain  them  for.  They  are  Merchants  and  as  the  De- 
mand for  their  Commodities  increases  so  will  their  Price.  I 

am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Col.  Lewis,] 


[No.  1882.] 

Tribulations  of  Numerous  Tories — The  Albany  Commissioners  to 

Governor  Clinton. 

Albany  2nd  Nov'r  1778. 

Sir/  We  yesterday  received  a  Letter  from  Mr.  Adam,  Deputy 
Commissary  of  Prisoners,  inclosing  a  Return  of  Five  Officers  of 
the  New  Levies  confined  in  Goal  and  in  and  about  this  City;  a 
Copy  of  the  Letter  and  Return  your  Excellency  will  find  inclosed. 

As  the  Persons  mentioned  in  the  Return  are  in  a  peculiar  Situ- 
ation we  think  it  our  Duty  before  we  send  them  down  to  state- 
their  Situation  to  your  Excellency  and  to  wait  your  Directions- 
on  the  Subject. 


220  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Peter  Ten  Broeck  is  an  Inhabitant  of  Tyron  County  and  did 
go  over  and  join  the  Enemy  after  the  Declaration  of  Independ- 
ance. 

William  Bowen  the  same. 

William  Schermerhorn  is  an  Inhabitant  of  this  County  and  in 
the  spring  1777  enlisted  several  Persons  for  Howeston's  Regiment 
and  in  the  Summer  carried  Intelligence  to  and  from  Burgoyne's 
Army. 

Peter  Drummond  came  over  from  Scotland  in  1774  lived  with 
€apt.  McAlpine  at  Saragtoga  Lake,  and  with  him  in  the  Spring 
1777,  went  over  to  and  joined  the  Enemy;  he  and  McAlpin  en- 
listed divers  of  the  Subjects  of  this  State  and  took  them  to  Crown 
Point. 

William  McCrea  is  an  Inhabitant  of  this  County  and  in  the 
summer  1777  when  General  Burgoyne  came  to  Fort  Miller,  he 
went  over  to  and  joined  his  Army  and  has  since  been  indicted 
for  high  Treason. 

Besides  those  above  mentioned  we  have  in  Goal  a  certain  Za- 
dock  Wright;  his  Situation  will  appear  from  the  inclosed  Copy 
of  an  Order  of  the  Council  of  Massachusetts  Bay  we  think  it 
necessary  to  observe  to  your  Excellency  that  the  Removal  of 
this  Mr.  Wright  from  Northampton  to  this  Place  has  cost  us 
£36 — 0  and  should  be  happy  to  be  informed  in  Case  of  an  Ex- 
change whether  he  or  the  continent  is  to  pay  the  Expence. 

We  also  inclose  your  Excellency  a  List  of  Persons  that  have 
applied  to  us  for  Leave  to  go  to  New  York,  their  Situation  we 
have  pointed  out  opposite  their  Names. 

Mr.  John  Gumming  has  most  earnestly  requested  us  to  be  per- 
mitted to  go  to  Fish  Kill  where  he  will  remain  until  such  Time 
as  his  Exchange  is  effected.  The  Reason  he  assigned  for  this  ap- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  221 

plication  is  the  advanced  Season  and  the  Difficulty  that  may 
arise  in  getting  his  Family  down  in  about  a  Fortnight's  Time;  he 
has  also  requested  us  to  transmit  to  your  Excellency  Copy  of  a 
Letter  he  has  received  from  Lieut.  Colo.  Campbell  and  a  Trans- 
cript of  his  Exchange. 

Mr.  Robert  Adams  has  also  most  earnestly  entreated  us  to 
write  to  your  Excellency  to  permit  his  Daughter  Mrs.  Mulligan 
to  come  out  of  New  York  and  if  that  could  not  be  granted  to  per- 
mit him  to  send  in  her  Cloaths.  We  have  the  Honour  to  be  Your 
Excellencies  most  Hum:  Servants, 

Mat:  Visscher,  Isaac  D.  Fonda,  John  M.  Beeckman. 
His  Excellency,  Gov'r  Clinton. 


[No.  1883.] 

Jane  Blauvelt  Applies  for  a  Pass  for  Three  Blauvelt  Men  in  New 

York. 

Tappan,  Novmbr  2d  1778. 

To  his  Excelliancey,  Governor  Clinton: 

S'r,  Thier  has  bin  Information  made  To  me  by  Some  of  the 
Prisinor  Relived,  their  is  now  Left  in  the  City  of  New  York  three 
men,  Daniel  Blauvilt,  Son  of  John  Blauvilt,  Daniel  Blauvilt,  Son 
Abraham  Blauvilt,  Handrick  Blauvilt,  Son  of  Abraham  Blauvilt, 
who  has  Bin  Deluded  away  By  the  Enemy;  Do  Humbly  Pirtion 
to  your  Excellancey  for  Pardon,  to  Return  To  their  Respect'd 
Home,  In  Tappan,  To  their  Parent ;  Do-  Begg  the  Grant  of  a  Pass 
By  the  Barrer,  If  it  is  your  Excellencey  Pleasure  To. 

Jane  Blauvilt. 


Tappan  Noumbr  2d  1778. 
The  Humble  Pertion  of  Margret  Blauvit: 

To  His  Excellencey  Governor  Clinton :  S'r  A  Child  if  mine  has 
bin  Taken  away  of  Six  Years  Old  by  Abraham  Lent,  for  which 


222  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Effection  Obligates  me  to  Begg  of  your  Excellencey  for  a  Pass 
to  Git  Reliefe  for  my  Child  to  his  Respect'd  home  at  Tappan. 

John  Bell  Capt. 


[No.  1884.] 
-Governor  Trumbull  of  Connecticut  Asks  for  Flour  for  His  Troops. 

Stanford  November  2d  1778. 

Sir,  Inclos'd  I  Send  your  Excelency  a  Letter*  from  his  Excel- 
lency Govenor  Trumble,  To  Beg  the  Favour  that  you  will  give  me 
.a  permit  To  Bring  out  the  within  Mentioned  flower  &  Wheat  as 
the  Troops  are  in  Great  Distress  for  it,  Should  have  waited 
upon  your  Excellency  my  Self,  but  the  Malitia  are  Comeing  in  So 
fast  to  the  Sawpitts,  it  is  out  of  my  power  to  Leave  home,  I 
Trust  your  Excellency  will  Send  the  permit  by  the  Bearer,  Mr. 
Jonathan  Weed,  as  Readily  as  if  I  was  there  my  Self,  Should  he 
Not  Obtain  a  permit,  the  Troops  must  Return  home.  Your  Ex- 
cellency's Compliance  with  the  Above  Request  will  Greatly 
Oblige  the  Publick  &  your  humble  Servant.  I  am  with  Respect 
Your  Excellency's  most  Obedient  Humble  servant 

Daniel  Gray,  D.  C.  P. 
To  Governor  Clinton  in  New  York  State. 


[No.  1885.] 

WILLIAM  BUTLER'S  SUCCESSFUL  EXPEDITION. 

His  Destruction  of  Two  Indian  Settlements — His  Interesting  Account 

from  His  Journal  Filed  with  Governor  Clinton. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency,  The  16th  Instant,  I  returned 
from  my  expedition  against  the  Indian  Settlements,  &  shoud 
before  have  acquainted  your  Excellency  with  the  event  of  it,  but 
have  been  exceedingly  Indisposed  ever  since,  and  conceive  you 

*Not  found. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  223 

must  have  heard  of  it  from  Genl,  Stark.  I  have  inclosed  your 
Excellency  an  Account  extracted  from  my  Journal,  &  Hope  it  will 
meet  with  your  Excellency's  Approbation;  as  I  am  well  con- 
vinced that  it  has  sufficiently  secured  these  Frontiers  from  any 
further  disturbances  from  the  Savages  at  least  this  Winter;  and 
it  will  be  ever,  hereafter,  difficult  for  them  to  distress  these  parts, 
By  reason  of  their  having  no  Settlements  near.  But  I  imagine 
that  the  Frontiers  of  Jersey  &  Pennsylvania  will  be  more  liable  to 
be  annoyed  by  them.  The  Naked  situation  of  my  troops,  with  the 
Badness  of  the  weather  on  our  march  &  a  scarcity  of  Provitions 
occasioned  the  march  to  be  very  difficult  &  disagreeable. 

As  perhaps  some  things  worth  remarking,  may  have  escaped 
my  memory,  I  refer  your  Excellency  to  the  Bearer,  the  Rev.  Doc- 
tor Jones,  who  was  with  me  on  the  Expedition. 

I  have  enclosed  your  Excellency  a  return  of  the  Troops  at  this 
place,  with  also  one  of  those  Troops  I  had  with  me  at  Onoghquaga. 

I  remain  Y'r  Excellency's  very  H'ble  Serv't 

Win.  Butler. 
Schohara,  Octob'r  28th  1778. 

N.  B.  Two  Families  which  I  let  remain  at  the  Unadilla  Settle- 
ment in  Consequence  of  their  having  engaged  to  attend  at  this 
place,  the  25th  Instant,  came  in  agreeable  to  their  Engagements, 

But  have  heard  nothing  of  the  Enemy  since. 

W.  B. 

Extracts  from  Lt.  Col.  Butler's  Journal.* 
Date 

1778.     Day 

October  1st:  As  I  intended  Marching  the  next  day,  I  dis- 
patched Lieut.  Stevens  with  12  men  &  a  Sub.,  and  16  of  the  Militia 
to  the  frontiers  of  the  Settlement  to  guard  the  Roads  and  Passes 
to  the  Enemy,  to  prevent  any  Intelligence  being  carried  them. 

•Colonel  Butler's  Journal  was  printed  by  order  of  Congress.— STATE  HISTORIAN. 


224  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Oct'r  2nd:  I  marched  the  Troops  consisting  of  the  Rifle  Chore, 
4th  Pensylv'a  Regt.,  and  20  Rangers,  with  6  days  Provision  on 
their  back  and  5  days  Provision  on  Pack  Horses.  March'dt  this 
day  12  miles  to  one  Maticus,  nothing  material  happening. 

October  3rd:  March'd  early  this  morning;  arrived  at  Mr.  Saw- 
yer's on  the  Head  of  Delaware,  being  15  miles;  Rainy,  Disagree- 
able, W'r  and  very  bad  Roads. 

October  4th :  The  W'r  being  clear  about  10  o'Clock  marched  to 
Cawlys  down  the  Delaware  10  miles. 

October  5th :  Proceeded  down  the  Delaware  15  miles  then  leav- 
ing the  Delaware  struck  across  the  Mountains  for  the  Susque- 
hanna  this  day  march'd  18  miles. 

October  6th:  Marched  early  this  Morning;  at  Dusk  arrived  with- 
in 8  miles  of  the  Unidilla  settlement.  I  then  detach'd  Lieuts. 
Stevens  and  Long  with  small  Parties  to  make  Prisoners  of  some 
of  the  Inhabitants  who  liv'd  within  4  miles  of  the  Uni- 
dilla. I  then  continued  my  march  in  the  Night,  in  order  to  lay 
conceal'd,  within  a  small  distance  of  the  Settlem't  &  make  the 
attack  early  in  the  Morning,  but  after  having  March'd  about  7 
miles,  met  the  Parties,  who  I  had  detach'd  with  one  Prisoner;  he 
told  me  that  the  Enemy  had  left  that  place  some  days  before  and 
were  gone  for  Anohoghkwage  which  is  about  30  miles  lower,  this 
day  march'd  25  miles. 

Oct'r  7th :  Early  this  Morning  I  detach'd  Lieut't  Stevens,  with  a 
few  men  to  Unidilla  to  make  Prisoner  of  one  Glasford,  who  I  in- 
tended shou'd  guide  me  to  Anohaghkwage;  this  he  effected,  & 
after  the  Troops  had  cook'd  their  Provisions,  &  refresh'd  them- 
selves a  little,  I  march'd  5  miles  beyond  Brandt's  Camp — having 
cross'd  the  Susquhanna  3  times, — about  2  miles  below  the  Castle, 
at  the  Mouth  of  the  Unidilla,  which  is  the  third  crossing,  my  ad- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  225 

vanc'd  Party  discovered  a  fresh  Tract  of  a  Man,  who  I  imagin'd 
had  been  left  by  the  Enemy,  to  give  them  the  earliest  intelligence 
of  any  of  our  Movements.  I  immediately  sent  out  three  Runners 
who  follow'd  the  Track  about  8  miles,  when  Night  coming  on  they 
were  obliged  to  Return.  I  then  order'd  off  Lieut't  Stevens  about 
10  o'Clock  at  Night,  to  Recontroitre  the  Country  ab't  Anahaghk- 
wage,  and  meet  me  the  next  day  with  accounts. 

Oct'r  8th:  About  2  o'Clock  this  Morning  there  came  on  a  very 
heavy  rain  which  put  me  in  a  very  horrid  Situation,  being  in  the 
Woods  without  any  Possibility  of  the  Men's  keeping  their  arms  or 
Ammunition  secure — you'l  judge  my  fear  of  the  River's  rising,  so 
as  to  hinder  my  advancing  or  retreating;  about  8  o'Clock  A.  M., 
the  weather  cleared,  and  having  the  Arms  clean'd,  I  continued  my 
March;  about  3  or  4  miles  from  Anahaghkwage  I  met  Lt.  Stevens, 
who  gave  me  as  good  a  description  of  the  Place  as  he  was  able, 
from  the  adjacent  Mountains  to  discover — the  Susquehanna  being 
between  me  and  Anahaghkwage;  I  thought  it  more  proper  to 
cross  in  the  Night  &  attack  the  Town — As  I  had  every  reason  to 
Expect  they  wou'd  ambuscade  me  in  crossing,  where  they  had 
great  advantage  of  me;  the  River  250  yds.  wide,  and  almost  to  the 
armpits  of  the  Men;  we  had  a  Hill  a  mile  long  to  ascend,  thick 
Woods  and  Logs;  I  for  that  purpose  ordered  the  2  Companies  of 
Rifle  Men,  to  March  in  front  &  attack  the  Flanks,  with  the  Mus- 
quetry,  with  fixt  Bayonents  charge  the  Centre;  in  this  order  I 
cross'd  the  River  and  took  Possession  of  the  Town  about  11 
o'Clock  at  Night  without  interruption;  the  Enemy  having  that  day 
left  the  Town,  in  the  greatest  Confusion,  &  at  least  2000  Bush'ls 
of  Corn,  a  Number  of  Horses,  Cattle,  Poultry,  their  Dogs,  hous- 
hold  furniture,  &c.  &c.  It  was  the  finest  Indian  Town  I  ever  saw; 
on  both  sides  the  River;  there  was  about  40  good  houses,  Square 
15 


226  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

* 

logs,  Shingles  &  stone  Chimneys,  good  Floors,  glass  windows  &c. 
&c.  On  my  taking  Possession  of  the  Town,  I  order'd  a  large 
Number  of  firee  to  be  made,  in  order  to  make  my  little  Party, 
loom  as  large  as  Possible;  lay  on  our  Arms  and  at  daybreak,  had 
my  Bugle  Horn  blown,  when  all  got  under  Arms. 

October  9th:  Major  Church  with  a  Party  went  over  the  River, 
as  part  of  their  Settlements  are  on  both  sides,  and  burnt  that 
Part  of  the  Settlement,  consisting  of  10  good  Houses,  and  a  large 
Quantity  of  Corn,  &  brought  off  some  Cattle,  Some  of  the  Pack 
horses  having  stray'd  some  distance  from  the  Town,  the  Keepers 
went  in  quest  of  them,  &  contrary  to  my  Positive  orders,  went 
without  their  Arms,  on  going  about  \  Mile  from  the  Party,  they 
were  fired  on,  &  one  of  them  was  Shot  through  the  Side  & 
through  the  Brains;  yet  liv'd  till  we  brought  him  within  40  miles 
of  this  Place,  As  soon  as  I  heard  the  Discharge  of  the  Guns,  I 
march't  my  whole  Party  to  the  Place,  with  all  my  horses  and 
Baggage  in  the  Rear,  as  if  I  intended  marching  right  down  the 
River  &  I  am  well  convinc'd,  Brandt  &  all  his  Forces  were  not  far 
from  me.  I  judg'd  by  their  Manuver,  it  woud  carry  of  all  their 
Spies  &  Scouts,  which  I  believe  had  the  desir'd  effect  for  we  was 
not  disturb'd  on  our  Retreat;  while  I  lay  with  the  Main  Body  con- 
ceal'd  in  the  Woods,  about  2  Miles  below  the  Town,  expecting 
they  wou'd  attack  me,  while  I  sent  Capt.  Par  &  30  men,  3  miles 
lower  to  burn  a  Castle,  which  he  affected  and  brought  off  some 
Stock.  I  then  march'd  off  from  the  left,  in  fine  order,  3  o'Clock 
P.  M.,  having  sett  Fire  to  the  whole  Town,  except  one  house, 
which  belong'd  to  a  friend  Indian  now  with  the  Onidos.  As  we 
march'd  from  the  left,  the  Musquetry  was  in  front,  and  I  much 
expected  to  be  attacked  in  recrossing  the  River,  &  had  2  Miles  of 
a  very  dangerous  defile;  order'd  Capt.  Scull  in  front,  with  his 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  227 

•Granadier  Company,  with  fixt  Bayonets,  and  at  all  events  to  force 
the  ford,  which  he  affected,  and  the  whole  cross'd  in  good  order; 
then  burnt  a  small  Village  and  some  Corn.  March'd  till  11 
o'Clock  at  Night,  bad  roads  and  much  hindered  with  the  Wounded 
Man,  this  day  13  miles  to  a  Town  called  Callacrunty. 

Oct'r  10th:  About  1  o'Clock  this  Morning,  came  on  a  very 
heavy  rain  which  Continued  all  Day — at  day  break  march'd,  it 
raining  excessive  hard,  &  the  Creeks  rising  very  fast,  after  march- 
ing about  10  Miles  came  to  a  Creek  that  was  high,  the  Pack  horses 
was  oblig'd  to  Swim,  and  the  greatest  difficulty;  got  the  Troops 
over  by  falling  Trees,  &  upon  coming  to  the  crossing  of  the  Sus- 
quehanna,  it  was  so  high,  that,  unless  on  such  an  Occasion,  it 
would  be  thought  impracticable  to  cross  it.  But  our  Provision 
being  almost  Expended,  it  render'd  our  Case  desperate.  I,  there- 
fore, had  every  Horse  collected,  and  in  about  20  Trips,  of  such 

r 

Horses  as  was  able  to  cross,  got  over  the  Troops,  part  of  the  Way 
swiming  with  2  Men  on  a  Horse;  no  lives  lost;  7  Muskets  &  some 
Ammunition  Baggage  and  some  Provision  lost,  We  then  Pro- 
ceeded on  our  March  across  the  Mountains,  avoided  crossing  it 
twice  more,  which  I  would  otherwise  been  Oblig'd  to  do;  Burnt 
-all  the  Houses  on  the  South  side  of  Susquehanna  in  the  Unidilla 
Settlement,  except  Glassford's,  which  I  let  remain  for  the  Ser- 
vice he  had  done  me,  also  burnt  a  Saw  &  Grist  Mill  being  the 
only  Grist  Mill  in  that  Country;  march'd  7  miles  from  the  Unidilla 
this  day,  23  miles. 

October  llth :  This  day  order'd  the  Troops  to  dress  and  clean 
there  arms,  and  Prepared  a  Baft  to  transport  some  Men  over  the 
-Susquehanna  to  burn  the  other  Part  of  the  Unidilla  Settlement. 
Lieut.  Long  with  one  Private  went  over  on  the  Raft,  &  burnt  all 
the  Houses.  According  to  my  Computation,  I  think  there  was 


228  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

upwards  of  4000  bushels  Grain  burnt  at  Anohaghwage  and  the 
Unidilla.  March'd  about  12  Miles;  Waters  very  high. 

October  12th:  March'd  this  day  25  Miles;  found  it  impossible 
to  cross  the  Delaware,  &  by  the  Negligence  of  our  Guides,  in  at- 
tempting to  evade  the  River,  lost  the  Whole  Party  in  the  WToods; 
we  went  at  least  6  Miles  in  the  Dark  Expecting  to  Come  to  Caw- 
ley's  which  is 

October  13th:  The  first  Inhabitant,  having  been  2  days  with- 
out Provision;  lay  in  the  Mountain  this  Night. 

October  14th:  With  some  Difficulty  crossing  the  Mountains 
got  to  Cawley's,  being  the  first  Inhabitants  on  the  frontier  settle- 
ments between  there  &  Unidilla;  March'd  this  day  to  Mr.  Saw- 
yer's about  16  Miles. 

Octob'r  15th:  Note:  All  I  could  furnish  for  my  Men  was  an 
Ear  of  Corn  pr  Man  which  they  Parch'd — March'd  this  day  to 
Mattius. 

October  16th:  About  2  o'Clock  the  Troops  return'd  to  this 
Place,  where  I  order'd  13  Rounds  of  Cannon  &  a  feu  de  joy  to  be 
fired  as  a  Compliment,  which  I  thought  due  to  the  Brave  Troops 
who  with  the  greatest  Fortitude  surmounted  such  difficulties. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


229 


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234  PUBLIC  P.APERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  1886.] 

Commissary  Flint  Approves  of  the  Act  of  the  Legislature  Relative 
to  Subsistence  for  the  Army. 

Sir,  I  have  seen  the  act,  of  your  Legislature,  passed  for  the  pur- 
pose of  subsisting  the  army.  It  appears  to  me  adequate  to  the 
occasion  for  which  it  was  requested. 

A  quantity  of  salt  is  ordered  to  be  distributed  in  the  various 
parts  of  this  state,  to  render  the  law  easy  &  agreeable  to  the 
farmers. 

Philip  Leek  Esq.,  is  a  Purchaser  at  Bedford.  His  business  will 
not  permit  of  his  absence.  I  take  the  liberty  to  mention  him  to 
your  Excellency  as  an  honest,  attentive  person;  and  will  esteem 
a  favor  of  your  Excellency  to  send  me  an  approbation  of  his  ap- 
pointment as  an  assistant  Comisary  of  purchases.  I  have  the 
honor  to  be  with  great  respect  Your  Excellency's  most  obed't  & 

hb.  Ser't 

Royal  Flint,  A.  C.  G.  P. 
Fred'g  Nov.  4  1778. 

His  Ex'y,  Gov.  Clinton. 


[No.  1887.] 
Associated  Exempts  of  Poughkeepsie  District. 

Poghkeepsie  June  12th  1778. 

Sir,  From  the  Inclosed  orders,  you  will  observe  that  I  have 
divided  the  'County  into  five  districts,  that  you  are  appointed  to 
superintend  the  association  in  one  of  them,  and  that  all  persons 
entitled  to  associate  and  resident  within  the  District  are  to  apply 
to  you  for  that  purpose.  You  will  make  Return  to  me  as  soon  as 
possible  of  the  associators  within  your  District,  and  call  a  meet- 
ing of  them  to  determine  upon  the  persons  they  would  recom- 
mend for  the  Officers  in  the  District  whose  names  you  will  also 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  235 

return  to  me,  that  I  may  communicate  them  to  the  Council  of  Ap- 
pointment and  have  the  Commissions  made  out.  Inclosed  you 
have  also  the  form  of  the  association  which  the  associators  are 
to  subscribe  and  the  form  of  a  certificate,  you  are  thereupon  to 
give  each  person;  as  his  Excellency  the  Governor  has  in  General 
-orders,  declared  his  Intentions  of  speedily  calling  out  the  whole 
Corps  you  will  give  the  necessary  Directions  for  every  man  to  hold 
himself  in  readiness  to  march  at  a  moment's  warning.  The  asso- 
ciators should  be  directed  to  produce  their  Certificates  as  soon  as 
they  have  received  them,  to  the  Captain  of  the  militia  Beat  where 
they  reside,  to  the  end  that  their  names  may  be  struck  off  the 

militia  Roll. 

Jacobus  Swartwout,  Ool. 
[To  Andrew  Billings.] 


Persons  names  who  sign'd  the  first  associated  list  within  the 
Precinct  of  Poughkeepsie  and  the  beat  of  Capt.  John  Van  Ben- 
schoten's  company  in  Rumbout,  agreeable  to  the  Roll  given  me 
by  Capt.  John  Schenk. 

Zepheniah  Platt,  John  Bailey,  Jr.,  Andrew  Billings,  Gilbert 
Livingston,  Peter  Tappen,  Zepheniah  Platt,  Jr.,  Moses  Degraft, 
Richard  Lewie,  Henry  Mott,  Timothy  Babcock,  Austin  Lawrance, 
James  Brisbin,  Gideon  Van  Veler,  Isaac  Cole,  Morris  Hazard, 
Samll.  Dodge,  Thomas  Crabb,  Peter  A.  Lansing,  Paul  Schenck, 
John  Burger,  Lankister  Burling,  Davis  Hunt,  Samll.  Tuder,  Ste- 
phen Seamans,  Alexander  L.  Miller,  Geo.  Smart,  Jacobis  Degraft, 
Guilean  Ockerman,  Thomas  Cannan,  Elias  Van  Benschoten,  Cor- 
nelius Westervelt,  Charles  Hoffman,  John  Fort,  Peleg  Seamans, 
James  Gibson,  Cornelius  Brower,  Nicholas  Anthony,  Isaac  Van- 
dnsen,  William  Hamilton,  John  Miller,  Henry  Livingston,  Jr., 
Thos.  B  —  — ,  Thomas  Anderson. 


236  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Associated  Exempts  in  Poghkeepsie  &  the 
District  of  Capt.  John  Van  Bunschoten  in  Rumbout  prec't  on  the 
28th  day  of  September,  1778,  the  following  Gentlemen  were  by  a 
plurality  of  Voices,  agreed  to  be  Recommended  to  the  Hon'le 
Council  of  Appointment,  as  officers  in  the  said  Company. 

Viz:  Elias  E.  Van  Bunschoten  Capt.,  Zephaniah  Platt,  Jun'r. 
1st  Leut,  Ezeldel  Cooper,  2  Do. 

Gilbert  Livingston,  Jno.  Burger.  Abraham  Sleght,  Thos.  Hen- 
deson,  Jacobus  Sleght,  Jonas  Riley,  Henry  Mott,  Gideon  Vervelin, 
Richard  Lewis,  John  Bailey,  Jun'r. 

I  Certify  that  the  above  persons  were  nominated  for  officers  as 
they  Stand,  by  a  number  of  the  associated  Exempts  of  Pough- 
keepsie  precinct,  and  the  District  of  Capt.  John  Van  Benschoten's 
company  in  Rumbout  precinct,  agreeable  to  the  orders  given  me 

by  Col.  Jacobus  Swartout. 

Andrew  Billings. 


Dutchess  County. 

We,  the  Subscribers  being  persons  either  under  the  age  of  Fifty 
five  years,  who  have  held  civil  or  militaryCommissions  and  have 
not  been  reappointed  to  our  respective  Ranks  of  Office  or  being 
between  the  ages  of  fifty  and  fifty-five  years,  do  hereby  assosiate, 
agreeable  to  the  act  for  regulating  the  militia  of  this  State,  and 
do  hereby  severall}'  promise  that  wre  will  severally  on  all  Occa- 
sions, obey  the  Orders  of  our  respective  Commanding  Officers,  and 
will  in  Cases  of  Invasion  or  Incursions  of  the  Enemy  or  Insurrec- 
tion, march  to  repel  the  Enemy  or  suppress  such  Insurrection  in 
like  manner  as  the  enrolled  Militia  are  compelled  to  do,  so  as 
that  we  shall  not  when  called  out  in  Detachments  be  annexed 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  237 

to  any  other  Regiment  or  Company  or  be  under  the  immediate 
Command  of  any  other  than  our  own  officers. 

Jacobus  Sleght,  Jacob  V.  Bunschoten,  Matthew  Van  Keuren, 
Jr.,  James  Cumpten,  Francis  his  X  mark  Jacoks,  Coorod  Philips, 
Hezekiah  Collins,  Benjamin  Westervelt,  Zachariah  Ferdon,  Wil- 
helmnus  Ploegh,  Jonas  Riley,  Elias  E.  V'Bunschoten,  Ezekiel 
Cooper. 


[No.  1888-1 

Judge  Robert  Yates  Notifies  the  Governor  that  Dr.  Ducalon  has  been 
Sentenced  to  Death. 

Albany  Nov'r  4th  1778. 

Sir,  During  the  sitting  of  the  last  Supreme  Court,  the  follow- 
ing persons  have  been  capitally  convicted: 

Stephen  Ducalon* — On  an  Indictment  for  the  Robbery  of  Arent 
Van  Schaack.  Upon  his  arraignment  he  stood  mute;  and  altho' 
an  act  of  the  Legislature  of  this  State  authorized  the  Court  to  pro- 
ceed to  tryal  in  the  same  manner,  as  if  he  had  plead  not  guilty  and 
put  himself  upon  the  Country,  yet  as  there  were  appearances  that 
the  Prisoner  was  rendered  speechless  by  sickness,  it  was  judged 
most  advisable  to  take  an  Inquest  to  determine  whether  he  stood 
maliciously  and  obstinately  mute,  or  by  the  Providence  and  act 
of  God.  It  appeared  in  proof  by  the  concurrent  testimony  of  five 
Physicians  that  the  Prisoner  laboured  under  a  paralitic  lateral 
complaint,  which  at  least  impaired  the  motion  of  one  half  of  his 
Body,  and  that  his  organs  of  speech  were  thereby  affected,  tho' 
not  in  so  great  a  degree,  as  to  deprive  him  of  articulation.  It  also 
appeared  that  the  Prisoner  had  attempted  a  few  days  before  the 

•See  Volume  II  pages  655  and  701  and  Volume  IV  pages  189-192. 


238  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

sitting  of  the  Court,  by  a  mercurial  ointment,  applyed  near  his- 
throat  to  bring  on  a  salivation,  and  probably  for  the  purpose  of 
postponing  his  tryal;  the  effects  of  which  had  however  ceased  at 
the  time  of  this  examination. 

Upon  these  circumstances  the  Jury  found,  that  he  obstinately 
and  wilfully  stood  mute,  and  a  day  was  fixed  for  his  tryal  of  which 
he  was  informed.  The  Clerk  of  the  Court  was  thereupon  fur- 
nished in  behalf  of  the  Prisoner  with  a  List  of  the  names  of  wit- 
nesses he  wanted  on  his  defence,  and  process  issued  to  bring  them 
in,  and  all  but  one  or  two  appeared,  and  were  called  upon  to  give 
testimony  in  favour  of  the  Prisoner's  character,  in  addition 
whereto  one  of  them  swore,  that  the  prisoner  was  at  home  at  or 
near  the  Time  when  this  robbery  was  committed. 

The  principal  proof  whereon  his  conviction  is  grounded  was 
the  testimony  of  John  Sloss,  which  was  full  and  pointed,  and 
stood  corroberated  by  two  other  witnesses  who  declared  they  saw 
the  Prisoner  on  the  very  night  of  the  Bobbery  in  company  with 
the  rest  of  the  Gang,  having  in  possession  many  of  the  Effects  of 
Arent  Van  Schaack. 

Philip  .Shiffer  stands  convicted,  upon  his  own  confession  in 
writing  and  subscribed  by  him  before  a  majestrate,  for  robbing 
two  unknown  Persons  on  the  High  way.  I  have  respited  passing 
sentence  until  January  Term,  in  order  to  have  an  opportunity  in 
the  mean  while  of  consulting  my  Brethren  on  the  doubts  which 
have  arisen  in  my  mind  upon  the  Evidence,  which  altho'  it  proved 
the  robbery  sufficiently,  yet  was  defective  in  ascertaining  its  hav- 
ing been  committed  on  or  near  a  high  way,  and  the  only  Statute 
which  takes  away  Clergy  from  robberies,  wheresoever  committed 
is  the  3  &  4  of  W  &  M,  C  9,  which  I  am  doubtful  whether  it  ex- 
tends, or  has  ever  been  practised  on. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  239 

When  Stephen  Ducalon  on  the  last  day  of  the  Term  was  set  to 
the  Bar,  he  was  asked  what  he  had  to  say  why  sentence  of  death 
should  not  pass  against  him.  He  then  spoke,  tho;  not  very  dis- 
tinctly, yet  so  as  to  be  understood.  He  avowed  his  Innocence, 
and  declared  he  would  give  any  thing  to  have  his  Life  spared.  As 
nothing  legally  was  offered  in  arrest  of  Judgment  sentence  of 
death  was  pronounced,  and  his  execution  ordered  on  the  twenty 
seventh  day  of  November. 

As  this  tryal  was  attended  with  uncommon  circumstances  I 
thought  it  my  duty  to  lay  them  before  your  Excellency.  I  have 
the  honor  to  be  with  the  greatest  Respect  Your  Excellency's  most 

obedient  &  humble  serv't 

Robert  Yates. 
His  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esqr. 

Governor  of  the  State  of  New  York, 
Poughkeepsie. 


[No.  1889.] 

Associated  Exempts  of  Albany  County. 

Wee,  the  Subscribers  under  the  age  of  fifty  five  years,  who  have 
held  civil  or  Military  Commissions  and  have  not  been  reappointed 
to  our  Respective  Ranks  of  office  or  being  between  the  ages  of 
fifty  &  fifty  five  years,  Do  hereby  Severally  Engage,  that  wee 
will  Respectively,  on  all  occassions,  ob,ey  the  orders  of  our  Res- 
pective Commanding  officers,  &  will  In  Case  of  Invasion  or  In- 
cursion of  the  Enemy  or  Insurrections,  march  to  Repell  the 
Enemy  or  suppress  Such  Insurretions  in  the  like  manner  as 
the  Enroled  Millitia  are  Compelled  toi  Do,  so  as  wee  shall  not 
when  Called  out  in  Detachments,  be  annexed  to  any  other  Ridge- 
ment  or  Company  or  be  under  the  Immediate  Command  of  any 
other  then  our  own  officers.  Witness  our  hands  this  Day. 


240  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

July  ye  21  1778  James  Saxton;  July  ye  21  Jedediah  Barrow; 
July  ye  21  Ashbel  Goff ;  July  ye  22  Roger  Kinne;  July  ye  23  Ben- 
jamin Chittendoen;  July  ye  24  Jonathan  Davenport;  July  ye  26 
Joel  Pratt;  July  ye  26  Nehemiah  Spencer;  July  ye  26  Nathaniel 
Kinne;  July  ye  26  Samll.  Foot;  July  ye  27  John  Stedman;  July 
ye  28  Ithmer  Spencer;  July  ye  28  Eli  Reynolds;  July  th  28 
Thomas  Brown;  July  ye  28  Solomon  Hutchinson;  July  28  Isaac 
Clark;  July  28  Gideon  Potts;  July  28  Richard  Holdridg;  July  28 
Jonathan  Dean;  July  31  Jonathan  Chittenden;  Agust  3d  Sam- 
uel Andrus;  August  ye  6  Ephreham  Widbeck;  August  ye  6  Jer- 
emiah Chapman;  August  ye  8  James  Spencer;  August  ye  8  Am- 
brus  Vinson;  August  9  Jonathan  Dudley;  August  10  Wm.  Pow- 
ers, Surgeon;  August  the  12  Elias  Delong;  Elijah  Smith,  Samll. 
Dean,  Edword  Cadman,  Matthew  Scott. 


Wee,  ^  the  Subscribers,  being  a  Majority  of  the  Company  of 
associated  Exempts  Enroled  on  the  other  part  of  this  sheet  of 
paper  Do  hereby  R^commed  to  the  Honourable  the  Council 
of  Appointment: 

Roger  Kinne,  to  be  Captain;  Benj'm  Chittenden,  to  be  first 
Lieut;  Nehemiah  Spencer,  to  be  Second  Lieut;  and  Samll.  Dean, 
to  be  Ensign  of  said  Company.     Witness  our  hands  this  - 
Day  of  -        -  1778. 

James  Saxon,  Jedediah  Darrow,  Ashbel  Goff,  Jonathan  Daven- 
port, Samll.  Foot,  John  Stedman,  Joel  Pratt,  Nathaniel  Kinne, 
lithmer  Spencer,  Eli  Reynolds,  Thomas  Brown,  Solomon  Hutchin- 
son, Gideon  Potts,  Isaac  Clark,  Richard  Holdridg,  Jonathan 
Dean,  Jonathan  Chittenden,  Samuel  Andrus,  Ephreham  Widbeck, 
Jeremiah  Chapman,  Anibrus  Vinson,  Jonathan  Dudley,  Wm. 
Powers,  Surgeon,  Elias  Delong,  Elijah  Smith,  Edword  Cadman, 
Matthew  Scott. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  241 

[Xo.  1890.] 
Associated  Exempts  of  Albany  City. 

Whereas,  in  and  by  an  act  of  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of 
New  York,  entitled  "An  act  for  regulating  the  Militia  of  the 
State  of.  New  York,"  it  is  declared  that  all  Persons  under  the 
age  of  fifty  five  years  who  have  held  civil  or  Military  Commis- 
sions, and  are  not  or  should  not  be  reappointed  to  their  respec- 
tive Ranks  of  office,  and  all  other  Persons  between  the  ages  of 
fifty  and  fifty  five  years  who  had  not  associated  and  Elected 
their  officers  and  should  associate  themselves  in  the  manner  in 
the  said  act  mentioned,  should  be  exempted  from  serving  as  part 
of  the  enrolled  Militia; 

We,  the  subscribers,  do,  therefore,  in  pursuance  of  the  said 
act,  hereby  promise  and  engage,  that  we  will  severally  on  all 
occasions,  obey  the  orders  of  our  respective  Commanding  officers, 
and  will  severally  in  Cases  of  Invasion  or  Incursions  of  the 
Enemy  or  Insurrections,  march  to  repel  the  Enemy,  or  suppress 
such  Insurrection,  in  the  like  manner  as  the  enrolled  Militia  are 
compelled  to  do;  as  Witness  our  Hands. 

Capt.  Bastejan  T.  Vischer,  Lucas  Van  Veghten,  Johannes 
Marsselus,  Edward  Davis,  David  his  DF  mark  Fearo,  Willeni  -  — , 
Abraham  L.  Witbeck,  Peter  Levensen,  Fraric  Reef,  Samuel  An- 
thoney,  First  Lt.  Derick  Heemstrate,  Alexander  Chesney,  Philip 

Van  Veghten,  John  Van  Woert,  Simon  Van ,  2d  Lt.  Chris 

A.  Yates,  John  Harbark,  Hendrick  Lyker,  Staats  Van  Santvoort, 
John  Tillman,  Jun'r,  Carl  Hanstrott,  Ewert  Van  den  Bergh, 
John  Pattersson,  Jacob  D.  Fonda,  Peter  Quackenbos,  Abr'm  N. 
Cuyler,  Frederik  Dampf,  Gerret  H.  Visscher,  Comrade  Ruby,  Hen- 
derick  Gerdener, 

Bastian  Visscher,  Capt;  Dirck  Heemstraat,  first  Lt;  Christo: 
Adam  Yates,  Second  Lt.  "Agreed  &  Entred  Nov'r  5th  1778." 


16 


2-1:2  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  1891.] 

The  Problem  of  Proper  Treatment  of  Military  Prisoners. 

Pokeepsie  Nov'r  5"  1778. 

Gent.,  I  have  received  your  Letters  of  the  30"  ult.  &  2d  Inst. 
I  would  very  willingly  oblige  Mr.  Douw  &  the  other  Gentleman  in 
their  Request,  requesting  Mrs.  Van  Dyck,  Mrs.  Douw,  if  it  co'd 
be  done  consistent  with  my  Duty,  but  it  would  appear  very 
strange  to  the  Public,  if  this  Indulgence  should  be  granted  to 
,the  Ladies  whose  Husbands  are  in  N.  York,  when  the  Enemy 
within  a  very  short  Time  refused  to  allow  the  wives  of  some  of 
the  principal  Officers  taken  at  Fort  Montgomery  to  visit  those 
Gentlemen  unless  they  would  consent  to  remain  there. 

With  Respect  to  the  other  application  contained  in  your  Letter 
of  the  30"  Oct'r,  I  do  not  conceive  it  my  Duty  to  lay  it  before 
the  Legislature,  as  they  might  consider  it  an  Impropriety  from 
me  whose  particular  Business  it  is  to  see  the  Law  faithfully  Exe- 
cuted; if  it  is  proper,  it  ought  to  have  been  made  in  the  first  In- 
stance by  the  Petitioners  themselves.  The  Legislature  will  ad- 
journ to  Day  and,  therefore,  cannot  now  take  it  into  Considera- 
tion, and  if  they  could  a  Regard  to  your  public  Characters,  as 
well  as  my  own,  wo'd  prevent  me  from  interfering.  The  Petition- 
ers, if  they  think  proper,  may  prepare  a  Petition  and  lay  it  be- 
fore the  Legislature  at  their  next  meeting — will  be  on  the  2d  of 
Jan'y  next. 

I  have  not  received  the  Original  Certificate  from  the  Commis- 
sary of  Prisoners  alluded  to  in  Colo.  Campbell's  Letter,  but  I  am 
resolved  not  to  exchange  Mr.  Cummings  until  the  Enemy  shall 
consent  to  receive  Mr.  Van  Schaack  &  the  other  State  Prisoners, 
for  such  of  the  subjects  of  this  state  as  are  now  confined  in  New 
York,  and  I  also  have  a  Right  .previously  of  insisting  that  Mr. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  243 

Menier  &  others  who  were  suffered  to  go  in  upon  their  Parole 
be  either  exchanged  or  returned.  This  you  will  please  to  notify 
to  Mr.  Cummings  &  the  other  Gentlemen,  and  to  inform  them 
that  I  am  acquainted,  that  some  of  the  Prisoners  in  N.  York 
belong'g  to  this  state,  are  closely  confined  and  unless  an  -ExV 
change  is  speedily  effected,  I  shall  conceive  myself  obliged  to 
order  similar  Treatment  to  the  Prisoners  in  our  Hands. 

As  to  the  military  Prisoners  which  Mr.  Adams  applies  for,  I 
do  not  conceive  myself  authorized  to  give  any  Directions,  and, 
considering  their  peculiar  situation,  I  cannot  even  advise.  You 
must,  therefore,  in  this  Instance  act  for  yourselves  and  take  such 
measures  as  you  may  determine  proper  and  justifiable. 

I  inclose  the  List  of  Persons  applying  to  go  N.  York  with  the 
answers  subjoined  by  which  you  will  please  to  govern  yourselves, 

I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Commissioners  of  Conspiracies  at  Albany.] 


[No.  1892.]     '. 

Captain  Smith  Addresses  a  Note  to  a  Superior  Officer  Whose  Name 

is  not  Given. 

May  it  please  your  Honour;  This  Moment  arrived  a  person,  who 
was  taken  on  the  1st  Inst.  and  carried  to  Crown  Point,  where 
there  was  an  Incampment  of  the  Enemy,  (as  he  says),  of  three  or 
four  Hundred  and  determined  for  three  Different  Eouts,  One  to 
Otter  Creek  and  One  to  Skeensborough,  'and  one  to  this  place — 
supposed  to  Distress  the  Inhabitants. 

I  have  sent  out  three  different  Scouts,  and,  if  from  them,  I 
receive  any  thing  Meterial,  shall  give  your  Honour  the  earliest 
Intelligence. 


244  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

I  have  wrote  to  the  Colonels  of  the  Millitia  at  Saratoga  & 
White  Creek,  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness,  agreeable  to  Genl. 
Stark's  Orders.  Sir  I  wate  your  further  Orders.  I  ani  with  due 
Respect  Your  Honour's  most  Obedient  Servant, 

Simeon  Smith,  Capt.  Comdg. 
Fort  Starks  Nov'r  5th  1778. 


[No.  1893.] 
McDOUGALL  DISPARAGES  GATES. 

He  Speculates  Upon  the  Movements  of  the  Enemy — Protection  of 
Private  Property  by  Troops  on  the  March — Question  of  Rank 
Settled. 

Camp,  Second  Hills  3  miles  from  New-Milford  5th  Nov'r  '78. 

My  dear  Sir,  I  had  the  Honor  to  address  you  before  I  marched 
from  Fredericsburgh,  and  then  informed  you  of  the  reasons,  which 
caused  my  march.  Two  days  after  the  orders  of  the  Commander 
in  chief  reach  [ed]  me  here  to  halt  till  farther  orders,  as  the 
Troops  said  to  have  sailed  remained  in  York  Harbour  the  23d 
Ultimo,  vizt.  Twelve  British  and  six  regiments  of  new  Levies. 
Those  which  sailed  and  caused  the  movement  were  only  the  in- 
valids, and  the  officers  of  Broken  regiments  taken  to  fill  up  others. 
General  Gates  reached  Hartford;  I  am  still  in  a  state  of  disagree- 
able suspence;  out  of  the  route  of  Post;  and  every  intelligence 
which  can  be  relied  on;  and  with  no  great  society,  Generals  Par- 
sons and  Huntington  not  being  with  their  Brigades.  This  is  the 
more  disagreeable,  as  Mrs.  McDougall  has  been  very  ill  at  Hart- 
ford. The  resignation  of  personal  Liberty,  is  not  the  least  sacra- 
fice  which  a  man  makes,  by  becoming  a  soldier. 

General  Gates  I  understand  is  gone  to  command  at  Boston. 
I  know  he  was  exceedingly  impatient  under  command.  And  from 
his  known  temper,  I  suspect,  he  prefers  being  the  first  man  of  a 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  245 

vilage,  to  the  second  in  Rome.  He  has  but  litle  to  do  there;  but 
the  service  will  not  suffer,  by  his  being  at  a  Post  of  ease  and 
security.  I  could  hardly  believe  he  was  so  extreamly  credulous; 
as  I  found  him  to  be.  He  is  the  most  so,  in  his  profession  of  any 
man  I  ever  knew,  who  had  seen  so  much  service.  He  has  the 
weakest  mind  to  combine  circumstances,  to  form  a  judgment  of 
any  man  I  ever  knew,  of  his  plausible,  and  specious  appearance. 
In  short  sir,  he  [is]  as  weak  as  water.  His  whole  Fort  lies,  in  a  litle 
Rotine  of  detail,  of  duty,  &  a  perfect  knowledge  of  the  English 
corrupt  Nobility.  The  Lord  of  Hosts  have  Mercy  on  that  Army, 
whose  movements  must  depend  on  his  combination  of  Military 
demonstrations  of  an  Enemy.  God  avert  so  great  a  Judgement 
to  America;  as  his  having  the  chief  command  of  her  Armies.  It's 
fortunate  for  America  Gen.  Burgoyne  was  so  rash  as  to  put  him- 
self in  the  Position  he  did;  and  that  there  was  no  other  route, 
for  him  to  Albany,  but  the  one  he  took,  or  he  would  not  have 
been  an  American  Prisoner. 

It  is  unquestionable  the  Etoemy  have,  or  are  about  making, 
large  detachments  of  their  Army  from  New  York,  which  many 
in  the  Army  and  the  country  consider  as  certain  evidences  of 
an  evacuation.  The  Tories,  and  whigs  in  the  city  draw  the  same 
conclution.  The  one  from  Fear,  the  other  from  sanguine  hope. 
But  I  cannot  flatter  myself  that  desireable  event  will  take  place 
soon.  New  York  is  the  last  post  in  the  United  States  they  will 
quit.  Newport  will  first  be  evacuated,  the  Hospital  will  be  shipt, 
and  the  Merchants  will  pack  and  ship  their  Goods.  Neither  of 
these  was  done  by  the  last  intelligence  from  those  places;  where 
can  the  Enemies  fleet  be  so  secure  from  the  French  line  of  Batle 
ships  as  in  N.  York?  What  Position  can  they  hold  so  well  situ- 
ated as  N.  York,  to  harass  our  Trade?  Where  can  they  get  so 


246  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

much  subsistance,  of  various  articles  so  securly,  as  from  that, 
Long  and  Staten  Islands?  Where  can  they  so  much  Embarass 
America,  and  increase  our  expence  by  Land  Carriage  as  by  re- 
maining there?  Can  it  enter,  into  the  mind  of  any  man  of  sense 
that  are  not  well  acquainted  with  our  country  and  the  difficulties 
they  subject  us  to,  by  holding  the  Key  of  our  Contry?  It  cannot. 

It  is  true  they  cannot  hold  their  West  India  Islands,  and  those 
they  have  in  possesion  of  ours,  one  or  the  other  they  must  part 
with,  and  I  think  it  will  be  the  Latter.  When  they  receive  the 
advice  of  the  Loss  of  Dominica,  a  national  system  of  defence  will 
be  formed,  against  France  and  us,  for  she  cannot  carry  on  offen- 
sive operations  against  both.  But  as  the  officers  here  in  the 
Navy  and  Army  cannot  now  act  on  the  loss  of  that  Island  without 
orders,  it  will  be  the  Latter  end  of  December  probably  before 
the  effect  of  the  new  system  to  be  taken,  can  reach  New  York. 
Then,  and  not  till  [then]  will  it  be  evacuated. 

You  are  fully  acquainted  with  the  great  difficulties  which  the 
unsetled  state  of  rank  has  occationed  in  the  Army.  To  prevent 
this  for  the  future,  the  committe  of  Congress  at  the  Plains,  de- 
sired a  Board  of  General  officers  to  take  up  principles  and  report 
on  them;  the  result  you  have  inclosed  approved  by  the  committe; 
so  that  the  rule  of  Bank  is  now  setled.  Concluding  it  might  be 
of  use  to  you  and  the  Council  of  appointment  I  have  caused  it 
to  be  transcribed  from  the  orders  and  examined  it.  It  was  the 
opinion  of  the  Board  and  the  committe  that  the  American  Army 
is  composed  of  Thirteen  Armies,  one  belonging  to  each  independ- 
ant  state,  forming  one  joint  Army.  Upon  this  principle,  they 
have  determined,  and  this  seems  to  have  been  the  Idea  &  deter- 
mination of  Congress,  by  the  Resolutions,  which  directed  the 
raising  the  present  Army. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  247 

I  had  almost  forgot  to  inform  you  of  a  matter,  which  I'  know 
will  be  entertaining.  The  destruction  of  property  on  the  march 
has  always  given  me  great  pain  and  concern.  I  was,  therefore, 
determined  to  prevent  it  if  Posible;  and,  therefore,  I  issued  very 
particular  and  severe  orders  for  the  March.  The  Division  is  com- 
posed of  three  New  England  Brigades,  vizt:  Nixon's  from  the 
Bay,  Parsons'  and  Huntington's  from  Connecticut.  In  a  course 
of  Conversation  with  the  officers  of  the  Latter,  they  observed  with 
grave  Face,  the  orders  of  march  were  exceedingly  proper  and 
necessary,  and  they  must  be  obeyed.  For  they  were  going  among 
.their  people  who  would  think  the  Devil  had  got  into  the  army, 
if  those  prudent  orders  were  violated.  You  may  be  sure  I  con- 
cured  with  them  in  opinion,  and  added  that  I  would  have  no 
trouble  with  Transgressors;  for  I  should  give  them  over  to  the 
civil  authority;  and  let  them  deal  with  them. 

The  consequence  has  been,  that  not  a  single  Pannel  of  Fence 
has  been  burnt,  on  the  march;  or  Since  we  encamped.  The  truth 
of  the  matter  is,  they  are  much  in  awe  of  their  authority;  and 
fear  their  reputations  at  Home.  Their  country  men  would  indeed 
conclude  the  Devil  was  in  them,  if  they  had  conducted,  as  they 
have  done  with  the  Army,  and  in  other  places.  It  is  however 
agreeable  to  find  men's  conduct  regulated  from  those  considera- 
tions. But  I  think  a  regard  for  their  state,  influence  this,  and 
produce  this  circumspection.  I  wish  the  other  motives  governed 
them  abroad,  with  more  tenderness  for  other  men's  property.  I 
confess,  however,  that  the  officers  who  have  charge  of  Brigades 
and  Divisions  are  much  to  blame  for  the  Destruction  of  Fence. 
Much  of  it  is  done  thro'  wantonness  in  the  Troops  and  careless- 
ness in  their  officers.  There  has  been  line  on  line,  and  precept 
on  precept  in  General  orders,  but  hitherto  to  no  purpose.  The 


248  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

officer's  are  not  sufficiently  attentive  to  orders  or  their  duty.  The 
Troops  at  Hartford  being  scarce  of  Flour,  and  obliged  to  scoute 
for  Private  property  or  want,  in  the  Course  of  this  service,  they 
collected  on  Connecticut  River  in  one  day  200  Barrels  belonging 
to  the  Eastern  engrossers  and  other  Jobbers.  And,  I  am  in- 
formed, there  are  great  quantities  of  that  Article  in  the  vicinity 
of  that  River  and  the  roads  from  your  state.  The  General  was 
at  a  loss  how  to  dispose  of  the  Army,  when  I  left  head  Quarters 
for  the  winter.  It  is  feared  the  state  of  New  York  will  not  be 
able  to  subsist  the  whole  of  it,  in  the  winter.  If  not  a  great 
part  of  that  article  for  his  and  the  Eastern  Armies,  infantry  as 
well  as  navy  must  come  from  Virginia  which  must  render  their 
support  very  uncertain.  For  these  reasons  I  have  advised,  if  the 
Enemy  detach  Ten  full  regiments,  to  quarter  one  third  of  our 
army  in  Jersey,  including  what  is  now  there.  If  another  Con- 
siderable detachment  is  made  from  thence,  then  to  quarter  half 
our  Army,  there,  that  is,  the  moiety  of  what  we  marched  from 
the  Plains,  including  Maxwell's  Brigade.  What  do  you  think  of 
it?  Is  it  not  too  dangerous  an  experiment,  to  Hazard  the  want 
of  subsistence  for  the  Army? 

You  may  remember,  when  I  was  at  Poughkeepsie,  I  took  the 
Liberty,  to  apply  for  the  office  of  the  Town  Clerk  of  the  City  of 
New  York  Mr.  Lawrence  my  son  in  Law.  I  have  been  informed 
to-day  by  mere  accident,  that  office  has  been  promised  twelve 
months  since,  to  Lieut.  Col.  Livingston.  If  this  was  done,  I  am 
perswaded  you  did  not  know  it,  or  you  would  have  mentioned  it. 
As  some  officers  have  been  already  appointed  for  that  City,  I 
think  there  is  no  impropriety  in  my  applying  in  Form,  which  I 
have  taken  the  Liberty  to  do,  in  the  Letter  which  accompanies 
this.  I  have  early  and  Long  contended  for  the  rights  of  this 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  249 

people  at  the  expence  of  my  fortune  and  constitution,  when  our 
affairs  were  in  suspence;  before  the  union  was  formed,  when 
the  Livingstons  kept  at  an  aweful  distance,  and  rather  looked 
for  offices  from  another  Quarter,  than  from  the  people.  But  I 
would  not  plead  this  to  induce  my  country  to  make  an  improper 
appointment,  of  a  person  unqualified  for  the  office — Let  his  con- 
nection be  ever  so  near  to  me.  For  I  know  besides  the  wicked- 
[ness]  of  such  a  request,  the  disposes  of  the  Honors  and  offices  of 
the  Public,  have,  or  ought  not  to  have,  favors  to  Grant.  The 
person  I  apply  for,  is  industrious,  and  has  preserved  his  Morals 
in  the  Army;  and  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Law  inform  me  who  were 
at  His  Examination,  that  he  made  a  respectable  one.  I  have 
by  this  time  tired  your  patience,  and  shall,  therefore,  no  longer 
trespass  on  it,  than  by  requesting  my  respectful  Compliments 
to  be  made  to  Mrs.  Clinton;  and  my  best  wishes  to  Mr.  McKesson. 
I  am  my  dear  Sir,  Your  affectionate  Hble.  Servant 

Alex'f  McDougall. 
Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  1894.]       .   ' 
FLAG  COURTESIES  SUSPENDED. 

Governor  Clinton  Explains  Why  He  Cannot  Pass  Tory  Women  to 

New  York — The  Legislature  Adjourns. 

t 

Clermount  4th  Nov'r  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  I  have  just  rec'd  a  very  melancholy  Letter  from  Mrs. 
Van  Dyck,  the  wife  of  Doct'r  Van  Dyck,  entreating  me  to  apply 
to  your  Excellency  for  permission  for  &  her  sister  Miss  Dowe 
to  go  to  New  York,  to  her  husband,  whom  she  represents  as  in 
the  greatest  distress. 

I  am  led  to  conclude  from  this  Letter  that  H.  Van  Schaack 
has  not  given  her  the  most  favourable  representation  of  the 


250  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

State  of  affairs  at  New  York,  &  that  the  Tories  begin  to  find  that 
they  have  no  resourse  but  the  Clementcy  of  the  whigs.  Not- 
withstanding the  injuries  I  have  rec'd  I  must  own  I  pity  them. 
How  far  it  may  be  prudent  to  suffer  Mrs.  Vandyck  to  go  down, 
your  Excellency  is  best  able  to  judge.  For  my  own  part  I  believe 
the  more  they  see  of  it  in  its  present  state,  the  less  they  will  be 
pleased  with  the  part  they  have  taken.  I  am  D'r  Sir  With  the 
greatest  respect  Your  Excellency's  Most  Obt.  Hum :  Serv't 

Kobt.  B.  Livingston. 
His  Excellency  Gov'r  Clinton  Poughkeepsie. 


Poukeepsie  6th  Nov'r  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  I  am  honored  with  the  Beceipt  of  your  Letter  of  the 
4th  Instant.  I  am  unhappy  in  not  being  able  to  comply  with 
your  Bequest  in  Favour  of  Mrs.  Vandyck  &  Miss  Dowe.  The 
latest  Accounts  I  have  had  from  the  Army  give  me  Reason 

• 

to  believe  the  Enemy  will  not  receive  any  Flaggs  at  present,  but 
if  this  was  not  the  Case  I  cannot  with  Propriety  &  without  giv- 
ing great  Disattisfaction,  consent  to  grant  these  Ladies  an  In- 
dulgence which  not  many  Days  since  was  refused  by  the  Enemy 
to  the  Wives  of  the  Principal  Officers  taken  at  Fort  Montgomery. 
They  had  my  Permission  to  go  to  New  York  to  vissit  their  Hus- 
bands who  have  been  upwards  of  a  year  in  Captivity  &  after 
being  detained,  they  proceeded  to  Elizabeth  Town,  for  3  Weeks 
amused  with  incouraging  Promises,  were  at  length  informed  they 
coud  not  be  gratified,  unless  they  woud  consent  to  continue  with 
their  Husbands  &  so  were  oblidged  to  return  Home  greatly  morti- 
fied. 

The  Legislature  adjourned  this  afternoon  till  the  2d  Tuesday 
in  Jan'y  next.  The  Tax  Bill  losst  in  the  Assembly  on  being  Be- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  251 

turned  with  objections  ag't  one  very  exceptionable  Clause  only. 
The  Chief  Justice  is  elected  an  Extra  Delegate.  ,  The  Delegate* 
allowed  £4  pr  Diem;  Both  Houses  have  entered  Kesolves  assert- 
ing their  Eight  of  originating  Monied  Bills  but  no  steps  taken 
for  determining  the  Point. 

Mrs.  Clinton  beggs  her  best  Respects  to  the  old  Gentlewoman, 
&  to  offer  her  Thanks  for  her  oblidging  Letter  which  she  is  not 
yet  so  far  recovered  as  to  be  able  to  answer,  &  joins  in  my  best 
Compliments  to  Mrs.  Livingston  &  the  young  Ladies.  I  am  D'r 

Sir  Yours  Sincerely 

Geo.  Clinton. 
[To  Robert  R.  Livingston.] 


[No.  1895.] 

Joshua  Green  Requests  a  Permit  to  Export  Flour  froth  this  State 

to  Massachusetts. 

Westfield  Nov'r  6th  1778. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency,  Inclosed  is  a  recommendation 
from  the  honorable  Council  of  this  State  to  your  Excellency  in 
order  to  obtain  a  permission  to  purchase  flour  in  the  State  of 
New  York  as  therein  mention'd,  &  which  I  sho'd  have  had  the 
honor  of  presenting  myself  did  not  bodily  indisposition  prevent. 

Whether  having  been  driven  by  the  enemy  (as  I  was  early  this 

> 
war  from  Boston)  so  near  to  your  Government,  or  from  any  other 

reasons  that  I  am  recommended  is  not  for  me  to  say,  my  chief 
concern  is  to  make  the  application  to  your  Excellency  in  the  most 
speedy  &  proper  manner  I  can,  for  which  purpose  I  have  en- 
gaged Samuel  Fowler  Esqr.  of  this  place  to  wait  on  your  Excel- 
lency, &  who  will  be  able  to  represent  the  necessity  of  the  case, 
nor  is  doubted  that  your  Excellency's  inclination  will  lead  you 
to  grant  the  necessary  assistance  in  your  power:  if  in  the  per- 


252  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

mission  which  it  may  please  your  Excellency  to  grant,  you  sho'd 
think  proper  to  order  Mr.  Fowler's  name  to  be  inserted  with 
mine,  it  may  be  a  means  of  facilitating  the  business.  In  hopes 
of  a  favorable  return,  I  beg  leave  to  subscribe  With  the  greatest 
respect  Your  Excellency's  most  obedient  &  most  humble  serv't 

Joshua  Green. 
His  Excellency  Gov'r  Clinton,  Poughkeepsie. 


[No.  1896.] 
The  Final  Cargo  of  Tories  to  be  Despatched  to  New  York. 

Poughkeepsie  Nov'r  7th  1778. 

Sir,  About  two  weeks  hence  'the  Commiss'rs  will  be  ready  (as 
they  have  informed  me)  to  send  off  the  last  Cargo  of  Persons  who 
have  refused  to  take  the  Oath  of  allegiance,  as  prescribed  by  Law, 
to  this  State  &  are  sentenced  to  be  banished  within  the  Enemy's 
Lines. 

I  have,  therefore,  to  request  that  your  Excell'cy  will  be  pleased 
to  direct  the  Commanding  Officer  at  W't  Point  to  furnish  an 
Officer  to  take  the  vessel  in  Charge  on  her  arrival  there  &  to  con- 
duct her  to  New  York.*  The  necessary  Instructions  &  the  Flag 
will  be  forwarded  to  Colo.  Malcorn.  I  have  the  honor  to  be  with 

the  greatest  Respect.     Yrs.  &c. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington. 

"The  intelligence  to-day,  that  may  be  depended  upon,  is,  that  the  British  have  made 
a  very  considerable  embarkation,  supposed  already  to  amount  to  near  ten'  thousand,  on 
board  one  hundred  and  fifty  sail  of  transports,  which,  at  different  times,  have  fallen 
down  from  New  York  to  Sandy  Hook  and  the  watering  place,  and  were  every  moment 
expected  to  sail.  There  are  different  rumors  as  to  their  destination;  some  say  to  Boston, 
ethers  to  South  'Carolina.  But  it  is  generally  believed,  considering  all  circumstances, 
that  the  West  Indies  are  the  object.  The  embarkation  still  seems  to  be  going  on,  which 
leads  to  a  conclusion  that  a  total  evacuation  of  New  York  will  ensue;  concerning  this, 
however,  opinions  are  much  divided.  There  is  a  report  in  New  York  that  Jamaica  la 
taken,  and  it  is  said  that  rum  and  molasses  have  had  a  very  extraordinary  rise  in  con- 
sequence.— New  York  Journal,  November  9,  1778. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  253 

[No.  1897.] 

Dr.  Ducalon's  Fight  for  Freedom  Interrupted  by  John  McKesson. 

Albany  8th  Nov'r  1778. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency,  Stephen  Ducalon  a  prisoner  in 
the  Gaol  at  Albany  was  after  many  indulgences  &  frivilous  De- 
lays tried  &  Convicted  of  a  Bobbery  and  has  received  Sentence. 
On  proceeding  to  his  Trial,  some  Jurors  were  set  aside  at  their 
own  request  because  they  alledged  they  were  (tho  distantly)  con- 
nected to  him  by  marriages.  The  prisoner  challenged  twenty 
Jurors  peremptorily,  and  long  persisted  in  his  challenge  to  a 
twenty  first,  tho'  he  said  he  could  not  give  any  other  reason  than 
that  he  did  not  like  him. 

Since  his  Trial,  his  Relations  (as  I  am  informed)  have  pro- 
cured affidavits  of  one  Skinkle,  a  Brother  in  Law  of  Ducalon's, 
now  in  the  Gaol,  and  of  one  Owens,  a  particular  Friend  of 
Ducalon's  long  in  the  Gaol  for  grand  Larceny,  (for  wrhich  he  has 
not  been  tried  by  occasion  of  the  Indisposition  of  the  witnesses) 
and  of  other  prisoners  in  the  Gaol  to  discredit  the  Testimony  of 
the  witnesses  on  the  part  of  the  People.  These  affidavits  I  am  in- 
formed are  to  be  transmitted  to  your  Excellency. 

I  believe  neither  the  Court  or  the  Country  had  the  least  doubt 
of  the  Truth  of  the  Testimony  given  in  the  present  Case. 

I  have  observed  more  attempts  of  late  in  this  County  to  discour- 
age the  making  of  Discoveries  &  giving  Testimony  than  I  have 
seen  elsewhere.  I  wish  I  could  correct  the  evil. 

I  have  taken  the  Liberty  to  enclose  you  such  notes  copys  and 

• 

Extracts  of  the  Evidence  in  the  Cause  as  will  I  imagine  fully 
satisfy  you  of  the  Truth  of  it,  &  the  justice  of  the  Sentence,  if  you 
should  chuse  to  take  the  Trouble  of  perusing  them.  I  have  the 
Honor  to  be  your  Excellency's  most  Obedient  humble  Servant 

John  McKesson. 
[To  Gen.  Clinton.] 


254  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  1898.] 
GENERAL  HAND  SUCCEEDS  STARK  AT  ALBANY. 

Discrepancy     of     Pay     between     State  and     Federal     Troops — 
Depredations  of  Tories  and  Indians. 

Albany  8th  November  1778. 

Sir,  Your  Excellency's  favor  of  the  22d  Ultimo  Pr  General 
Hand  I  have  Rec'd,  I  am  Satisfied  his  taking  the  Command  here 
is  truely  acceptable  to  the  Citizens,  I  shall  on  my  part  give  Par- 
ticular attention  to  him  as  an  Officer  &  Gentleman. 

A  small  party  of  the  Enemy  8  or  10  in  number,  Indians  & 
Tories,  at  break  of  day  last  Tuesday  near  Tribes  Hill,  in  Tryon 
bounty  a  few  miles  from  Johnstown,  came  to  the  House  of  Peter 
Hansen  &  took  him  &  his  Servant  Prisoners,  directed  his  wife  & 
Children  to  take  every  thing  out  of  the  House,  &  then  put  Fire 
thereto,  &  to  the  Barn  which  are  both  Consumed,  they  sett  the 
women  &  Children  at  liberty  &  took  Hansen  &  the  Servant  with 
them  to  Canada  as  is  said;  Col.  Fisher  writes  me  he  sent  a  Party 
of  his  militia  in  Pursuit  of  the  enemy. 

It  is  said  that  last  week,  five  men  (who  were  Hunting  Deer) 
where  taken  Prisoners  on  Lake  George.  It  is  also  Reported  in 
Town,  that  a  Body  of  4  or  500  of  the  Enemy  have  been  seen  on 
Lake  Champlain  some  Distance  on  this  side  of  Crown  Point;  a 
letter  from  the  Commanding  Officer  at  Fort  Edward  is  Forwarded 
"to  General  Hand,  who  last  Monday  morning  sett  out  for  Schohary 
&  Cherry  Valey;  his  Return  is  momently  Expected;  whether 
this  Letter  Contains  this  or  any  other  Intelligence  I  don't  know. 

I  inclose  your  Excell'cy  the  latest  Returns  I  have  Received  of 
the  militia  of  my  Brigade  now  on  the  Frontiers;  the  number  is 
greatly  short  of  that  Ordered  into  actual  Service;  it  being  £  part 
•of  all  my  Brigade  Except  the  three  northern  Regts.  I  am  aston- 
Jshed  at  it. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  255 

A  Draft  of  a  Pay  &  Subsistance  Roll  of  the  members  Compos- 
ing the  General  Court  martial  of  which  Colonel  Robert  Van 
Rensselaer  was  President,  has  been  shewed  to  me,  by  which  I 
find  the  Officers  have  charged  Continental  Pay  &  Rations,  accord- 
ing to  their  Respective  Ranks;  the  Judge  advocate  charges  40/ 
Pr  day. 

I  also  Inclose  your  Excellency  Copy  of  a  Petition  Signed  by 
Col.  Van  Alstine,  President  of  a  General  Court  martial,  now  set- 
ting by  my  Order  at  Claverack;  the  Court  now  setting  in  this 
City  Expect  I  believe  the  same  allowance  these  ask  for,  I  must 
beg  your  Excellency  to  let  me  know  as  soon  as  Possible  what  Pay 
&  Rations  these  Officers  are  Entitled  to;  if  your  Excellency  ap- 
proves of  it,  I  will  pay  them  out  of  the  monies  I  Receive  as  Fines 
laid  by  the  Genl.  Courts  martial  on  delinquents.  I  am  with 
great  Esteem  Your  Excellency's  most  Obedient  Humble  Servant 

Ab'm  Ten  Broeck. 
His  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esqr. 


[No.  1899.] 
CLINTON,  MORRIS  AND  JAY. 

The  Latter  Carries  a  Letter  from  the  Former  to>  Morris  with  <m 

Explanation. 

Nov'r  8th  1778. 

Sir,  I  am  indebted  to  you  for  several  Letters.  I  have  been 
oblidged  to  pay  attention  to  public  Business  occasioned  by  the 
Meeting  of  the  Legislature  &  asi  well  the  want  of  Opportunity 
•of  Conveyance  has  prevented  my  answering  before  this  Time — 
and  as  our  Friend  the  Chief  Justice*  who  is  appointed  a  special 
Delegate  for  the  Vermont  Business,  will  deliver  this,  it  is  needless 
to  be  particular,  for,  by  him,  you  will  be  able  to  learn  the  Situation 

•John  Jay. 


256  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

of  our  public  affairs  here  and  every  other  Matter  that  you  wo'd 
be  anxious  to  know  more  fully  than  I  can  communicate  to  you  on 
Paper. 

I  sent  you  by  Mr.  Duane  who  left  this  yesterday  Morning  for 
Congress  an  Exemplification  of  the  Delegates  Commission  from 
which  however  I  expect  but  little  Credit  as  the  Inaccuracies  of 
another  Person  may  probably  be  attributed  to  me. 

The  Legislature  who  were  to  have  met  on  the  3d  of  last  month, 
did  not  form  a  Quorum  before  the  14th,  and  after  hav'g  elected 
Delegates,  a  Council  of  appointment  passed  a  few  Laws  &  joined 
Issue  on  the  disputed  Eight  of  originating  Money  Bills,  which  the 
Assembly  claim  as  their  exclusive  Priviledge,  adjourned  to  the  2d 
Tuesday  in  Jan'y  next.  In  this  Recess  I  may  have  some  more 
Leisure  which  I  will  endeavor  to  employ,  in  writing  you  a  Line 
as  opportunity  offers,  and  shall  be  happy  to  hear  as  often  as  the 
important  Concerns  in  which  you  are  engaged  will  admit,  being 

&c. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Gouverneur  Morris.] 


[No.  1900.] 

Governor  Clinton  Refuses  to  Give  a  Pas?  to  Mr.  Dome  for  Mrs. 

Van  DycTc. 

Nov'r  8"  1778  Pokeepsie. 

Sir,  It  is  some  Time  since  I  rec'd  your  Letter  containing  Major 
Cochran's  account  respect'g  Indian  affairs  and  thank  you  for  the 
Information  contained  in  it.  The  Hurry  of  Business  attend'g  the 
meeting  of  the  Legislature  neecessarily  prevented  my  answering 
your  Letter  on  the  Receipt  of  it. 

I  should  have  applied  agreeably  to  the  Directions  of  the  act 
to  2  members  of  the  Legislature  for  their  advice  to  enable  me  to 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  257 

grant  you  Permission  for  exchang'g  a  Quantity  of  Flour  for  Salt 
for  the  use  of  your  Family  but  many  applications  for  similar 
Purposes  hav'g  been  previously  made  without  Effect  I  esteemed 
it  more  prudent  not  to  apply.  If  you  can  still  obtain  such  advice 
from  any  two  Members  it  will  give  me  Pleasure  to  comply  with 
your  Eequest  in  granting  a  Permission. 

The  present  situation  of  our  public  affairs  and  the  Procedure  of 
the  Enemy  in  a  similar  Case  prevented  my  granting  an  Indul- 
gence to  Mrs.  Vandyck  &  Miss<Douw  which  I  would  be  happy  in 
grant'g  if  it  could  be  done  consistent  with  my  Duty  as  a  public 
Officer.  Be  assured,  Sir,  whenever  I  can  serve  you  or  your  Fam- 
ily, an  opportunity  of  doing  it,  will  be  pleasure,  being  &c. 

[G.  C.] 

[To  Volkert  P.  Douw.] 


[No.  1901.] 
THE  FLOUR  SHIPPING  ABUSE  QUESTION. 

Commissary  Colt  Protests  Against  General  Sullivan's  Arbitrary 

Procedure. 

Hartford  Nov'r  9,  1778. 

May  it  please  y'r  Excellency,  This  Serves  to  inclose  an  extra- 
ordinary warrant,  given  by  the  Honourable  M'r  General  Sullivan 
to  Messrs.  Clark  &  Nightengale  of  Providence,  in  order  to  enable 
them  to  furnish  his  Troops  with  Provisions  &c.  The  supposed 
occasion  for  his  taking  a  Measure  so  directly  against  the  Laws  of 
this  &  your  State  &  repugnant  to  the  general  system,  adopted  by 
Congress,  for  subsisting  their  armies,  was  his  being  nearly  put 
of  Flour.  Indeed,  suppose  some  part  of  his  Troops  had  no  Bread 
for  3  or  4  Days.  This  was  owing  to  several  Causes — their  not 
keeping  me  regularly  informed  of  their  daily  expenditures — & 
the  state  of  their  Magazines — partly  to  the  urgent  Demand  for 

Flour  for  the  Fleet  at  Boston — to  the  late  Excurtion  of  the  Enemy 
17 


258  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

into  Jersey,  which  interupt'd.'the  supplies  coming  on  from  Pen- 
silvania — &  partly  to  the  agents  for  the  Fleet,  &  private  Jobbers 
biding  the  Flour  out  of  the  hands  of  my  assistants  in  your  State. 
By  these  various  causes,  the  Magazine  of  Flour,  designed  to  feed 
the  Troops  in  State  Rode  Island,  was  unequal  to  their  wants,  & 
they  were  reduced  to  a  few  Days  distress.  But  the  Department 
was  not  neglected  &  as  soon  as  I  knew  their  Distress  I  turned  my 
whole  attention  to  relieve  them  &  am  now,  by  help  of  ye  spirited 
Measures  of  your  State,  in  a  fair  way  of  properly  supplying  them — 
this  will  be  greatly  facilitated,  by  marching  tho  Troops  of  con- 
vention to  the  Southard  &  having  no  further  demand»  to  feed  the 
French  Squadron.  But  the  Business  of  my  Department  will  be 
greatly  injurd  &  delayd  &  my  supplies  rendered  altogether  pre- 
carious, if  Genl.  Sullivan  persists  in  his  present  plan.  I  have 
appoint'd  a  sufficient  number  of  trusty  Men  to  purchase  Flour  in 
that  part  of  your  State  which  is  within  my  Department  viz.  Mr. 
Philip  Leak  in  West  Chester  County,  Maj.  Henry  Schenk,  Mr.  Paul 
Schenk,  Dav.  Van  Ness  Esq.  &  Capt.  James  Reed  in  Dutchess 
County;  believe  they  are  able  to  secure  the  whole  for  the  use  of 
the  army,  except  private  persons  are  sufferd  to  transport  it  out 
of  the  state. 

Mr.  Mumford  is  now  gone  into  some  part  of  your  State  to  make 
large  purchases  for  Clark  &  Nightengale;  suppose  he  will  apply 
to  your  Excellency  for  a  permit  to  transport  it  out  of  the  State. 
Tho  he  may  honestly  deliver  to  ye  use  of  the  Army  all  the  Flour 
he  may  buy,  in  consequence  of  this  Corn's  (of  which  however 
there  is  no  assurance)  yet  it  will  be  very  unadvised  to  permit  his 
buying  &  exporting  it.  It  will  put  it  out  of  the  power  of  my 
people  to  regulate  the  Price,  as  Mr.  Mumford  is  under  no  controul 
or  limited  to  any  price,  he  must  give  what  the  Farmer  asks.  As 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  259 

he  is  a  stranger  &  from  home  at  great  Expence,  it  wont  do  for 
him  to  stand  for  a  price — this  will  occasion  a  Vendue  of  the  wheat 
&  Flour;  which  tho  not  at  first  view,  prejudicial  to  your  State; 
jet  is  so  to  the  United  States.  To  shew  you  that  they  are  not 
under  any  immediate  necessity  for  the  Flour,  assure  your  Excel- 
lency, that  within  Ten  days  past  I  have  shiped  to  Norwich,  for 
the  purpose  of  supplying  Gen.  Sullivan,  220  bbs.  Flour;  also  sent 
him  by  land  130  bbs.  &  this  day  am  shiping  150  more — we  expect 
at  this  post  from  Sharon  &  Fishkills  1500  bar's  in  the  cours  of 
ten  days,  1000  of  which  shall  send  to  Providence,  except  the 
Troops  now  here,  march  eastward.  This  being  a  true  representa- 
tion of  the  Affair,  cannot  but  believe  your  Excellency  will  agree 
with  me  in  oppinion,  that  it  will  be  of  dangerous  Consequence  to 
permit  Mr.  Mumford,  or  any  other  private  person,  or  agent  to 
any  private  Merchants  to  transport  the  Flour  out  of  the  State,  tho 
for  the  purpose  of  feeding  any  part  of  the  Armies  of  the  United 
States,  when  proper  Measures  are  taken  by  public  Officers  to  feed 
them. 

In  consequence  of  your  Excellency's  request  to  Mr.  Flint,  I  am 
sending  Salt  into  your  State  to  barter  for  Flour — suppose  Mr. 
Cuyler  &  myself  shall  be  able  to  supply  4000  bushels  for  that 
purpose.  I  have  the  honour  to  be  with  due  Esteem  your  Excel- 
lency's most  obdt.  hum'e  Servant 

Peter  Colt  D.  C.  G.  P.  East  Department. 
[To  Gen.  Clinton.] 

[No.  1902.] 
AN  APPEAL  FKOM  CHEEKY  VALLEY. 

Prominent  Citizens  Ask  General  Hand  to  Protect  Them  from  Their 

Enemies. 

To  Genl.  Hand :  The  humble  petition  of  us  the  Subscribers  In- 
habitants of  Cherry  Valley,  In  behalf  of  Ourselves  and  other  fel- 


260  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

low  sufferers  in  this  and  other  Frontier  Towns,  in  Tryon  County,. 
Humbly  sheweth, 

That  there  has  been  and  still  are,  men  yet  remaining  in  our 
Neighbourhood,  and  betwixt  us  and  the  Saviges  and  their  aseo- 
ciats,  that  have  been  frequently  keeping  up  a  Corrispondance, 
and  assisting  our  Enemies,  with  Kations  and  in  plundering  and 
robing  us  of  our  Cattle,  and  secreting  them,  for  the  Enemies 
use;  and  Some  of  these  Villans  have  been  apprahended  at  ye 
Butternuts  and  Elsewhere  on  our  Frontiers  Since  Col.  Alden 
came  amongst  us  &  by  his  means,  who  has  acted  with  great  ac- 
tivity &  prudence  in  Subduing  these  Eebbels  to  the  States;  and 
that  they  might  be  used  according  to  their  Conduct;  they  were 
sent  to  Albany  to  be  secured  from  further  harming  us,  and  that 
they  might  be  treated  according  to  ye  demerite  of  their  Crimes; 
Now,  by  some  means  or  other,  these  our  Enemies,  are  set  at 
liberty  and  tolerated  to  return  with  their  passes  to  come  again 
amongst  us;  now  for  God's  Sake  and  for  ye  Sake  of  ye  states, 
and  ye  sake  of  us  who  have  &  still  are  willing  &  ready  to  ven- 
ture our  lives  and  our  all  for  the  Common  Good  of  ye  states, 
Let  Speedy  methods  be  taken  to  apprahend  and  Carry  off  these 
Notorious  Villans  that  are  known  to  have  been  our  Enemies, 
and  still  have  some  of  their  frainds,  Kelations  and  associats  with 
Brant  &  Butler's  party  and  some  of  w'ch  yt  were  sent  to  Albany 
and  are  now  at  liberty  &  to  walk  at  large,  it  can  be  proven  have 
aided  Brant  in  his  way  of  burning  &  Slaughter,  and  some  of  these 
men  we  are  mentioning,  have  been  seen  with  our  Savige  Enemies 
at  ye  distruction  of  Kobiskill,  Springfield,  Andrewstown,  &  the 
Jerman  Flats  and  by  whom  we  have  still  reason  to  fear  receaving 
a  stroak,  and  be  made  to  fall  a  pray  Into  the  hands  of  our  Ene- 
mies, and  to  have  this  quarter  of  the  state  ruined;  to  prevent 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  261 

w'ch  &  to  dissapoint  our  fears,  O  Genl.  let  a  sufficient  number 
of  Troops  be  alowed  us,  &  if  possible  those  we  now  have  under 
Col.  Alden,  as  they  now  are  acquaint  with  our  country  &  the 
Roads  &  Haunts  of  our  Enemies,  so  that  by  their  means  we  may 
be  screaned  from  Slaughter  &  Devastation  and  this  Quarter  from 
Ruine  &  Disstress  &c.  And  your  aid  we  now  Implore,  &  your 
Care  in  this  is  the  Earnest  desire  &  Request  of, 

Yours  whilst 

Will'm  Johnston,  v.  d.  m.;  Saml.  Campbell,  Colo.;  Will'm  Johns- 
ton,, Justice;  Saml.  Ferguson;  Jas.  Cannan,  adjt;  Will'm  Wills, 
Lt.  Col.;  James  Willson,  Capt.;  Saml.  Campbell,  Lieut.;  Saml. 
Clyde,  Lt.  Coll.;  John  Campbell,  Leut.;  James  Scott,  Capt.;  Sam- 
uel Willson,  James  Rickey,  William  Tomson,  Richerd  Jonston, 
Pat'k  Deavison,  William  McConnal,  Hugh  Mitchal,  Robert  Mc- 
Keon,  Capt.;  Robert  McKown. 

Cherry  Valley  9br  7th  1778. 
[To  General  Hand.] 


[No.  1903.] 

•Congress  Strives  to  Brace  Up  the  Commissary  and  Quartermaster's 

Departments. 

In  Congress  10th  Novem'er  1778. 

Whereas,  it  hath  become  necessary  not  only  that  speedy  &  vig- 
orous measures  should  be  taken  to  regulate  the  commissary's  & 
quarter  master's  departments,  but  also  that  a  constant  attention 
should  be  paid  to  those  departments 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Scudder,  Mr.  G.  Morris  &  Mr.  Whipple  be 
a  committee  to  superintend  the  same  departments,  and  that  they 
or  any  two  of  them  be  empowered  to  take  such  steps  relating 
to  the  same  as  they  shall  think  most  for  the  public  service. 

Extract  from  the  minutes. 

Chas.  Thomson  secy. 


262  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  1904.] 
PETER  LIVINGSTON  IMPORTUNES  THE  GOVERNOR, 

And  Obtains   Permission  to  Transport  Two  Hundred  Barrels  of 

Flour  for  Boston. 

Manor  Livingston  4  Nov'r  '78. 

Dear  sir,  I  Inclose  you  a  Letter  to  his  Excellency  concerning 
the  Permit  for  250  Barr's  of  flour  (and  also  the  Certificate  of  the 
Council  of  Boston).  Have  beg'd  the  fav'r  of  the  Gov'r  to  Recon- 
sider the  Matter,  as  my  Situation  is  very  disagreable.  When  I 
tendered  the  Certificate  to  the  Gov'r  last  Sep'r  he  told  me  if  the 
Members  of  the  Legislature  would  advise  his  signing  of  it  he 
would.  As  soon  as  I  obtained  their  advise  I  immediately  set 
about  buying  the  flour  and  sending  it  towards  the  line,  relying 
upon  the  Govenor's  word  to  obtain  his  Consent,  as  I  had  already 
the  Consent  of  three  members  of  the  Legislature,  and  advised 
my  friend  in  Boston  of  it.  Have  acquainted  the  Gov'r  I  returned 
the  Certificate  to  you  and  beg  you'll  offer  it  to  (him  with  my 
Letter,  as  I  know  not  what  to  do  unless  he  is  so  kind  as  to  grant 
me  his  permission,  by  your  endeavours  for  me.  If  notwithstand- 
ing all,  I  cannot  git  the  Govenor's  Signature,  please  again  to  re- 
turn it  to  me  with  a  line  by  some  safe  Conveyance  as  quick  aa 
you  can.  I  beg  you'll  look  for  the  Exempt  list  of  our  furnace 
men  in  your  office.  I  sent  it  in  a  letter  to  the  Gov'r  some  time 
ago  and  several  of  them  are  now  fined  by  the  Court  Martial  it 
must  be  among  the  Govenor's  papers.  Beg  a  line.  Your  Very 

Hu'e  ser't 

Peter  R.  Livingston. 

I  expect  daily  10  or  12  teams  in  from  Boston  with  Salt  &c.  that 
I  have  engaged  to  load  back  with  flour  on  the  prospect  I  had  of 
gitting  the  permit,  which  if  I  do  not,  must  pay  them  £60  a  piece 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  263 

for  going  back  empty.     Beg  you'll  represent  this  to  the  Gov'r  and 
endeavour  all  in  your  power  to  assist  me. 

To  Major  Lush  Secretary  to  his  Excellency  Govenor  Clinton, 
Poughkeepsie. 

LIVINGSTON'S  LETTE-R  TO  THE  GOVERNOR. 

Manor  Livingston  3d  November  1778. 

May  it  Please  your  Excellency,  My  Brother  Inclosed  me  your 
fav'r  of  the  31  Octo'r,  together  with  the  Certificate  of  the  Council 
of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  signed  by  the  three  members  of  our 
Legislature  advising  your  Excellency  to  sign  the  same.  When 
I  tendered  the  Certificate  last  September  to  your  Excellency,  you 
then  told  me,  that  as  the  certificate  mentioned  only  for  the  use 
of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  town, of  Boston,  he  did  not  think  any 
of  the  Members  of  the  Legislature  would  advise  him  to  admit 
the  flour  to  be  exported  but  if  they  did,  he  would  sign  it.  I  told 
the  Govenor  I  would  try  some  of  the  Members  and  if  they  did 
would  again  wait  upon  him  with  it.  On  the  first,  and  second  of 
October,  three  Members  did  sign  it,  upon  which  haveing  the 
promise  of  the,  Govenor,  I  immediately  proceeded  to  purchase  and 
send  on  my  flour  from  the  River  towards  the^line  thinking,  I 
could  when  ready,  wait  on  the  Govenor  and  obtain  his  signature, 
relying  upon  the  recommendation  of  the  members  of  Assembly 
according  to  Law,  and  the  Govenor's  kindness  in  promissing  me 
to  grant  the  Permission  upon  said  advice.  If  any  circumstances 
has  turned  up  since  I  obtained  the*  advice  of  the  members  of  the 
Legislature,  think  it  hard  it  should  opperate  ag't  me.  I  cannot 
think  the  Govenor  would  let  me  suffer,  as  I  looked  upon  all 
obsticles  removed  when  the  three  Members  signed  it,  having  the 
Governor's  word. 


264  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

I  must  Beg  the  Govenor  to  Reconsider  the  Matter;  it  will  be  an 
essential  Injury  to  me.  Haveing  advised  my  friend  some  time 
since  that  the  Permission  would  be  granted,  as  three  Members 
had  signed  it,  and  the  Govenor  had  promissed  me  if  they  advised 
it,  he  would  give  his  Consent.  I  Beg  your  Excellency  to  excuse 
my  importunity,  and  to  grant  me  your  Signature.  Have  sent  the 
Certificate  to  Major  Lush  and  must  again  intreat  the  Govenor 
to  help  me  out  of  the  Difficulty.  Am  with  great  Esteem  Your 

Excellencey's  Very  Hu'e  ser't 

Peter  R.  Livingston. 
[To  Gen.  Clinton.] 


AIDE-DE-CAMP  LUSH'S  RESPONSE  TO  PETER  LIVINGSTON. 

Nov'r  11"  1773. 

Sir,  I  rec'd  your  Letter  of  the  4"  Inst.  and  delivered  the  In- 
closure  to  his  Excellency.  After  a  long  search  I  have  found  the 
List  for  Exemptions ito  which  you  allude;  it  was  mislaid  by  Mr. 
Benson  who  had  forgot  that  it  had  ever  been  received.  I  now 
return  it  with,  Exemptions  for  39  Persons  being  all  whom  he 
conceives  himself  authorized  by  the  Militia  Law  to  exempt. 

He  desires  me  to  inform  you  that  he  is  surprized,  you  should 
found  your  Expectation  of  obtain'g  his  Permission  for  the  Ex- 
portation of  the  250  Barrels  of  Flour  upon  a  Promise  that  he 
wo'd  grant  it,  if  two  Members  w7o'd  advise  it,  when  at  the  Time 
he  mentioned  that  by  the  Cert:  from  the  Council  of  Boston,  the 
Flour  you  wanted  to  export  .was  for  the  use  of  the  Inhabitants 
of  Boston,  or  rather  for  the  ordinary  Business  of  Trade,  and, 
therefore,  not  being  warranted  by  Law  that  no  two  Members  wo'd 
be  found  to  advise  it,  adding  that  similar  applications  being 
frequently  made  to  him  &  had  always  been  refused,  that  you  must 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  265 

readily  perceive  that  such  a  Promise  wo'd  therefore  be  absurd 
in  its  Nature,  as  it  would  seem  to  imply  that  he  was  willing'  to 
violate  the  Law,  if  two  Members  of  the  Legislature  could  be 
found  to  advise  it  when  his  real  Intention 'was  to  discourage  an 
application  that  he  could  not  consistent  with  his  duty  however 
willing  to  oblige  you  comply  with.  He  further  directs  me  to 
inform  you,  that  even  if  he  had  made  such  a  Promise,  which  he 
does  not  admit,  yet  two  Members  of  the  Legislature  did  not  at 
the  Time  your  Cert:  was  delivered  to  him  to  advise  the  Exporta- 
tion by  signing  the  Certificate  who  had  recommended  it  find'g 
the  army  distressed  for  want  of  Flour  thro'  the  conduct  of  Mon- 
opolizers &  Traders  in  that  article,  a  Circumstance  not  known  to 
them  before  earnestly  requested  the  Governor  not  to  add  his 
Permission  in  Consequence  of  their  hav'g  signed  the  same. 

[Stephen  Lush.] 
[To  Peter  R.  Livingston.] 

[No.  1905.] 

Samuel  Hake  Again — Asks  for  an  Extension  of  His  Parole. 

Red  Hook,  13th  Nov'r  1778. 

Sir,  As  the  parole  which  your  Excellency  was  pleased  to  take 
from  me,  deprives  me  the  pleasure  of  seeing  many  of  my  Friends 
that  I  have  about  in  the  Country,  &  as  I  flatter  myself  your  Excel- 
lency will  not  refuse  any  indulgence  which  has  been  granted  to 
other  Gentlemen,  in  a  similar  situation,  I  take  the  liberty  to 
request  my  Parole  may  be  so  far  enlarged  as  your  Excellency 
shall  not  deem  improper.  I  have  lately  been  informed,  it  has 
been  asserted,  that  I  shoud  have  taken  an  inimical  part  to  these 
States  while  in  England,  which  1  take  this  opportunity  most 
solemnly  to  deny,  &  doubt  not  but  this  disavowing  will  gain 
Credit  with  your  Excellency,  at  least  till  some  proof  is  adduced 


266  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

to  the  contrary,  more  especially  as  I  can  confirm  it  by  assertion 
by  Letters  which  I  have  in  my  possession  &  by  others  which  have 
been  received  by  Gentlemen  in  this  Country  prior  to  my  arrival. 
The  Goods  I  purchas'd  in  N.  York  &  brought  up  in  the  Flag, 
which  I  obtaind,  &  being  such  as  Blankets  &  other  articles  which 
the  Country  &  army  I  judge  to  be  in  absolute  want  of,  was  doing 
this  State  an  essential  service.  Your  Excellency  will  be  pleased 
to  remark,  that  I  took  no  cash  or  any  kind  of  Produce  with  me  to 
N.  York.  If  I  had  the  least  Idea  of  giving  offence  or  meeting 
with  the  least  difficulty,  I  shoud  not  have  attempted  to  have 
come  up  in  so  public  manner,  or  to  have  risqued  a  shilling  prop- 
erty. I  am  with  the  greatest  respect  Your  Excellency's  most 

Obedient  Servant 

Saml.  Hake. 
His  Excellency  Geo:  Clinton. 


[No.  1906.] 
ALARMING  NEWS  FROM  THE  NORTH  AND  WEST. 

Cherry  Valley  Again  Reported  Attacked — Depredations  Along  Lake 

Champlain. 

Albany  13  Novem'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  had  the  Honor  to  write  your  Excell'cy  the  8th  Instant, 
since  which  I  have  Rec'd  a  letter  from  Col.  Van  Woert  dated  at 
Cambridge  the  7th  Informing  me,  that  he  had  Rec'd  a  letter  from 
Major  Armstrong  dated  at  White  Creek,  the  6th  Instant,  ac- 
quainting him  that  Lake  George  was  full  of  Boats  with  Regu- 
lars, Tories  &  Indians,  Requesting  him  to  come  on  with  his 
whole  Regt;  he  Informs  me  he  accordingly  marched  with  his 
Regt,  but  Returned  again  in  a  day  or  two,  tha  Intelligence  not 
Proving  True.  General  Hand  Returned  to  this  place  last  Tues- 
day morning;  the  letter  alluded  to  in  mine  of  the  8th  Informed 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  267- 

him  that  a  Person  who  was  made  Prisoner  &  made  his  Escape 
from  the  Enemy  at  Crown  Point  said  that  there  was  an  Encamp- 
m't  at  that  place  of  about  300  men.  While  the  General  was  at 
Cherry  Valey,  Col.  Alden  Rec'd  an  Express  from  Col.  Gansevoort 
acquainting  him  that  he  had  Rec'd  Information  from  two  Oneida 
Indians  that  at  a  Council  held  by  the  Enemy  at  Tieoga,  it  was  De- 
termined to  fall  upon  Cherry  Valey.  Yestarday  morning  General 
Hand  was  Informed  by  letter  from  Col.  Klock  that  the  Enemy 
had  attacked  Col.  Alden  at  Cherry  Valey;  the  General  Immedi- 
ately sett  out  for  that  place  &  at  noon  Col.  Van  Schaick's  Regt. 
marched,  I  have  not  as  yet  heard  how  the  attack  has  Termi- 
nated/^ what  devestations  have  been  done  by  the  Enemy,  save 
that  Mr.  Willis's  House  &  barn  which  stood  near  the  Fort  was 
Burned.  I  Expect  momently  to  hear.  At  General  Hand's  Re- 
quest I  Ordered  the  Regts.  of  Cols.  Lansingh,  Schuyler  &  Quack- 
enboss  to  Schohary  to  Reinforce  that  Post. 

Last  Evening  I  Rec'd  a  letter  from  Colonel  Van  Woert  Contain- 
ing the  Intelligence  of  which  the  Inclosed  is  Copy,  He  Informs 
me  he  Immediately  marched  with  his  Regt;  the  other  three 
northern  Regts.,  viz.  Col.  McCrea's,  Yates's  &  Schoonhoven's  have 
had  my  Orders  Sometime  past  to  be  in  Readiness  to  march  at  a 
Moment's  notice,  When  I  Rec'd  Col.  Van  Woert's  letter  of  the 
7th  Instant  I  informed  them  of  its  Contents  &  directed  the  Col. 
nearest  to  Fort  Edward  to  send  an  Express  to  the  Commanding 
Officer  there  for  Information  &  to  let  him  know  that  they  were 
ready  to  march  to  his  assistance  &  to  give  me  the  Earliest  notice 
of  their  doings  &  the  Discovery  motions  &  Strength  of  the  Enemy. 
I  have  Rec'd  no  accts.  from  that  Quarter.  I  Remain  with  great 
Esteem  Your  Excellency's  most  obedient  Humble  Servant 

Ab'm  Ten  Broeck. 
His  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esqr. 


268  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Cambridge  Nov'r  11  1778. 
Genl.  Ten  Broeck, 

Hon'd  sir,  I  have  Just  now  rec'd  an  express  from  Colo.  Webster, 
dated  Charlotte  County  and  the  words  are  as  follows, 

Black  Creek  Nov'r  10th  1778. 

To  Colo.  Van  Woert :  This  moment  have  rec'd  an  express  from 
Skeensbourough  that  the  enemy  are  burning  on  both  sides  of 
the  Lake  all  the  houses  &  taking  all  the  men  prisoners,  Striping 
all  the  women  &  Children  the  way  they  go,  killing  all  the  Cattle; 
these  are  therefore  to  beg  your  Immediate  assistance  as  we  are  on 
our  march — Pray  forward  this  to  the  next  Colo,  or  Command'g 
Officer  Send  an  express  to  Genl.  Ten  Broeck.  Tell  him  to  send  an 
express,  to  his  Excellency  the  Governour  that  he  may  act  accord- 
ingly from  Your  hum:  Servant 

Alexander  Webster,  Lt.  Colo. 
The  above  is  a  True  Copy. 


[No.  1907.] 

Governor  Clinton  Offers  to  Assist  in  the  Search  for  Gary,  who 
Uttered  Counterfeit  Money. 

Providence  State  of  Rhode  Island  No^mr.  14  1778. 
Sir,  One  George  Cary,  of  Plainfield,  in  the  State  of  Connecticut, 
was  lately  apprehended  hear,  on  suspicion  of  his  having  passed  a 
quantity  of  Counterfitt  Continel  Thirty  Dollar  Bills  of  Novmr.  2 
1776,  also  Twenty  Dollar  Notes  Emitted  by  this  State  baring 
Date  Feb.  1777.  But  the  Evidence  not  being  full  against  him  he 
was  permitted  to  go  at  large  to  collect  Evidence  of  his  having 
taken  the  Money  in  fair  Trading  &c.  He  has  not  surrender'd 
himself  according  to  his  promise,  but  has  departed  from  his 
Dwelling,  and  tis  supposed  he  is  now  in  your  State  at  or  about 
Pekepsey,  at  the  House  of  his  Brother  Doct'r  Ebenezer  Carys;  he 
is  a  likely  fair  spoken  young  Man  of  about  Twenty  two  years  of 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  269 

Age,  weirs  his  own  Hair  &c.  I  most  earnestly  Request  that  your 
Excellency  will  give  Orders  that  dilligent  search  be  made  for  the 
said  George  Gary.  That  he  be  apprehended  and  sent  in  safe 
Oostody  to  Hartford,  or  to  this  place.  If  he  is  strictly  Examined, 
I  make  no  doubt  but  he  can  discover  Numbers  in  your  State  con- 
cerned in  this  Nefarious  scheeme.  Your  Early  attention  to  this 
matter  will  Oblige  the  publick,  and  your  Excellency's  Obedient 
Humb.  Servant. 

JaJbez  Bowen  Dep.  Gov'r  State  of  Rhode  Island  &c. 
Governor  Clinton. 


Poukeepsie  19th  Nov'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  am  honored  with  your  Letter  of  14th  Novem'r.  Immedi- 
ate Attention  will  be  paid  to  the  Business  it  recommends.  I 
have  not  the  least  Doubt  if  George  Gary  is  at  his  Brother,  the 
Doct'rs,  who  lives  about  24  Miles  from  here,  or  in  the  Neighbour- 
hood of  this  Place,  he  will  be  apprehended  &  secured,  until  he 

can  be  forwarded  to  your  state  or  Hartford.     I  am  Sir 

[G.  C.] 
Gov'r  Bowen. 


[No.  1908.] 
COURTS  MARTIAL  PENALTIES. 

Governor   Clinton  Believes  in  Leniency  as  Productive  of  Better 
Results  from  the  Militia. 

Warwick  7th  November  1778. 

Sir,  Agreeable  to  a  General  Order  of  the  21st  of  September  last 
I  have  the  honour  to  transmit  your  Excellency  the  proceedings  or 
rather  the  verdicts  of  a  Court  Martial  held  in  my  Regiment  from 
the  Continued  movements  of  the  Regiment,  was  prevented  from 
Transmitting  it  Earlier. 


270  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

I  take  the  liberty  of  Submitting  to  your  Excellency  the  Par- 
ticular situation  of  John  Monger  &  John  Newberry,  two  of  the 
Inclosed  delinquents,  whose  fines  run  pretty  high;  the  former  was 
not  at  home  when  the  Kegiment  marched;  was  moving  his  family 
to  or  near  New  Windsor,  and  when  the  Court  sat,  he  had  not  the 
Oppertunity  of  mak'g  his  defence,  not  being  apprised,  of  the 
Court's  sitting;  the  latter  has  abundantly  sattisfied  me  that  he 
is  an  infirm  person  seldom  capable  of  marching  or  undergoing 
the  least  fatigue;  therefore,  would  hope  their  fines  may  be  less- 
ened or  mitigated. 

I  would  thank  your  Excellency  for  your  direction  in  Collecting 
the  fines  inflicted  by  Regimental  Courts  Martial,  as  don't  find  any 
way  pointed  out  by  the  Militia  Law,  for  that  purpose,  I  think  it 
too  great  a  burthen  on  Either  Adjutant  or  Serjents,  to  collect 
so  many  fines  without  being  rewarded;  the  Militia  I  assure  your 
Excellency,  are  almost  weary  even  of  welldoing;  the  time  that 
consequently  must  be  spent  in  obtaining  such  serious  sums  of 
money  must  be  considerable.  Neither  do  I  find  any  provision 
made  to  pay  the  Court  Martial  for  their  service,  which  is  an  In- 
tollerable  Burthen  on  the  Officers. 

I  send  a  person  with  this  and  hope  your  Excellency  may  not 
be  so  much  engaged  in  other  Business  as  to  prevent  your  deter- 
mination on  the  within  proceedings,  that  return  may  come  back 
by  the  bearer,  as  Immediate  Examples  are  Realy  necessary. 

I  am  happy  in  being  at  liberty  to  Transmit  this  proceedings; 
the  time  is  Elapsed  since  I  received  a  message  from  the  Indus- 
trious Col.  Newkirk,  that  on  my  noncompliance  to  his  Special 
order,  given  under  his  hand,  I  was  to  be  put  under  an  arrest,  I 
have  not  complyed  with  the  order.  I  could  not  think  myself 
Justified  in  doing  it.  I  consider  myself,  however  unfit  to  be 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  271 

honoured  with  the  care  of  a  Regiment,  therefore,  not  Subject  to 
the  Controul  of  any  Inferior  Officer,  the  Dignity  of  my  Commis- 
sion I  am  determined  not  to  lessen,  It  is  my  duty  and  I  have 
made  it  my  Study,  to  invariably,  Execute,  every  order,  of  your 
Excell.,  as  well  as  other  Superior  officer.  I  cant  concieve  I  am 
vested  with  power  by  any  Law  or  order,  to  make  any. person  go 
into  service;  the  Militia  Law  points  a  punnishment  for  delin- 
quents by  Courts  Martial  which  I  had  put  in  practise,  previous  to 
the  Recieval  of  your  Excellency's  Orders,  or  the  Orders  of  Lieut. 
Col.  Newkerk. 

Being  Conscious  that  his*  orders  was  not  Complied  with,  in 
any  of  the  Neighbouring  Regiments  no  more  than  mine,  I  feel 
myself  as  willing  to  endure  the  Censure  of  a  Court  Martial,  as  to 
be  threatned  with  it;  I  think  my  Conduct  will  stand  the  strict- 
est enquiry  of  a  Court  Martial ;  am  therefore  prepared  for  de- 
fence. 

I  shall  be  obliged  to  continue  Courts  Martial  unless  otherwise 
ordered  by  your  Excellency.  I  wish  it  was  in  my  power  to  recall, 
and  Establish  that  publick  virtue  in  the  minds  of  every  Indi- 
vidual, of  my  Rgt.  Which  is  apparently  lost,  it  would  stimulate  to 
duty,  and  would  Supercede  the  Necessity  of  Courts  Martial.  I 
have  the  Honour  to  be  with  the  Greatest  Regard  Your  Excel- 

lencyes  most  Obedient  Servant 

John  Hathorn. 

N.  B.    Pardon  my  imperfect  Letter  being  in  hast. 
His  Excell'y  Governor  Clinton  Poughkepsey. 


At  a  Regimental  Court  Martial  Held  at.  Warwick  in  the  County 
of  Orange,  for  the  Trial  of  Sundry  delinqu'ts  of  Col.  Hathorn'e 
Regiment  of  Militia,  Commencing  the  12th  of  October  and  Con- 


•Col.  Newkerk. 


272  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

tinned  by  adjournments  unto  the  Thirty  first  of  the  same  month 
1778;  Whereof  Capt.  Andrew  Miller  was  President,  Lieuts.  Benja- 
min Cooley  Nathaniel  'Ketchum  and  James  Right,  &  Ensigns 
John  Wood  &  Henry  Bartolf  Members:  the  following  Persons 
were  fined  the  several  Sums  annexed  to  their  names  for  disobey- 
ing orders  to  march  in  the  late  Class  Service  at  Minisink  &  Gen- 
eral Alarm  to  Parramas: 

Andrew  Wood  £5;  Phinehas  Tompkins  8;  Colvil  Bradner  Jun'r 
40;  Abraham  Osburn  24;  Joseph  Todd  5;  William  Clerk  10; 

Andrew  Christie  5;  James  Demorest   40;   David   Demorest   40; 

f 

Philip  Reddick  20;  John  Newberry  40;  John  Robinson  24;  John 
Miller  5;  Garret  Decker  4;  John  Tebow  40;  Smith  Wesner  5; 
Joseph  McCane  12;  John  Coster  5;  John  Sandford  24;  Isaac  Win- 
ings  5;  James  Bennedict,  Jun'r  12;  Anthony  Bramer  10;  Thad- 
deus  Scott  4;  Thomas  Allenton  5;  Cornelious  Decker  2;  Samuel 
Hamanway  5;  Joshua  Hallack  8;  Justice  Odle  5;  Henry  Allison  8; 
James  Tidd  24;  Jesse  Mullocks  12;  James  Arsball  5;  James  Reder 
5;  Stephen  Wood  12;  Henry  Clerk  20;  George  Hamilton  8;  Isaac 
Jennings  5;  George  Wood  5;  John  Monger  16;  Samuel  Raner  20; 
Samuel  Raner  Jun'r  40;  Richard  Clerk  5;  Timothy  Clerk  Jun.  6; 
Henry  Jackson  8;  John  Low  16;  Isaac  Decker  8;  Nathaniel  Da  vies 
16;  Thomas  Welling  Jun'r  5;  John  Welling  5;  William  Helmes 
12;  John  Kelly  12;  Oliver  Baley  2.  £687  0. 
A  Coppy ' 

GOVERNOR  CLINTON'S  REPLY  TO  COLONEL  HATHORN. 

Poukeepsie  14th  Nov'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  have  received  your  Letter  of  the  7th  Instant  with  a  Copy 
of  the  Proceedings  of  the  Court  Martial  ag't  several  Persons  for 
Disobedience  of  Orders;  such  of  them  as  you  think  are  hardly 
dealt  with,  you  will  please  either  to  mitigate  or  remit  their  Pun- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  273 

ishment  as  you  may  Judge,  most  conducive  to  the  good  of  the 
Service.  The  Privates  tried  by  a  Court  Martial  are  suposed  to 
be  in  actual  Custody  &  not  released  till  the  Fine  is  paid;  an  allow- 
ance, therefore,  for  the  Collection  of  them  is  not  provided  for  by 
Law.  With  Respect  to  the  Officers  serving  on  Courts  Martial  I 
think  it  perfectly  just  &  reasonable  they  should  receive  pay  & 
Rations  as  if  out  on  actual  service,  but  I  doubt  whether  the  Law 
as  it  now  stands  will  warrant  my  ordering  them  Payment  &  I 
mean,  therefore,  to  apply  to  the  Legislature  at  their  next  meeting 
to  have  this  matter  properly  explained.  On  the  Complaint  of 
the  Frontier  Inhabitants  I  issued  my  Orders  to  Lieut.  Colo.  New- 
kerk  who  commands  on  the  Frontier  to  demand  of  the  different 
Regts.  their  respective  Proportions.  I  am  ignorant  how  he  has 
executed  my  Order  as  he  has  not  reported  his  Proceedings  to  me 
&  he  may  as  well  have  exceeded  his  Orders  as  been  uncomplais- 
ant  in  the  Execution  of  them.  I  am  far  however  from  agreeing 
that  there  were  great  deficiencies  in  the  Militia  ordered  out  for 
their  Protection. 

That  you  are  not  vested  with  Power  to  compell  the  refractory 
to  do  their  Share  of  Duty  when  ordered  into  actual  Service,  they 
are  Subject  to  Martial  Law  in  its  full  Extent,  &  are  not  only 
subject  to  Tryal  &  Military  Punishment  for  Disobedience  of 
Orders  in  the  first  Instance,  but  are  also  liable  to  be  forced  out 
&  punished  for  Desertion  shoud  they  quit  the  Service  before  prop- 
erly discharged.  I  wish  however  as  little  Severity  may  be  used  as 
possible,  as  the  milder  the  means  to  induce  the  Militia  to  perform 
their  Duty  if  effectual,  the  better.  I  am  fully  perswaded  you 
will  always  exert  yourself  in  the  Execution  of  your  office  &  am 
&c. 

[G.  0.] 
[To  Col.  Hathorn.] 

18 


274  PTBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  1909.] 
The  Clore  Asks  to  Become  a  Permanent  Military  Post. 

Xovem'r  14.  177S. 
To  His  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esqr.  Governor  of  the  State  of 

Xew  York. 

The  Humble  Petition  and  Representation  of  the  Subscribers 
Inhabitants  of  Orange  County  in  Smith's  Clove 

Humbly  Sheweth,  That  for  a  Considerable  time  past,  a  great 
part  of  that  County  hath  been  infested  by  a  Banditti  of  Villains, 
who  have  Committed  many  Robberies,  &  Murder,  and  that  at  this 
time  notwithstanding  some  exertion  to  suppress  them,  they  con- 
tinue in  Numbers  to  the  great  terror  of  the  peacable  Inhabitants 
as  well  as  danger  to  Travellers  through  the  Country: 

That  if  some  Spirited  measure  is  not  Speedily  pursued  to  ap- 
prehend their  principals,  and  shorly  to  reduce  the  Gang,  your 
Petitioners  are  perswaded  that  the  most  dangerous  Consequence, 
may  be  expected,  to  the  public,  as  well  as  certain  Ruin  to  the 
Country  where  they  harbour.  Deserters  already  are  Collecting  to 
them  and  as  they  are  favoured  by  the  Mountanious  Situation  of 
the  Country,  as  well  as  by  too  many  of  the  Inhabitants,  and  also 
have  an  easy  communication  with  New  York  it's  feared  that  in 
a  short  space  of  time  they  will  be  formidable. 

Your  Petitioners  confess  that  Colo.  Malcom  at  their  Request, 
hath  for  Two  Months  past  kept  a  party  of  Troops  on  duty  at  the 
Clove  for  their  Protection,  but  for  reasons  which  we  cannot  dis- 
approve of.  he  has  lately  called  them  to  the  Garrison,,  so  that  the 
Country  is  now  exposed  to  the  insults,  and  depredation  of  those 
Lawless  banditti. 

Your  Petitioners  therefore  moved  by  their  wish  for  the  Public 
good,  as  well  as  their  own  safety,  most  humble  intreat  your 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  275 

Excellency  will  be  pleased  to  Scilicet  the  Commander  in  Chief, 
to  Establiss  a  Post,  in  the  Clove  this  Winter,  which,  we  are  per- 
swaded  will  have  a  salutary  effect,  If  conducted  by  a  Judicious 
Officer  or  such  other  means  as  your  Excellency  shall  judge  most 
proper,  for  the  Public  good  &  their  Production  and  as  in  duty 

bound 

Your  Petitioners  Shall  ever  Pray  &c. 

Adam  Gilchrist,  David  June,  William  Miller.  Sen.,  David  Mil- 
ler, Zebert  June,  David  Phillips,  Thomas  Smith,  Benjamin  Prin- 
dle,  David  Prindle,  Ittiel  June.  Roger  McManus,  Peter  Reynolds, 
Thos.  Couper.  James  Runels.  Abner  Thorp.  Silas  Reynolds,  Chever 
Devenport.  Thomas  Devenport.  Robert  Devenport,  John  Woolly, 
John  Wygand.  Andrew  Thorp.  John  Waygant,  Jun.,  Cloudes  Rey- 
nolds, Wm.  Miller,  Abraham  Smethen.  John  Johnston.  James  Tut- 
hill,  Abraham  Butler.  Francis  Smith.  John  Floranc,  Thomas  Lem- 
erix,  James  Galiway,  Henry  Reynolds.  Eseri  Earles.  John  Earles, 
Sen.,  William  Reynolds,  Solomon  Lewis,  Johnathan  Earll.  James 
Lewis,  Peter  Earll,  John  Brooks,  Samuel  Earll,  David  Reynolds, 
Daniel  Reynolds.  Andrw  Reynolds,  John  Lamoureux,  Jun'r,  John 

-+       • 

Demerest,  Jacob  Compton.  sen'r.  Jacob  Compton,  Jun'r,  Wm. 
Compton,  James  Lewis,  Jun'r,  Samuel  Lewis.  Fracis  Miller.  Wm. 
Clark,  Morris  Pilgrim,  Wm.  Bell. 


[Xo.  1910.] 

Judge  Martin  Rfqutste  a  Special  Commission  of  Oyer  and  Termvner 
be  Issued  for  Orange  County. 

Goshen  14th  November  177^ 

May  it  please  your  Excellency,  At  the  Court  of  General  Ses- 
sions of  the  Peace  holden  here  this  Week,  the  Grand  Jury  has 
found  several  Bills  of  Indictment,  amongst  which  are  three  Bills 


276  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

for  High  Treason,  four  for  misprison  of  Treason,  several  for  Horse 
Stealing,  Larceny  and  other  Felonious  Crimes — most  of  the  cul- 
prits are  confined  in  the  Goal  in  this  Town,  with  several  others 
who  will  no  doubt  be  Indicted  and  most  probably  convicted  when 
a  proper  court  can  sit  to  hear  and  determin  upon  their  cases. 

The  Court  has,  therefore,  desired  me  to  request  your  Excellency 
that  a  Commission  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  may  Issue  as  soon  as 
posible  for  this  County  (if  it  has  not  Issued  already)  in  order  that 
those  Villains  may  be  speedily  brought  to  Trial,  least  by  some 
means  they  should  make  their  Escape,  the  consequence  of  which 
might  prove  fatal  to  several  very  valuable  members  of  society, 
as  the  implacable  nature  of  those  Enemies  of  Mankind  knows  no 
relief  but  in  Revenge.  I  am  with  Esteem  your  Excellencies  most 

obedient  Humble  Servant 

Elihu  Marvin. 
Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  1911.] 
Count  Pulaski  Stationed  at  Minisink. 

Rochester  Nov'r  15fh  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  Upon  the  Receipt  of  your  Excellency's  Letter  I  went 
to  Minisink  in  Company  of  Colo.  Cantine..  I  found  about  150 
men  at  that  post,  40  of  which  I  Sent  Under  the  Command  of 
Capt.  Cuddiback  to' the  assistance  of  Colo.  Sowers  who  was  gone 
to  Keshecton,  and  by  accounts  which  I  collected  from  Some 
persons  who  had  left  him,  I  was  led  to  believe  he  wanted  assist- 
ance to  Cross  the  Mingoup  Kill.  Various  and  uncertain  are  the 
accounts  from  that  Quarter;  however,  I  am  not  apprehensive  of 
the  Enemy  attempting  any  thing  further  this  Season.  Upon  my 
return  I  found  orders  from  his  Excellency  Genl.  Washington  to 
Remain  here,  where  I  have  taken'post  accordingly  and  shall  guard 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  277 

as  far  as  Lunen  Kill.  Count  Polasky  is  to  take  post  at  the  Mini- 
sinks,  and  then  I  should  Immagine  the  militia  may  be  Discharged, 
it  being  too  far  advanced  in  the  Reason  to  attempt  doing  much  in 
the  Expidition  way  this  Fall.  Shall  be  glad  your  Excellency  will 
please  to  give  Directions  with  Respect  to  the  Militia  am  with  all 

Respect  yr.  obd.  Hum'e  Servant 

Philip  Cortlandt. 
[To  Gov.  Clinton.] 

[No.  1912.] 

Governor  Clinton  Approves  General  Ten  BroeeWs  Dispositions. 
-  Nov'r  15"  1778  Poghkeepsie. 

Sir,  I  this  moment  rec'd  yours  of  the  13"  Inst.  pr.  Express. 
Colo.  Cortlandt's  Regiment,  Contin'  Troops,  the  one  half  of  the 
militia  of  Ulster  and  Orange  Countys,  the  |  of  this,  are  now  on  the 
Western  Frontier  of  Orange  &  Ulster  and  his  Excellency  General 
Washington  has  ordered  Count  Pulaski's  new  raised  Legion 
(which  is  also  some  accession  of  Force)  to  Minisink. 

I  much  approve  of  the  steps  you  have  taken  in  the  ordering  out 
of  the  Militia  of  your  Brigade  for  the  Defence  of  the  Frontiers  and 
in  assisting  General  Hand  as  occasion  required. 

Your  attention  to  the  Northern  Frontier  also  receives  my  ap- 
probation. I  would  wish  equal  Care  to  be  used  for  the  safety  and 
Protection  of  the  Inhabitants  there,  as  of  those  on  the  western 
Frontier.  You  will  continue  to  give  Genl.  Hand  every  assistance 
in  your  Power  and  to  transmit  me  by  Express  such  accounts  as 
you  esteem  of  any  Importance.  Be  assured  that  my  Endeavors 
shall  not  be  wanting  to  render  you  occasionally  every  aid  I  can 

obtain  or  command  for  your  Relief. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Gen.  Ten  Broeck.] 


278  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  1913.] 
GOVERNOR  CLINTON  DECLINES. 

Sheriff  Nicoll  of  Orange  County  Fails  to  Obtain  a  Small  Militia 
Guard  for  the  Goshen  Gaol. 

Goshen  Nov'r  14  1778. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency,  There  is  a  number  of  persona 
In  Goal  here  aganste  whome  the  Grand  Jury  have  found  Bills  of 
a  high  nature,  and  a  number  of  Others  who  will  no  doubt  be  found 
guilty  when  properly  Charged,  and  it  is  beyon  a  peradventure 
with  me,  that  they  will  endevor  to  make  their  Escape,  and  I  am 
afraid  will  affect  it  unless  a  Better  Guard  is  allowed  then  at 
present;  the  Militia  Guards  in  General  are  very  remiss,  especily 
when  neare  home;  and  those  at  the  Court  House,  are  Such  as 
Live  in  Goshen;  it  tis  the  Opinion  of  the  Court,  that  a  Subaltern's 
Guard  aught  to  be  kept,  untill  Such  time  as  the  Court  of  Oyer 
&  Terminer  Sets,  and  I  Should  be  glad  if  a  Militia  Guard  is  Con- 
tinued that  it  might  be  Ordered  out  of  Coll.  Hathorn's  Redgment. 

I  am  with  Due  Respect  your  Excellency's  Most  Obedient  and 

Humble  iServent 

Isaac  Nicoll. 
To  His  Excellency  George  Clinton. 


THE  GOVERNOR'S  ANSWER. 

[November  -  — ,  1778.] 

Sir,  I  have  rec'd  yours  of  the  14"  Inst.  yesterday.  I  do  not 
think  any  Militia  Guard  will  be  a  sufficient  Check  upon  the  Pris- 
oners unless  they  are  in  the  Custody  of  a  good  Gaoler  and  prop- 
erly secured  with  Irons.  We  have  Claudius  Smith,  Austin  Smith 
and  severall  other  Capital  Offenders  in  Prison  here.  They  are 
well  secured  with  Irons  and  added  to  this  the  principal  People  of 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  279 

the  Place  to  the  Number  of  30  have  voluntarily  divided  them- 
selves into  Parties  of  6  each  Night.  They  sit  in  the  Court  Room 
and  visit  the  Prisoners  every  Hour  and  mean  to  continue  this 
Duty  until  the  Gaol  is  discharged.  Let  me,  therefore,  recomnrend 
similar  Measures  to  be  pursued  by  the  Inhabitants  of  Goshen 
who  T  trust  have  at  least  equal  Zeal  for  the  public  Security.  It 
will  keep  your  Prisoners  safe  and  ease  the  ordinary  militia  of 
2.  Share  of  Duty  that  does  not  properly  belong  to  them. 

By  the  Bearer  Mr.  Barclay,  you  will  receive  a  Precept  for  a 
Court  of  Oyer  &  Terminer  &  Genl.  gaol  Delivery  signed  by  Mr. 
Justice  Hubbart.  I  have  directed  Barclay  to  go  by  the  way  of  the 
New  Paltz  and  to  get  Judge  Marvin  who  is  attend'g  a  Court 
martial  at  that  Place  also  to  sign  it,  and  you  will  on  the  Receipt 
of  it,  either  immediately  go  yourself  or  send  a  trusty  deputy  and 
get  Judge  Haring  or  Judge  Cooper  to  sign  it  or  both  if  any  acci- 
dent prevents  Mr.  Marvin  from  signing  it  as  it  must  be  signed 
by  three  of  the  Judges  at  least.  This  Business  must  not  be  de- 
layed as  there  must  be  at  least  15  Days  between  the  Receipt  of 
it  properly  executed  by  three  of  the  Judges  &  the  Day  of  its  Re- 
turn which  is  on  Tuesday  the  15th  of  December  next?  I  am  Sir 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Isaac  Nicoll.] 


[No.  1914.] 
President  Laurens  Keeps  in  Touch  with  New  York  State. 

Philadelphia  16th  November  1778. 

Sir,  My  last  address  to  your  Excellency  was  under  the  16th 
Ultimo  by  Messenger  Brown,  since  which  I  have  not  received  any 
of  your  favors. 

I  now  have  the  honor  of  inclosing  herewith  two  Copies  of  the 
undermentioned  acts  of  Congress  viz. 


280  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

An  act  of  the  26th  August  1776  for  establishing  a  provision 
for  Soldiers  and  Seamen  maimed  or  disabled  in  the  service  of  the 
United  States- — to  which  is  subjoined  a  supplementary  act  of  the 
25th  September  1778  for  the  benefit  of  maimed  or  disabled  Volun- 
teers in  the  service  of  the  iStates  antecedent  to  the  date  of  the 
first  above-mentioned  act. 

An  act  of  the  26th  September  for  organizing  the  public 
Treasury*  and  for  providing  an  House  for  the  several  offices  of 
Treasury. 

You  will  likewise  receive  an  act  of  Congress  for  holding  a  gen- 
eral Thanksgiving  throughout  these  States  on  Wednesday  the 
30th  December  next — and  three  Copies  of  the  Treaty 'of  Amity 
and  Commerce  and  of  Alliance  eventual  and  defensive  between 
His  Most  Christian  Majesty  and  these  United  States  for  the  in- 
formation and  use  of  the  State  of  New  York.  I  have  the  honor 
to  be  with  the  highest  Respect  &  Esteem  Sir  Your  Excellency'^ 
Most  obedient  &  Most  humble  servant. 

Henry  Laurens,  President  of  Congress. 
His  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esquire  Governor  of  New  York. 


[No.  1915.] 
CAPTAIN  SWARTWOUT  CASHIERED. 

Failure  of  His  Charges  Against  Colonel  Frear,  who  is  Vindicated 
by  a  Court  Martial. 

At  a  Brigade  Court  Martial  held  on  Monday  the  16th  Day  of  November  1778  at  the 
House  of  Wm.  Haskin  at  New  Hackinsack,  in  Rombouts  Precinct,  for  the  Trial  of  such 
Commissioned  officers  as  were  ordered  to  appear  before  said  Court  by  order  of  Coio. 
Comdt.  Jacobus  Swartwout  of  the  Militia  of  the  County  of  Dutches,  of  which  Court. 

was 

Colo.'  Abraham  Brinckerhoff  President: 

Members: 

Lieut.  Colo.,  Jacob  Griffen,  Capt.,  John  V.  Bunschooten, 

Maj'r,  Andrew  Hill,  Capt.,  Hugh  Van  Kleeck, 

Capt.,  George  Brinckerhoff,  Capt.,  John  Brinckerhoff, 

Capt.,  John  Van  Kleeck,  Capt.,  Isaac  Van  Wyck, 

Capt.,  Matthew  V.  Bunschooten,  Capt.,  Thomas  Storm, 

Capt.,  Johannes  Scutt,  Capt.,  Lemuel  Concklin, 

Hend'k  Wyckoff  to  act  as  Judge  Advocate. 

*See  page  9& 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  281 

The  President  and  Members  being  Duly  sworn  by  the  Judge  Advocate,  and  the  Judge 
Advocate  by  the  President,  according  to  Order  Proceeded  upon  Buisiness. 

A  Charge  against  Lieut.  Finch  of  Colo.  Hopkins  Regt.  being  sent  by  Colo.  Comdt. 
Swartwout  and  laid  before  said  Court  being  as  follows, 

A  Charge  against  Leut.  Finch  of  Colo.  Hopkins  Regt.  for  taking  Thirty  Dollars  from 
Elisha  Latimore  who  lives  at  the  City,  for  Receiving  a  Boy  under  Size  in  the  place  of  a 
Militia  Man  to  serve  the  last  Tour  at  Fort  Clinton. 

Sign'd— Elisha  Latimore  Lieut. 
Oct'r  29th  1778. 

Lieut.  Finch  not  appearing  before  said  Court,  the  Court  have  thought  proper  to 
acquaint  the  Colo.  Comdt.,  as  soon  as  possible  of  the  Non  appearance  or  Lt.  Finch. 

A  Cnarge  was  laid  before  said  Court  by  Colo.  John  Frear  against  Capt.  Barnardus 
Swartwout  of  his  Regt.  whom  Colo.  Frear  had  put  under  arrest,  the  Charge  being  as 
follows, 

Charge  against  Capt.   Barnardus  Swartwout  of  my  Regt.   for  Disobedience  of  orders 
and  behaving  unbecoming  as  an  Officer. 
Poughkeepsie  (October)  1778.  John  Frear  Colo. 

Capt.  Barnardus  Swartwout  appearing  before  said  Court  pleads  not  Guilty. 

David  Cypher,  a  private  of  Capt.  Barnardus  Swartwout's  Company,  Colo.  Frear's  Regt., 
appearing  before  said  Court  as  an  Evidence  and  being  Duly  sworn  saith,  that  he  heard 
Colo.  John  Frear  tell  Capt.  Barnardus  Swartwout  on  the  Road,  not  to  go  to  the  Fort,  that 
he  was  not  wanted  there,  that  he  the  Colo.,  had  got  another  man  in  Capt.  Swartwout's 
Room,  and  that  Colo'.  Frear  tolrt  Capt.  Swartwout  farther  to  turn  out  such  men  as 
Could  be  best  spared,  single  men  and  such  as  were  hired  and  not  men  of  families  and 
Distress  their  Families. 

Lieut.  Abraham  Fort  of  Capt.  Barnardus  Swartwout's  Company  in  said  Regt.  appear- 
ing before  said  Court  as  an  Evidence  and  being  Duly  Sworn  saith.  That  he  himself 
Delivered  a  warrant  of  Colo.  John  Frear  to  Capt.  Barnardus  Swartwout — the  warrant 
being  produced  to  the  Court  by  Capt.  Swartwout  Read  as  follows, 

Poughkeepsie  Sept'r  24th  1778. 

Sir,  You  are  hereby  Required  and  Commanded  to  turn  out  Six  men  from  the  fourth 
Class  of  your  Company  Imrneadiately,  in  Order  to  Guard  the  Governor's  and  the  Court 
House  who  are  to  serve  for  one  Month  unless  sooner  Discharged,  You  are  likewise 
Required  to  Re'.eive  the  Men  weekly.  Fail  not  at  your  Peril. 

John  Frear,  Colo. 

N.  B.  You  are  likewise  Commanded  to  turn  out  your  first  Lieutenant  to  Command 
the  Guard. 

After  the  Deponent  had  Delivered  the  warrant  to  Capt.  Swartwout  and  having  Read 
It  he  (Capt.  Swartwout)  got  the  Deponent  to  write  an  answer  to  said  warrant  to  Colo. 
Frear  which  Letter  Capt.  Swartwout  Signed  himself  (a  Copy  of  the  Letter  being  jro- 
•duced  Read  as  follows),  *• 

Wappens  Creek  Sept'r  24th  1778. 

Sir,  Whereas  I  Received  Orders  from  you  this  morning  to  turn  out  Six  Men  out  of  the 
fourth  Class  of  my  Company  which  I  think  ungenerous  and  not  Consistent  with  the 
Laws  of  our  Assembly  to  turn  out  any  of  the  fourth  Class,  before  the  third  Class  has 
done  their  Tour  of  Duty,  so  I  dont  Intend  to  send  any  of  the  fourth  Class  untill  the 
third  Class  has  done  their  Tour,  as  the  weekly  Releif  o>f  the  Third  Class  is  going  up  this 
Day,  and  as  each  man  has  served  only  one  fortnight,  their  Tour  will  not  be  out  untill 
the  24th  of  next  month;  after  that  time  is  Expired  if  it  is  then  Required,  I  will  send 
men  out  of  the  fourth  Class. 

N.  B.  You  also  Command  me  to  order  my  first  Lieutenant  to  take  the  Command  of 
the  Guard  which  belongs  to  the  Fourth  Class,  which  I  will  not  order  'till  the  Lieuts.  of 
the  Third  Class  has  done  their  Tour. 

B.  Swartwout. 

After  the  Letter  was  wrote  and  Capt.  Swartwout  had  put  his  name  to  it,  he  Desired 
the  Deponent  to  Deliver  the  Letter  to  Colo.  Frear;  the  Deponent  made  an  apology,  that 
if  he  Carried  the  Letter  and  Delivered  it  to  Colo.  Frear,  that  Colo.  Frear  would  order 
him  to  take  the  Command  of  the  Guard,  Capt.  Swartwout  answered,  that  he  might  do 
as  he  pleased,  but  if  he  did  not  take  the  Command  of  the  Guard  after  being  thereunto 
Commanded  by  Colo.  Frear,  that  he  (Capt.  Swartwout)  would  stand  between  him  and  all 
harm,  upon  which  the  Deponent  Carried  the  Letter  and  Delivered  it  to  Colo.  Frear, 
who  after  Reading  it,  Commanded  the  Deponent  to  take  the  Command  of  the  Guard  and 
send  a  warrant  to  the  Corporal  of  the  fourth  Class,  to  warn  six  men  out  of  the  fourth 
Class  During  the  term  of  one  month,  both  which  the  Deponent  obeyed  and  sent  a  war- 
rant to  the  Corporal.  Two  Days  afterwards  Capt.  Swartwout,  saw  the  Deponent  and 
shewed  the  Deponent  the  same  warrant  which  he  sent  to  the  Corporal,  and  asked  the 


282  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Deponent  If  it  was  his  Hand  writing;  he  answered  Capt.  Swartwout,  it  was  his  Hand 
writing;  then  Capt.  Swartwout  Immeadiately  ordered  the  Deponent  under  arrest  for 
Disobeying  his  orders,  and  said,  he,  (Capt.  Swartwout)  had  taken  the  warrant  away 
from  the  Corporal  himself — farther  saith,  that  Colo.  Frear  ordered  him  (the  Deponent) 
to  send  the  Serjeant  of  the  Third  Class  then  with  the  Guard  with  the  above  warrant, 
to  the  Corporal  and  toCd  the  Serjt,  that  he  need  not  Return  again  as  the  Guard  of  the 
fourth  Class  was  Coming  to  Releive  him — farther  saith  not. 

'  The  Court  after  Due  Deliberation  are  of  opinion  and  agree  that  Capt.  Barnardus  Swart- 
wout is  Guilty  of  the  Charge  alledged  against  him,  and,  therefore,  unfit  of  Holding  a 
Commission  and  ought  to  he  Cashiered.  > 

Colo.  John  Frear  appearing  before  said  Court  for  trial,  being  ordered  under  arrest  by 
Colo.  Comdt.  Jacobus  Swartwout,  upon  Complaint  of  Capt.  Bernardus  Swartwout. 

Capt.  Barnardus  Swartwout  appearing  before  said  Court  brought  three  Charges  against 
Colo.  John  Frear  which  being  Laid  before  said  Court  and  were  Read  as  follows — 

1st  Charge,  against  Colo.  Frear,  Commanding  me  to  turn  out  more  than  the  fourth 
man  which  is  against  the  Governor's  orders. 

Barnardus  Swartwout. 
Oct'r  31st  1778. 

2nd  Charge,  Commanding  the  Fourth  Class  on  Duty  or  Command  a  fortnight  before  it 
fell  to  them  by  Ballot  and  Discharging  the  Third  Class  from  Duty  a  fortnight  before 
their  time  was  Expired  by  Ballot. 

Barnardus  Swartwout. 
Oct'r  31st  1778. 

3rd  Charge,  against  Colo.  Frear,  for  neglect  to  give  or  Render  a  just  account  of  all  the 
Delinquents  monies  which  was  Collected  and  the  assess  money  of  his  Regt.  from  the 
6th  of  August  1777  untill  the  first  Day  of  Oct'r  1778. 

Barnardus  Swartwout. 
Oct'r  31st  1W8. 

Colo.  John  Frear  Pleads,  not  Guilty. 

Lieut.  Stephen  Hendrickson  of  Capt.  Hugh  Van  Kleeck's  Company,  Colo.  Frear's 
Regt.,  appearing  before  said  Court  as  an  Evidence,  and  being  Duly  sworn  saith,  that 
Capt.  Barnardus  Swartwout  came  to  his  House  and  Desired  him  to  go  with  him  to  hia 
Excellency's  the  Gov'r  that  the  Deponent  having  an  Errand  there  himself  accordingly 
went  with  Capt.  Swartwout.  Upon  the  way  Capt.  Swartwout  told  the  Deponent  hi3 
Buisiness;  that  his  Company  was  abused  &c;  that  he  was  going  to  Complain  upon  Com- 
ing to  the  Governor's.  His  Excellency  came  out;  Capt.  Swartwout  laid  his  Grievance 
before  his  Excellency,  who  answered  that  it  was  Impossible  for  him  to  Enter  into  the 
Details  of  the  Companies;  that  if  his  Company  was  abused  he  must  apply  to  the  Com- 
mandant; if  the  Commandant  would  not  see  him  Righted  he  would,  and  farther  said 
that  he  Commanded  no  more  than  one  fourth  part  of  the  Militia  out  into  actual  service. 
What  Discourse  passed  farther  between  his  Excellency  and  Capt.  Swartwout  the 
Deponent  does  not  Remember — farther  saith  not. 

The  Court  after  Due  Deliberation  are  of  opinion  and  agree  that  the  first  and  second 
Charges  or  Crimes  alledged  against  Colo.  John  Frear  not  being  supported,  that  Colo. 
Frear  is  not  Guilty. 

Concerning  the  Third  Charge  against  Colo.  Jno.  Frear,  the'  Court  are  of  opinion  and 
Judge,  that  it  does  not  Belong  to  this  Court  to  Call  Colo.  Frear  to  Render  an  account  of 
the  assess  mon'ey  of  his  Regt.,  and  that  it  is  out  of  the  Power  of  this  Court  to  Meddle 
with  the  same;  and  this  Court,  therefore,  are  of  Opinion  that  Colo.  John  Frear  ought  to 
be  Discharged  from  his  arrestment  with  Honour. 

Abr'm  Brinckerhoff  President. 
New  Hackinsack  Nov'r  16th  1778. 

A  true  Copy  from  the  Original. 

Hend'k  Wyckoff. 


Poughkeepsie  th  24th  August  1778. 

Sir,  You  are  hereby  ordered  to  send  six  men  out  of  your  Company  to  Poughkeepsie 
to  keep  gard  on  his  Excelencies  Request  well  acquiped  and  accutered  to  Be  in  Sarvices 
for  the  space  of  one  fortenite  and  then  to  Releaved  By  others.  You  may  fix  your  for  one 
weeK  if  you  Like  or  any  other  Convenant  manner  the  whole  gard  will  Consist  of  24 
men  under  the  Command  of  one  Lutennant  the  men  are  to  Be  Thare  on  Tuesday  att 
12  o'clock  if  possible  and  if  you  Can  not  get  them  Ready  the  27  in  the  Morning.  Given 
under  my  hand. 

John  Frear,  Co!. 
Capt.  Barnardus  Swartwout. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  283 

Poughkeepsie  the  31  August  1778. 

Sir,  In  Consequans  of  orders  Receaved  of  His  Excelencey  Requesting  the  Forth  part 
of  the  Mallitia  to  gard  the  post  and  pass  in  the  Highlands  att  Fort  Arnold,  you  are 
tharefore  Commanded  to  order  that  part  of  your  Companey  which  Have  Sarved  part  of 
there  Time,  to  Sarve  one  month  Including  the  time  Thay  Have  alreadey  Sarved,  Then 
to  Be  Releaved  By  the  Next  Class.  Theay  are  to  be  well  acquiped  and  accotered  if 
posable.  You  will  also  Hold  the  Rest  of  your  Companey  In  parfect  Readyness  to  March 
on  the  Shortest  Notice  if  Requiered.  Hereof  Fail  Not  att  your  peril.  Given  under  my 
hand. 

John  Frear,  Coll. 
Capt.  Swartwout. 

N.  B.    Thay  to  march  Saterday  next  or  Shuner  if  posable. 

Fort  Clinton  September  ye  23  1778. 
Capt.  Swartwout  is  dismiss  with  his  Compny— permltt  them  to  Cross  the  River. 

James  V  D  Burgh. 


Samuel  Concklin — 1;  1  Liet.  Stephen  Hendricks  1;  2d  Liet.  John  Johnson;  Ensign 
Abraham  Van  Keuren.  Officers  that  are  to  Go  with  the  first  Class. 

Second  Class:  B.  Swartwout,  Capt;  Dliphelet  Platt  1  Liet;  Ellas  Frayr  2  Lie;  Henry 
Kip  Ensign. 

Third  Class:  John  Van  Kleek,  Capt.  Jacobus  Frayr,  1  Liet,.  Simon  Leroy,  2  Liet. 
Phelix  Lewis,  Ensig. 

Fourth  Class:  Hugh  Van  Kleek,  Capt;  Abraham  Fort,  1  Lie;  Simon'  Lawson,  2  Liet; 
Jacobus  Van  Debogert. 

A  List  of  those  men  in  my  Compeny  that  is  not  Able  to  Buy  Guns:  Matthew  Duboys, 
John  French,  Levy  Quimby,  Isaac  Piet.  Lawson,  John  Henrick  Mires,  Thomas  Duboys, 
George  Ames,  Jeremiah  Duboys,  Isaac  Forgeson. 


Fort  Arnold  July  18,  1778. 

Capt.  Swartwout,  with  the  Company  of  Militia  under  his  Command  from  the  State  of 
New  York,  have  General  Glover's  thanks  for  their  services  at  this  post,  &  are  permitted 
to  pass  from  hence  to  their  respective  places  of  abode,  by  the  General's  Commad. 

Thomas  Fosdick,  Major  Brigade. 


[No.  1916.] 
Mr.  Hillhouse's  Permit  to  Export  Flour  Threatened. 

Amenia  16th  Nov'r  1778. 

Sir,  Lieut.  Doty  waits  on  your  Excellency  with  a  Letter  from 
Mr.  Colt  which  I  Conclude  is  to  Indeavour  to  Put  "a  Stop  to  Par- 
ticular Persons  Purchasing  Large  Quantities  of  Flour  Under  Pre- 
tence of  Purchasing  For  the  Eastern  State  Troops.  Great  abuses 
have  been  Committed  in  that  way,  Especially  by  one  Hillhouse, 
who  is  Purchasing  Large  Quantities  in  my  District  Part  of  which 
he  Pays  in  hard  Money  what  he  pays  in  Paper  Money  he  Pays  at 
an  Advans't  Price  from  the  Kesident  Purchasers. 

I  Could  wish  No  Permits  might  be  Given  to  Such  People  as  it 
only  Tends  to  Eaise  the  Price  and  is  a  Violation  of  a  Rule  of  Con- 
gress which  forbids  Purchasers  Interfearing  into  other  Districts. 

I  am  S'r  Your  Humb.  Serv't 

James  Reed,  A.  C.  P. 

His  Excellency  Gov.  Clinton  Esq.  Poughkeepsie. 


284  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Poiikeepsie  17th  Nov'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  have  received  your  Letter  of  the  16th  Instant.  You  may 
rest  assured  that  no  Person  shall  have  my  Permission  to  export 
any  Quantity  of  Flour  out  of  the  State  until  the  army  is  supplied. 
Mr.  Hillhouse  procured  a  Permit  to  export  50  Ton  on  the  Recom- 
mendation of  Gov'r  Trumbull  but  as  I  have  good  Reason  to  be- 
lieve he  has  abused  the  Indulgence  by  already  exporting  a 
greater  Quantity,  if  this  is  the  Case  &  I  think  you  may  easily 
prove  it,  his  Permit  [should  be  revoked].  I  am  Sir  your  most 

•Obed't  Serv't 

Geo.  Clinton. 
[To  James  Reed  Esq.] 


[No.  1917.] 
DESTRUCTION  OF  CHERRY  VALLEY. 

Reports  from  Subordinate  Officers  Transmitted  Through  Governor 
Clinton  to  General  Washington. 

Schenectady  15th  Nov'r  1778. 

D'r  Sir,  Upon  Information  that  the  Enemy  on  the  Evening  of 
the  12th  Inst.  had  left  Cherry  Valley  after  having  destroyed  the 
Village  and  put  a  Number  of  the  Inhabitants  together  with  Colo. 
Alden  and  some  of  the  Garrison  to  the  Sword,  the  Number  of 
which  cannot  as  yet  be  particularly  ascertained,,  I  recommended 
it  to  Colo.  Clock  who  had  collected  about  three  hundred  of  the 
Militia  to  pursue  them,  if  he  found  it  practicable;  but  a  want  of  a 
sufficient  supply  of  Provisions  &  ammunition  added  to  a  Persua- 
sion that  the  Enemy  had  gone  too  far  to  be  overtaken  induced  the 
Colo,  to  lay  aside  all  Thoughts  of  a  pursuit  and  disband  his  Regt. 
I,  therefore,  left  Cocknawaga  yesterday  and  arrived  last  evening 
at  this  Place,  where  I  had  not  been  many  Hours  before  I  was  sur- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  285 

prised  with  the  disagreable  Intelligence  of  the  Enemy  having 
returned  yesterday  Morning  and  at  12  O'Clock  took  the  Garrison 
of  Fort  Alden  by  Storm.  Colo.  Van  Scaak's  Regt.  was  advanced 
as  far  as  Fort  Johnson  this  Morning,  and  pushing  forward  with 
all  possible  Dispatch  for  Fort  Plank,  which,  you  will  see  by  the 
inclosed  Letters,  is  reported  to  be  likewise  attacked.  I  shall 
leave  this  immediately  for  aforesaid  Place  and  use  every  Means 
in  my  Power  to  check  the  further  Approaches  of  these  Savages. 
Time  will  not  admit  of  my  writing  to  his  Excellency  Genl.  Wash- 
ington; shall  therefore  be  much  obliged  to  you,  sir,  to  forward 
him  the  Intelligence.  I  am  sir  with  esteem  Your  most  Obt.  Serv't 

Edw'd  Hand. 
His  Exc'y  Geo.  Clinton. 


GENERAL  TEN  BROECK  TO  GENERAL  HAND.     , 

Albany  12"  Nov'r  1778  5  P.  M. 

Sir,  Agreable  to  your  request  I  immediately  ordered  Colo.  Lan- 
sing's, Schuyler's  &  Col.  Quackenbosh  Regts.  to  Schohary  &  I 
desired  Capt.  Sprout  who  travelled  with  you  to  desire  you  to 
give  Orders  to  Col.  Wemple  who  commands  the  Schonectady 
militia. 

The  inclosed  is  a  copy  of  a  Letter  I  just  this  moment  received 
from  Colonel  Van  Woert  of  my  Brigade,  Before  I  rec'd  this  I  had 
determined  to  sett  out  early  in  the  morning  presence.  I  now  wish 
to  receive  your  directions.  Some  days  ago  I  sent  orders  to  the 
Colonels  of  my  four  northern  Regt.  to  hold  their  Regts.  ready  at 
a  moment's  notice,  &  directed  Col.  Van  Vegten  who  lives  at 
Saratoga,  to  send  an  Express  to  Fort  Edward  to  know  from  the 
commanding  officer  there  whether  the  Intelligence  he  received 
made  it  necessary  for  them  to  march  but  have  not  yet  heard  from 


28G  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

that  Quarter.     I  remain  with  esteem  Sir  Your  most  humb.  ser- 
vant 

Ab'm  Ten  Broeck. 
The  Honble.  Genl.  Hand. 


MAJOR  WHITING  TO  GENERAL  HAND. 

Fort  Alden  Cherry  Valley  Nov.  13,  1778. 

Hon'd  Sir,  I  embrace  the  earliest  opportunity  the  present  situa- 
tion of  our  affairs  would  admit  of,  to  inform  you  of  the  state  of 
the  Garrison.  On  the  11"  ins.  the  Enemy,  notwithstanding  all 
our  endeavours  to  the  contrary,  surprised  us,  having  taken  a 
scout  of  Sergt.  &  8  of  ours  &  took  one  &  compelled  him  to  pilot 
them  to  the  officers  Quarters.  They  push'd  vigorously  for  the 
fort  and  had  it  not  been  for  great  activity  &  alertness  of  the 
Troops  they  had  rushed  within  the  lines.  The  Colonel  fell  in 
attempting  geting  to  the  Fort;  the  Lt.  Col.  Stacy  was  made 
prisoner,  together  with  one  Lt.,  one  Ens.,  the  Surgeon's  mate  & 
a  few  privates.  We  had  about  6  or  8  of  the  Regt.  killed,  some 
missing.  The  enemy  was  very  numerous;  burnt  all  the  buildings 
in  the  settlement,  killed  a  great  number  of  the  inhabitants,  men 
women  &  Children,  carryed  off  many  prisoners;  some  few  that 
hid  in  the  woods  have  got  into  the  Fort.  They  collected  all  the 
cattle,  horses  &  Sheep  they  could  and  drove  off;  they  paid  us  a 
second  visit  yesterday,  but  nothing  of  them  has  been  discovered 
this  day.  Notwithstanding  the  earliest  &  repeated  dispatches  to 
the  river  have  had  no  reinforcement  from  there.  When  we  were 
first  attacked,  we  had  not  a  pound  of  bread  pr  man  in  garrison; 
had  it  not  been  for  a  barrel  of  powder  &  half  a  box  of  Catridges 
belonging  to  the  Town,  our  ammunition  would  have  failed  us. 
One  Scout,  a  Sergt.  &  8  men  that  went  by  the  Butternuts  has  not 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  287 

been  heard  off  yet.     I  am  with  due  respect  Sir  Your  very  humb. 

servant 

Daniel  Whiting. 
Genl.  Hand  Schonec'd. 

P.  S.  We  have  a  Soldier  with  his  leg  broken,  that's  necessary 
to  be  amputated;  the  Surg.  has  no  Instruments;  request  a  case 
to  be  sent  if  possible. 


COLONEL  GORDON  TO  COLONEL  GOOSE  VAN  SCHAICK. 

Fort  Plank  14"  Nov'r  1778. 

D.  sir,  Colonel  Clyde  is  this  moment  arrived  from  Cherry  Val- 
ley &  brings  the  melancholy  news  that  the  Fort  at  that  place  was 
taken  by  Storm  this  day  about  12  O'clock,  He  was  out  with  a 
party  burying  the  dead  and  collecting  the  few  effects  the  Indians 
had  left,  when  he  heard  three  cannon  fire  at  the  Fort.  He  im- 
mediately ran  towards  it  and  did  not  see  any  one  in  the  outside, 
but  heard  dreadfull  yells  of  Indians  and  cries  of  murder  in  the 
inside.  You  will,  therefore,  no  doubt  think  it  necessary  to  march 
your  Regt.  up  as  quick  as  possible,  and  get  them  in  this  side  of  the 
River,  to  be  ready  to  assist  us  in  case  they  should  come  towards 
the  river  in  the  morning.  Yours  in  haste 

James  Gordon  Lt.  Col. 
Colonel  Goose  V.  Schaick. 


JELLES  FONDA  TO  COLONEL  VAN  SCHAICK. 

1778  Nov.  14"  at  11  O'clock  at  night. 

Sir,  Just  now  John  Ryckman  Jun'r  came  to  my  house  who  was 
sent  from  Anthony  V.  Vegten,  Esqr.  by  Col.  Fred'k  Pellenger  & 
says  that  Fort  Plank  is  attacked  and  that  Col.  Pellenger  heard 
the  Cannon  fire  as  also  did  the  Bearer  the  Express.  Pray  come 


288  •       PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

on  with  all  speed  with  your  Regt.     He  will  inform  you  further 

about  it.     I  am  your  very  Hum.  servant 

Jelles  Fonda. 
To  Col.  G.  V.  Schaick. 

In  his  absence  to  the  next  Commanding  Officer. 


COLONEL  VAN   SCHAICK  FORWARDS  THE  LETTERS  TO   GENERAL- 
HAND. 

Mount  Johnson  Sunday  morning  2  O'clock. 
Sir,  The  inclosed  letters  this  moment  came  to  hand  I  have  sent 
forward  for  your  information.     I  shall  march  my  Regt.  for  Cana- 
johary  as  soon  as  the  daylight  appears.     I  am  with  respect  Your 

very  Humble  servant 

Goose  Van  Schaick  Colo. 
General  Hand. 

AND  GENERAL  HAND  SENDS  COPIES  TO  GOVERNOR  CLINTON. 
Sir,  I  am  requested  by  the  Honble.  General  Hand  to  send  the 
inclosed  copies  of  Letters  to  you  by  Express.     I  am  with  respect 

Your  Excellency  most  Obed.  Humb.  servant 

Henry  Glen. 
Schen.  Nov'r  15th  1778. 

To  His  Excellency  G.  Clinton,  Poughkeepsie. 


GOVERNOR  CLINTON  TRANSMITS  THEM  TO  GENERAL  WASHINGTON* 

Poukeepsie  17th  Nov'r  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  I  am  this  Moment  honored  with  yours  of  the  15th 
Instant  with  the  very  disagreeable  Accounts  from  Cherry  Valley 
which  according  to  your  Request  I  have  forwarded  to  his  Excel- 
lency Genl.  Washington.  If  I  do  not  hear  that  Enemy  have  left 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  289 

the  Frontier  &  nothing  extraordinary  happens  to  prevent  me  1 
mean  to  set  out  for  Albany  Tomorrow  or  next  Day  at  farthest 
that  I  may  be  the  better  able  to  render  you  assistance.  I  am  with 

great  Kegard  your  most  Obed't  Serv't 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Gen.  Hand.] 


[No.  1918.] 
AN  AGGRESSIVE  MOVEMENT  NECESSARY. 

Governor  Clinton's  Suggestions  to  John  Jay — Cherry  Valley  the 
Seventh  Valuable  Settlement  Destroyed  in  this  State. 

Nov'r  17"  1778  Pokeps'ie. 

D'r  Sir,  I  have  this  moment  received  the  Letters  &  Papers  of 
which  the  inclosed  are  Copies,  giving  the  very  disagreeable  ac- 
count of  the  Destruction  of  Cherry  Valley  by  the  Enemy  &  of  their 
having  surprized  &  taken  Fort  Alden  at  that  Place  by  Storm, 
which  I  begg  you  to  lay  before  Congress  for  their  Information. 
Fatal  Experience  has  more  than  sufficiently  taught  us  the  Imprac- 
ticability of  defending  our  extensive  Frontiers  by  the  Militia  of 
the  County  &  the  small  Proportion  of  regular  Troops  imployed 
in  that  service  against  an  Enemy  acting  upon  a  desultory  Plan. 
There  are  so  many  Passes  leading  into  the  Different  important 
Settlements  to  the  Northward  &  westward  which  equally  claim 
attention,  that  when  the  present  Force  is  distributed  for  their 
Defence  it  becomes  too  weak  to  resist  the  united  strength  of  the 
Enemy  employed  against  any  particular  Point.  Cherry  Valley 
was  occupied  by  Colo.  Alden's  Regt.  and  was,  therefore,  esteemed 
to  be  most  secure;  but  even  here  the  Enemy  have  proved  too  strong 
for  us.  This  is  the  7th  valuable  settlement  in  the  state  which 
this  season  has  been  destroyed  exclusive  the  Injuries  &  Distresses 
experienced  by  Individuals.  The  Public  have  losst  by  the  Destruc- 
19 


290  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

tion  of  these  settlements  some  of  the  principal  Granaries  in  this 
State  from  whence  alone  the  army  might  have  drawn  supplies 
sufficient,  at  least  to  have  prevented  their  present  want. 

It  is  of  the  utmost  Importance  that  some  more  effectual  Meas- 
ures than  have  hitherto  been  pursued  be  adopted  for  the  Defence 
of  the  Frontiers  &  I  am  perswaded  this  can  only  be  effected  by 
Offensive  Opperations,  thereby  carrying  the  War  into  the  Enemy's 
Country,  For  which  Purpose  a  proper  Force  ought  to  be  imployed, 
I  might  say  raised  for,  unless  the  Enemy  at  N.  Y.  leave  us  I  can't 
think  a  Competent  Force  can  be  detached  from  the  Main  Army 
without  leaving  it  too  Weak.  If  the  Enemy  are  suffered  to  con- 
tinue their  Depredations  much  longer  the  Consequence  may  be 
fatal,  as  this  state  will  be  disabled  from  furnishing  any  supplies 
to  the  army  &  hitherto  they  have  depended  upon  it  for  Bread.  I 

am  Sir, 

[G.  C.] 
[To  John  Jay  Esq.] 


[No.  1919.] 
"  WANTON  DESTRUCTION  AND  HORRID  MURDERS." 

Course  of  the  Enemy  at  Cherry  Valley — False  Rumor  Regarding 

Fort  Alden. 

Head  Quarters,  Schohary  November  17th  1778. 
Sir,  In  my  last  which  I  had  the  Honor  to  address  you  from 
Albany,  I  informed  you  that  I  had  ordered  three  Regiments  to 
the  assistance  of  this  post,  and  on  Friday  last  set  out  for  this 
place  where  I  arrived  on  Saturday,  and  it  gives  me  pain  to  add, 
that  of  the  three  Regiments  ordered,  but  about  100  of  Colo.  Lan- 
sing's and  60  of  Colo.  Schuyler's  Regiments  arrived  with  me,  and 
about  50  of  Colo.  Quackenboss's  Regiment  are  just  come.  Upon 
my  arrival  here  I  found  that  Colo.  Butler  had  marched  with  his 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  291 

Regt.  of  Continental  Troops  and  the  Corps  of  Riflemen  to  the 
relief  of  the  Garrison  of  Fort  Alden  at  Cherry  Valley,  and  that 
this  Post  was  left  to  the  Detachment  of  Militia  who  had  been  here 
for  some  Time,  consisting,  by  the  returns,  of  about  90  men.  On 
Sunday  about  12  O'Clock  Colo.  Butler  returned,  who  informed  me 
he  had  been  within  seven  Miles  of  Fort  Alden,  that  he  there  re- 
ceived a  Letter  from  Major  Whiting  (who  commands  that  Fort) 
informing  him  that  the  Enemy  hadi  left  Cherry  Valley,  on  the 
12th  Instant,  and  that  they  had  march'd  twenty  Miles  before  Eve- 
ning. On  the  afternoon  of  the  15th,  I  received  a  Letter  from 
General  Hand,  dated  the  same  day  at  Schonectady,  acquainting 
an  Express  had  come  to  him,  with  an  account  that  the  Enemy  had 
carried  Fort  Alden  by  Storm  on  the  14th  and  had  aittack'd  Fort 
Plank;  that  previous,  thereto,  he  had  discharged  Colo.  Wemple's 
Eegt.  of  Militia  and  that  Colonels  Klock  and  Fisher  upon  arriving 
at  Cherry  Valley  and  finding  the  Enemy  were  returned  had  dis- 
miss'd  their  Militia,  and  concluded  by  requesting  that  Colo.  Butler 
and  myself  would  move  all  the  Force  we  could  spare  from  the  im- 
mediate defence  of  this  place  towards  the  Enemy.  In  this  State 
of  public  affairs,  I  deemed  it  expedient  to  call  a  Council  of  the 
officers,  as  well  Continental  as  militia,  before  whom  I  laid  the  Let- 
ter from  Genl.  Hand,  and  they  unanimously  determined  that  no 
Troops  could  be  spared  from  the  Defence  of  this  post,  without 
leaving  the  settlement  exposed  to  the  ravages  of  the  Enemy,  tho' 
there  were  more  perhaps  than  were  necessary  for  the  sole  defence 
of  the  Fort;  but  as  the  protection  of  the  Settlement  was  an  object 
of  the  first  Consideration  they  esteem'd  it  unadrvisable  to  detach 
any  part  of  them.  Of  this  I  informed  General  Hand  by  Express; 
and  yesterday  received  another  Letter  from  him,  dated  at  Caugh- 
nawaga,  containing  the  happy  Tidings  that  Fort  Alden  was  still 


292  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

in  our  possession  and  that  the  Intimation  he  had  received  respect- 
ing its  being  taken,  was  groundless,  and  requested  me  not  to 
march  the  Troops  as  he  had  desired  in  his  former  Letter. 

I  have  now  with  me  of  Colo.  Lansing's  Regiment  about  150 
men,  and  of  Colo.  Schuyler's  ab't  160.  The  latter  is  stationed 
with  his  Regiment  at  the  lower  Fort,  and  the  former  in  the  vicin- 
ity of  the  middle  Fort,  there  being  no  covering  for  the  Men  in  the 
Fort  or  Lines.  Colo.  Quackenboss  I  have  ordered  to  take  post  at 
the  upper  Fort  to  join  part  of  the  Schohary  Militia  who  are  at 
that  post. 

As  this  is  the  fifth  Day  since  the  Enemy  commenc'd  their  retreat, 
and  having  no  Tidings  of  them  from  our  Scouts  who  are  kept  out 
constantly,  I  flatter  myself  they  do  not  mean  to  attempt  the 
Destruction  of  this  settlement  at  this  Time;  and  the  season  being 
so  far  advanced  leads  me  to  think  they  will  hardly  return  from 
their  Holes,  to  renew  an  Expedition  replete  with  Fatigue  and 
Danger.  Our  Scouts  tell  us  there  is  twelve  Inches  of  Snow  in 
the  woods. 

By  the  above  Letter  from  Major  Whiting  to  Colo.  Butler,  we 
learn  that  Colo.  Alden  is  killed,  and  Colo.  Stacey  made  Prisoner; 
the  Scout  from  Colo.  Alden's  Regiment,  consisting  of  two  Sub- 
alterns and  12  privates,  were  taken  or  killed,  which  was  the  cause 
of  the  surprize.  The  most  wanton  destruction  and  horrid  murders 
have  been  committed  by  the  Enemy.  The  Settlement  of  Cherry 
Valley  is  entirely  destroyed  and  about  thirty  men  women  and 
Children  were  massacred.  By  the  best  accounts  we  have  been 
able  to  get  of  the  Enemy's  strength,  they  are  about  600  Indians, 
150  Tories,  50  British  Troops  and  four  British  officers.  I  remain 
with  great  Esteem  Your  Excellency's  most  humble  Servant, 

Ab'm  Ten  Broeck. 
His  Excellency,  George  Clinton  Esqr.  &c. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  293 

[No.  1920.] 
MILITIA  NOT  TO  BE  DISCHARGED. 

In  Consequence  of  the  Startling  News  from  Cherry  cmd  the  Mohawk 

Valleys. 

Nov'r  18,  1778  Pokepsie. 

Sir,  On  the  17"  Inst.  I  received  a  Letter  from  Genl.  Hand  of  the 
15th,  inclosing  Copies  of  several  Papers  &  Letters,  giving  the  fol- 
lowing accounts:  that  on  the  13"  Instant  Cherry  Valley  was  de- 
stroyed by  the  Enemy,  all  the  Buildings  burnt,  a  Number  of  the 
Inhabitants,  Men,  women  &  Children  barbarously  murdered,  Colo. 
Alden  &  some  of  his  Regiment  put  to  the  Sword,  and  his  Lt.  Colo. 
(Stacy)  some  Officers  &  a  few  Privates  and  Inhabitants  made 
Prisoners;  that  on  the  14"  Inst.  after  the  Enemy  were  supposed 
to  have  gone  off  &  the  Militia  was  disbanded  Fort  Alden  (in 
Cherry  Valley)  was  taken  by  storm  and  from  every  Circumstance 
the  Garrison  cruelly  murdered — &  that  on  the  same  Day  Fort 
Plank  (lying  on  the  Mohawk  River)  was  attacked.  Colo.  Van 
Schaack  was  on  his  March  for  the  Relief  of  Fort  Plank  and  the 
Militia  of  Albany  &  Schenectady  are  ordered  to  cover  the 
Frontiers  and  act  as  occasion  requires.  The  Party  of  savages  & 
Tories  who  have  committed  these  Depredations  are  numerous,  & 
from  the  best  Intelligence  I  have  received  collected  at  the  Tioga 
Branch  of  the  Susquehanah,  I  suppose  at  Chemung,  &  are 
command'd  by  Brandt  &  young  Butler  &  it  is  said  there  are  some 
British  Troops  with  them.  I  do  not,  therefore,  think  it  wo'd  be 
adviseable  to  discharge  the  Militia  as  suggested  in  your  Letter 
of  the  15",  till  we  have  the  most  certain  accounts  of  the  Enemy's 
hav'g  left  the  Frontier;  and  in  the  mean  Time  it  wo'd  be  proper 
that  strong  Reconnoiting  Parties  be  kept  out  towards  the  Dela- 
ware. You'l  please  to  forward  a  Copy  of  this  to  Count  Pulaski 

for  his  Information.    I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Col.  Cortlandt] 


294  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[Nos.  1921,  1926.] 
FOR  MONEY  AND  PROTECTION. 

Clmton  Delegates  Two  Agents  to  Obtain  the  One  Hundred  Thousand 
Dollars  from  Congress — Continental  Troops  Required  on  the 
Frontier. 

Nov'r  18"  1778. 

Gentlemen,  This  will  be  delivered  to  you  by  Ab'm  B.  Bancker, 
Esqr.  or  Mr.  Peter  Wyncoop*  whom  in  Pursuance  of  an  act  of 
the  Legislature  passed  at  their  last  Meeting  I  have  employed  to 
bring  forward  to  our  Treasury  the  100,000  Dollars  advanced  by 
Congress  in  Favor  of  this  State.  These  Gentlemen  will  produce 
you  a  certified  Extract  of  the  act  with  an  order  to  warrant  the 
Delivery  of  the  Money  to  them,  and  as  they  will  be  accompanied 
by  a  Guard  which  will  be  attended  with  Expence  I  have  to  re- 
quest that  they  may  meet  with  as  little  Delay  at  Philadelphia 
as  possible. 

I  wrote  to  Mr.  Jay  yesterday,  giving  him  the  disagreable  acct. 
of  the  Destruction  of  Cherry  Valley  and  the  Loss  of  Fort  Alden 
at  that  Place,  with  Copies  of  several  Papers  respecting  our 
affairs  in  that  Quarter,  which  as  Mr.  Jay  was  to  set  out  this  Day 
or  Tomorrow  for  Philadelphia  must  reach  you  before  this  can. 
I  have  only  to  add  Copies  of  two  Papers  which  I  had  not  rec'd 
at  my  writing  to  Mr.  Jay  as  they  were  not  transmitted  me  by 
Express. 

I  need  not  repeat  to  you,  Gentlemen,  the  impracticability  of 
defending  our  Extensive  Frontiers  by  the  Militia  of  the  Country 
&  the  necessity  there  is  of  some  more  effectual  Measures  being 
speedilly  taken  by  Congress  for  this  Purpose,  which  if  neglected 
will  end  in  the  total  Desolation  of  the  most  valuable  Parts  of 
this  state.  I  am  sensible,  Offensive  Opperations  only  can  give 

*See  page  321. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  295 

us  Security  and  that  the  season  is  too  far  advanced  to  attempt 
any  Thing  formidable  at  present;  but  it  is  of  the  utmost  Import- 
ance that  Preparations  shoud  be  made  again  the  opening  of  the 
spring;  &  in  the  Mean  Time  the  Troops  which  are  to  be  employed 
in  this  Service  shoud  be  stationed  on  the  Frontiers,  which  woud 
not  only  give  spirit  to  the  Inhabitants  &  prevent  the  Desertion 
of  their  Settlements,  but  enable  us  to  carry  the  war  into  the 

Enemy's  Country  as  early  as  practicable. 

[G.  0.] 
[To  New  York  Delegates  in  Congress.] 


*Copy  of  an  Extract  from  an  Act  entitled  "An  act  for  the  Pay- 
ment of  the  several  Sums,  and  for  other  purposes  therein  men- 
tioned." 

WHEREAS  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  of  America  have 
Advanced  to  this  State  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  thousand  Dollars, 

Be  it  therefore  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid  that 
his  Excellency  the  Governor  be  and  he  is  hereby  Authorized  to 
send  for  the  said  Monies  in  such  manner  as  he  shall  think  most 
proper  and  to  cause  the  same  to  be  deposited  into  the  Treasury 
of  this  State  and  that  the  Legislature  will  provide  for  the  Expence 

attending  the  same. 

A  true  Copy. 

Abr'm  B.  Bancker  D.  Secretary. 

To  the  Delegates  of  the  State  of  New  York  in  Congress  of  the 
United  States  of  America  and  to'  the  Honble.  William  Duer 
Esqr. 

Please  to  Deliver  to  Messrs.  Abraham  B.  Banker  &  Peter  Wyn- 
koop  or  either  of  them  One  hundred  thousand  Dollars  advanced 

*Mr.  George  W.  Clinton  numbered  this  matter  as  document  1926.  It  Is  a  part  of  and 
properly  belongs  with  document  1921.  Hence  the  transfer.— STATE  HISTORIAN. 


296  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

by  Congress  to  this  State  whom  I  have  appointed  agreable  to  an 
act  of  the  Legislature  of  which  the  above  is  an  Extract  to  bring 
forward  &  deposit  the  same  in  the  Treasury  of  this  State  taking 
their  Receipt.  Given  at  Poukeepsie  this  18th  Day  of  Nov'r  1778. 

G.  C. 

Attest 


Instructions  to  Messrs.  Abraham  B.  Bancker  &  Peter  Wyncoop. 

Gentlemen,  As  you  are  intrusted  with  the  important  Charge  of 
bringing  from  Philadelphia  to  the  Treasury  of  this  State  100,000 
Dollars  advanced  by  Congress  I  have  directed  Capt.  Salisbury  of 
Ulster  County  to  provide  you  a  Guard  of  a  serjt  &  4  Men  from  his 
Company  of  Light  Horse  properly  armed  and  accoutred  to  be 
ready  at  such  Time  &  Place  as  you  may  appoint.  It  is  my  Desire 
that  you  set  out  as  early  in  the  Beginning  of  next  week  as  may 
be  convenient  to  you  and  your  own  Prudence  will  dictate  the 
Propriety  of  keeping  the  Nature  of  your  Business  a  secret  as  if 
it  was  publickly  known  it  might  induce  evil  minded  Persons  to 
waylay  you  and  rob  you  of  your  Charge.  In  going  down  you'l 
make  yourselves  acquainted  with  the  best  affected  Neighbour- 
hoods in  which  you  will  lodge  upon  your  Eeturn  where  you  will 
keep  nightly  Guards  at  least  of  two  at  a  Time  but  this  ought  to 
be  done  in  such  a  manner  as  to  create  the  least  possible  suspicion 
of  the  Importance  of  your  Business.  The  Letter  accompanying 
this  directed  to  the  Delegates  is  to  apprize  them  of  your  Com- 
mission &  give  you  Dispatch.  You'l  receive  also  with  this  an 
Extract  of  the  act  authorizing  me  to  execute  this  Business  with 
my  order  thereon  warrant'g  the  Payment  of  the  money  to  you. 
I  have  only  to  add  that  you  will  be  as  expeditious  as  possible 
keeping  an  exact  acct.  of  the  Expences  attend'g  the  same  which 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  297 

will  be  paid.    On  Paym't  of  the  money  to  the  Treasurer  you  will 
of  Course  take  his  Eeceipt  &  transmit  the  same  to  me.    I  am  &c. 

[G.  0.1 


[No.  1922.] 
The  Unprotected  Westchester  Frontier. 

Sir,  I  just  now  rec'd  the  enclosed  Petition,*  setting  forth  the 
distressed  situation  of  the  Subscribers  and  others  the  Inhabitants 
on  the  Frontiers  of  West  Chester  County.  I  have  therefore  to 
request  that  you  will  immediately  upon  the  Receipt  hereof  order 
out  such  a  Proportion  of  the  Militia  of  your  Brigade  as  will  give 
them  the  best  Protection  their  Situation  and  your  Strenghth  will 
admit  of.  I  have  been  favored  with  your  Letter  of  26"  ult.  &  by 
the  Letter  it  enclosed  from  Genl.  Washington  to  you  I  enter- 
tained Hopes  that  a  Party  of  Continental  Troops  had  been  em- 
ployed in  that  Service  which  I  am  sorry  to  learn  is  not  the  Case. 
I  am  &c. 

Nov'r  18  1778.  [Gfc  C.] 

[To  Gen.  Morris.] 


[No.  1923.] 
GENERAL  HAND  AFTER  WEALTHY  MISERS. 

Opulent  Tryon  County  Citizens  Sett  Provisions  to  the  Commissary 
and  Draw  Rations  from  Him  at  Public  Expense. 

Albany  18th  Nov'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  am  happy  to  be  able  to  contradict  the  alarming  accts. 
transmitted  your  Excellency  the  15th.  Col.  Clyde's  Letter  to 
Col.  Fisher  a  Coppy*  of  which  is  inclosed  in  Genl.  Washington's 
Packet  will  unravel  the  Mistery.  I  leave  the  General's  Packet 

•Not  found. 


298       .  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Open  that  your  Excellency  may  peruse  the  Contents  if  you  have 
time  &  Curiosity  to  do  it. 

I  must  request  you  will  be  pleased  to  write  to  the  Commander 
in  Cheif  on  the  Subject  &  give  him  yoar  Opinion  as  to  the  Quar- 
tering of  Gansevort's  Eegiment  &  the  future  disposition  of  the 
Men  at  Cherry  Valley. 

Altho  my  Letter  of  the  13th  &  General  Tenbrook's  of  the  16th 
give  no  great  Credit  to  the  Militia  in  General,  I  think  it  my  Duty 
to  acquaint  your  Excellency  that  Col.  Wemple's  Schenectady 
Militia,  (a  very  respectable  Body  of  Men)  turned  out  with  much 
Chearfulness,  tho  the  remoteness  of  their  Situation  prevented 
their  answering  the  wished  for  purposes. 

Indeed  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  that  the  Militia  of  any  Dis- 
trict Harrased,  as  they  are  by  repeated  alarms,  cannot  be  Col- 
lected in  time  to  oppose  a  sudden  Invasion. 

Your  Excellency  will  See,  by  the  Inclosed  Petition*  of  the  In- 
habitants of  Cherry  Valley,  pmferr'd  previous  to  their  late  Un- 
happy Fate,  that  the  out-cry  against  the  Tories  remaining  in 
Trion  County  is  General.  You  will,  therefore,  please  to  take  such 
notice  of  it  as  you  think  it  Merits;  after  perusing  the  General's 
Packet  please  to  close  and  forward  it  by  this  Express. 

The  Commissary  at  the  Garman  Flatts  has  Represented  to  me, 
that  much  imposition  is  practised  in  drawing  Provision  for  the 
Inhabitants.  He  says  that  many  who  are  very  Opulent  &  have 
Provision  of  their  Own  to  sell  to  the  Commissary,  are  permitted 
to  draw  the  same  from  him  as  Rations,  at  the  Public  Expence. 

As  I  apprehend  this  Indulgence  was  meant  to  relieve  the  Dis- 
tressed who  had  no  other  means  of  support,  and  not  to  fill  the 
Coffers  of  wealthy  misers  I  have  given  them  a  Hint  that,  unless 

•See  page  269. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  ,    299 

these  abuses  are  rectified,  the  whole  supply  will  be  Cut  off,  & 
will  be  Obliged  to  your  Excellency,  if  you  will  write  to  Colonel 
Bellinger  or  some  other  leading  Man  in  that  Settlement  on  the 
Subject.  I  am  Sir  with  much  Respect  Your  Excell'y  most  Obed't 

&  most  Humble  Servant 

Edw'd  Hand. 
His  Excell'y  Gov'r  Clinton. 


[No.  1924.] 

A  Sergeant  and  a  Squad  of  Men  Detailed  to  Escort  the  State's 

Financial  Agents. 

Poukeepsie  18th  Nov'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  have  occassion  to  send  Abraham  B.  Bancker  Esqr.  Deputy 
Secretary  &  Mr.  Peter  Wynkoop  abroad  on  public  Business  which 
will  take  them  about  twelve  Days  to  perform.  It  will  be  neces- 
sary that  they  have  a  Guard  of  Trusty  Men  with  them.  You  are, 
therefore,  to  furnish  for  this  Service,  a  Serjant  and  four  Privates, 
to  rendezvous  at  such  Day  &  Place  as  either  of  the  above  Gentle- 
men shall  appoint,  properly  armed  &  provided,  to  proceed  on  the 

above  Service.     I  am  Your  most  Obed't  Serv't 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Capt.  Salisburry,  Kingston  Light  Horse. 


[No.  1925.] 

Captain  Swartwout  Appeals  to  Governor  Clinton,  Unaware  of  the 
Court  Martial  Verdict. 

Wappings  Creek  Nov'r  18th  1778. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency,  As  a  Court  Martial  was  held  on 
Monday  last*  to  whom  I  Referred  several  Charges  against  Col. 
Frear,  and  being  apprehensive  the  Court  will  pass  them  over  in 
Silence  or  Neglect,  I  am  under  the  necessaty  of  applying  to  your 

•See  page  282. 


300  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Excellency,  whose  Commands  I  ever  study,  to  obey  as  well  as 
the  Laws  of  our  Legislature,  on  which  the  Charges  against  Col. 
Frear  are  found,  not  to  suffer  a  Faithfull  Friend  to  his  Country 
to  suffer  the  Reproach  of  a  Court,  when  all  his  actions  and  the 
orders  he  gave  where  agreable  to  the  Militia  Act — would  beg 
leave  to  Mention  the  Charges  against  Col.  Frear  which  I  can  sup- 
port by  his  own  handwriting. 

Charge  the  1st,  against  Col.  Frear  Commanding  me  to  turn  out 
more  than  the  fourth  man,  which  is  against  the  Governor's  orders. 

The  2nd  Charge,  Commanding  the  Fourth  Class  on  Duty  a  fort- 
night before  it  fell  to  them  by  Ballot,  and  Discharging  the  third 
Class  a  fortnight  before  their  time  was  Expired  by  Ballot. 

The  3d  Charge,  Against  Col.  Frear  for  neglect  to  give  or  render 
a  just  account  of  all  the  Delinquent  Moneys  which  was  Collected 
&  assesed  out  of  his  Regt.  from  the  Sixth  of  August  1777  untill 
the  First  Day  of  October  1778.  I  Remain  with  the  utmost  Es- 
teem Your  Excellency  most  Devoted  and  very  Humble  Servant 

Barnardus  Swartwout. 
[To  G.  C.] 


[No.  1926.]* 


[No.  1927.] 

John  Jay  Presents  Two  Cases  to  Washington  SJwwing  Abuse  in  the 
Purchase  of  Commissary  Stores. 

New  Windsor  19  Nov.  1778. 

Sir,  Capt.  Bedlow  of  this  Place  (whom  I  have  long  known  to  be 
an  exceeding  good  man)  tells  me,  that  Coll.  Freer  near  Pough- 
keepsie,  lately  assured  him  that  Morris  Hazard  of  that  Place  had 
purchased  of  him,  for  Publick  use  expresly,  a  Quantity  of  Flower, 

*See  page  294. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  301 

which  in  a  few  days  afterwards  he  sold  at  an  advance  of  between 
four  and  five  hundred  pounds. 

Capt.  Bedlow  further  tells  me  that  Col.  Palmer  of  Newborough, 
informed  him  lately,  that  one  of  the  Commissary's  agents  pur- 
chased a  pair  of  Cattle  in  this  way.  The  Seller  offered  them  for 
forty  Pounds;  the  agent  thereupon  told  him  that  he  would  give 
him  forty  two  pounds,  if  the  seller  woud  sign  a  Receipt  for  fifty 
pounds;  the  Seller  agreed.  Coll.  Palmer  told  Capt.  Bedlow  that 
this  fact  coud  be  fully  proved.  I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the 

greatest  Esteem  &  Eespect 

John  Jay. 
His  Excell'y  Gen.  Washington. 

(Copy) 

[No.  1928.] 

Colonel    Malcom    Writes    a    Facetious    Letter    Regarding    Tories 
Assigned  to  Work  on  the  Fortifications. 

Fort  Clinton,  Nov.  20  17Z8. 

Sir,  Last  night  I  rec'd  a  fine  Reinforcement  of  Torys,  from 
Peeks  Kill  and  this  morning  they  are  at  work.  Prom  the  infor- 
mation of  Lt.  Connelly  who  brought  them  in,  I  expect  a  world  of 
Solicitations  in  their  favor,  and  I  imagine  they  will  apply  to  your 
Excellency.  I  expect  the  more  so,  because  I  am  tormented  with 
the  Orange  County  Justices,  whenever  any  miscreants  are  brought 
in  from  the  mountains. 

Now,  as  I  only  want  to  get  a  whiles  worth  out  of  them,  an-d  as 
it  is  the  very  least  attonement  they  can  make  for  their  crimes,  I 
request  that  your  Excellency  will  evade  the  Interest  that  I  know 
will  be  made  for  them;  by  boobies  as  bad  as  they.  I  have  never 
kept  any  of  those  fellows  above  Three  months  &  then  give  them 
a  discharge  and  Certificate  that  they  are  white  wash'd.  This 


302  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

serves  the  States,  the  State,  &  in  fact  them  also,  as  they  will  not 
be  troubled,  I  am  pretty  sure  with  such  a  credential,  and  also  if 
you  think  fit,  the  State  may  draw  pay  for  them;  we  give  them 
none.  However,  only  amuse  your  stupid  Justices  that  they  may 
not  torment  me  with  their  foolish  demands  &  we  shall  make  you 
a  Good  Fort  by  &  by. 

I  beg  my  respects  to  your  Lady  and  am  most  respectfully  Your 

Excellency's  most  obd.  and  very  Hble.  Serv't 

W.  Malcom. 
[To  G.  C.] 

Torys  rec'd  by  Lt.  Connelly  Nov.  19: 

Jordan  Norris,  Crompond;  deserted  from  the  Enemy;  has  not 
take  ye  O.  of  A;  [oath  of  allegiance;]  Robert  Craig,  Robinson's 
Stores;  employd  as  a  Guide  with  the  Enemy  12  mo's;  no  0.  of 
All'gce;  Stephen  Currie,  Peekkill;  a  great  offender,  went  of  March 
'77;  refuses  to  take  the  O.  of  A;  Hen.  Traverse,  Bar.  Traverse, 
Manor  of  Cortla'ndt;  were  in  the  Enemy's  Service  &  refuses  to 
take  ye  oath;  Peter  Hervy,  Robinson's  Stores;  was  in  the  Enemy's 
Service  &  refuses  ye  0 ;  Peter  Angevine,  John  Angevine,  Queen's 
Ranger;  refuses  to  take  ye  oath;  charged  w't  murder,  theft  &c.; 
refuses  the  Oath;  Jacob  Badeaux;  enemy's  Service;  refuses  the 
Oath;  John  Francis  Do  Gilbert  Barlow  Do  Do. 

I  have  about  a  dozen  more. 


[No.  1929.] 
FLOUR  NOT  SO  SCARCE  AS  REPRESENTED. 

Commissary  Wadsworth  Explains  Methods  of  Attaining  Wealth  by 
Enterprising  Citizens. 

Fredercksburg  Nov.  20th  1778. 

Sir,  This  is  the  first  moment  of  leisure  I  have  been  master  of 
since  my  late  arrival  in  Camp,  and  I  eagerly  embrace  it  to  thank 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  303 

Your  Excellency  for  your  attention  to  my  department;  and  the 
representations  by  my  assistant  in  my  absence.  The  great  pains 
taken  by  the  People  of  New  England  to  procure  flower  in  this 
State  and  transport  it  out,  is  not  oweing  to  so  great  and  distressing 
a  scarcity  as  represented;  flower  may  be  bought  in  all  the  New 
England  States  at  a  high  price;  this  acknowledged  by  every  per- 
son who  has  applied  to  me  for  Permits;  my  purchasing  Commis- 
saries have  lately  purchased  15  Tons  of  flower  in  Norwich  and  as 
much  in  Providence. 

The  purchasers  of  flower  from  the  Eastward  are,  many  of  them, 
those  who  have  amassed  much  wealth  by  a  disgracefull  inland 
trade;  and  the  inhabitants  of  the  New  England  States  in  general 
have  neglected  the  cultivation  of  wheat  and  turned  their  atten- 
tion to  trade  and  never  will  return  to  cultivation  till  necessity 
oblid.ges  them. 

When  the  Enemy  evacuated  Philadelphia,  their  remained  great 
quantities  of  every  kind  of  European  and  India  goods  in  that 
Citty,  persons  who  not  ever  been  friendly  to  the  United  States 
were  generally  possessed  of  them.  A  great  number  of  professed 
Whigs  (whose  friendly  disposition  is  only  known  by  their  eager- 
ness to  grow  rich)  rushed  into  the  Citty  and  purchased  the  articles 
wanted,  by  the  Publick,  and  the  well  affected  inhabitants  of  these 
States.  Many  of  those  wretches,  who  have  ever  been  with  the 
Enemy  and  never  had  an  expectation  of  being  worth  a  thousand 
pounds,  are  become  immensely  rich,  and  are  now  treated  as  good 
subjects  to  the  United  States,  I  trouble  your  Excellency  with 
this  representation,  believing  that  persons  are  gone  into  the  Citty 
of  New  York  with  traid  and  will  avail  themselves  of  the  evacua- 
tion (if  it  happens)  to  do  as  they  have  done  at  Philadelphia.  I 
have  the  honor  to  be  your  Excell'cys  most  Obedt.  and  much 

oblidged  hum'e  Servant 

Jere'h  Wadsworth,  Com.  Gen.  P. 
His  ExcelPy  Gov'r  Clinton. 


304  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  1930.] 

Governor  Clinton  Corrects  the  Errors  Contained  in  the  First  Reports 
from  Cherry  Valley. 

Poughkeepsie  Nov'r  21st  1778. 

Gentlemen,  I  wrote  you  on  the  18th  Inst.  by  Mr.  Bancker* 
giving  an  acct.  of  the  Depredations  committed  by  the  Enemy  on 
the  frontiers  &  the  loss  of  Fort  Alden  since  which  I  have  received 
a  Letter  from  Genl.  Handf  enclosing  the  Copy  of  a  Letter  con- 
taining an  acct.  contradictory  to  the  above  as  far  as  it  respects 
the  Loss  of  Fort  Alden.  A  Copy  of  which  I  take  this  earliest 

Oppertunity  of  enclos'g  to  you.    I  am  &c. 

Geo.  Clinton. 

The  hon'ble  the  Delegates  of  the  State  of  New  York,  in  Congress. 


[No.  1931.] 
Destitution  at  German  Flats. 

German  Flatts,  Nov'r  the  22nd  1778. 

Sir,  Agreeable  to  the  Orders  I  receiv'd  from  his  Excellency  Gov- 
ernor Clinton,  inclos'd  I  send  you  a  return  of  the  inhabitants  of 
this  Place,  who  have  suffered  by  the  Enemy.  I  must  beg  leave  to 
inform  you,  that  the  poor  distressed  inhabitants  has  been  without 
Provision,  now  for  fourteen  Days,  not  having  any  Flour  to  serve 
them.  If  the  inclos'd  Return  is  not  proper,  I  beg  you'll  let  me 
know,  That  I  may  alter  it.  I  am  Sir  Your  most  Obedient  Hum'le 

Serv't 

Peter  Bellinger,  Colo. 

To  The  Hon'ble  General  Hands  Commander  of  the  Northern  De- 
partment, Albany. 

•See  page  294. 
fSee  page  297. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  305 

[No.  1932.] 
Reducing  the  Militia,  Along  the  Delaware  River  Frontier. 

Poukeepsie  22d  Nov'r  1778. 

D'r  Sir,  Colo.  Cortlandt  by  his  Letter  to  me  just  now  received, 
mention  as  his  advises  that  the  Militia  in  actual  Service  on  the 
Frontiers  of  Ulster  County,  North  of  Pienpack,  may  for  the  pres- 
ent be  safely  dismissed,  except  about  70  to  be  stationed  as  follows: 
2  Officers  &  25  Men  at  Shandacon;  1  Do  &  10  at  Yaugh's,  Crepple 
Bush;  1  Do  &  10  at  Luren's  Kill;  2  Do  &  20  at  Mamcotten. 

And,  as  I  am  extreamly  desirous  of  making  their  Duty  as  little 
Burthensome  as  may  be  consistent  with  the  safety  of  the  Fron- 
tier Settlements,  it  is,  therefore,  my  desire  that  you  dismiss  for  the 
present,  all  but  the  above  Number,  which  you  will  station  in  the 
above,  or  such  other  Manner,  as  you  &  Colo.  Cortlandt  shall  on 
Consultation  judge  best.  At  the  same  Time  you  will  advise  with 
Genl.  Hand  on  the  Propriety  of  dismissing  those  at  Pienpack  & 
Minisinck,  which  if  judged  prudent,  I  desire  may  also  be  immedi- 
ately done.  I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.  ] 
To  Colo.  Cantine. 


[No.  1933.] 
A  Small  Supply  of  Commissary  Stores. 

Oswago  24  Nov'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  have  sent  By  the  Bearer  one  ton  hay  and  twenty  Bushels 
of  Corn  In  Behalf  of  Wm.  Boland  A.  C.  F.     Please  to  send  a  Rec't 

for  the  same  By  the  Bearer. 

Benj.  Tobey. 

To  His  Exalency  Govounur  Clinton  att  Poughkeepsie. 
20 


306       ,  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  1934.] 

Governor  Clinton  Vetoes  a  Suggestion  for  a  Respite  for  Dr.  Ducalon 
from  Judge  Robert  Tates. 

Claverack  Nov'r  22d  1778. 

Sir,  At  the  close  of  the  last  Supream  Court  I  stated  to  your 
Excellency  the  proceedings  on  the  tryal  of  Stephen  Ducalon,  and 
as  no  favourable  circumstances  appeared  to  induce  me  to  recom- 
mend him  as  an  object  of  mercy,  I  ordered  his  Execution  on  the 
27"  instant. 

Many  of  his  Friends  and  Relations  have  since  the  sitting  of  the 
.Court  represented  to  me  the  bad  characters  of  Sloss  and  Battoe, 
the  two  principal  witnesses  against  him,  and  offered  to  make  out  in 
proof  that  no  credit  ought  to  be  given  to  their  Testimony,  and  in 
consequence  thereof  have  beg'd  me  to  recommend  him  for  a  par- 
don. Altho'  I  do  not  conceive  myself  justify ed  on  this  represen- 
tation to  grant  their  request,  yet  I  would  submit  it  to  your  Excel- 
lency's consideration,  whether  it  would  not  be  advisable  to  respite 
the  Execution  for  a  few  weeks,  in  order  to  give  them  in  the  mean- 
while an  opportunity  of  laying  before  your  Excellency  such  mat- 
ters they  may  judge  favourable  to  the  prisoner.  I  am  with  the 
greatest  respect,  Your  Excellency's  most  obt.  hum.  Serv't 

Robert  Yates. 
To  his  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esqr.  Governor. 


Poukeepsie  24th  Nov'r  1778. 

D'r  Sir,  I  am  honored  with  your  Letter  of  the  22d  Inst.  Some 
Days  since  a  personal  Application  was  made  to  me  for  a  Pardon 
to  Dr.  Ducalong  accompanied  by  a  Petition  signed  by  a  Number 
of  the  Inhabitants  of  your  District  &  some  Affidavits,  the  Run  of 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  307 

which  was  to  shew  that  the  Testimony  of  Sloss,  on  whose  Evidence 
alone  it  was  alledged  Ducalong  was  convicted,  ought  not  to  be 
regarded. 

I  was  possessed  of  the  Testimony  delivered  in  Court  ag't  him  & 
I  thought  fully  convinced  his  Friends  that  I  coud  not  consistently 
pardon  him,  &  least  they  shoud  be  troublesome  to  you  living  in 
the  Neighbourhood.  I  informed  them  that  even  your  Certificate 
in  his  Favour  woud  not  avail  any  Thing.  I  am  perswaded  they 
can  procure  no  Testimony  to  alter  my  oppinion  &  a  respite,  there- 
fore, woud  answer  no  good  purpose.  I  am  &c. 

[G.  0.] 
[To  Robert  Yates.] 


[No.  1935.] 

More  Recalcitrant  Tories. 
New  Perth  Charlotte  County  Nov'r  25  1778^ 
Sir,  By  Virtue  of  the  Act  of  the  30  Jun,  We,  as  Commissioners, 
have  Ordred,  Seth  Chase  of  the  County  of  Albany,  Archbald 
Livingston  &  James  Mount  of  this  County,  persons  who  refused 
to  take  the  Oath  as  prescribed  by  the  aforsaid  Act,  We,  therefore, 
Agreable  to  said  Act,  Inform  your  Excellency  that  we  are  about 
to  remove  the  above  Named  Dissaffected  persons  within  the  Ene- 
mies Lines.  We  only  waite  your  Excellency's  Answer,  as  to  what 
you  do  or  direct  us,  as  to  their  Exchange  for  any  of  the  Subjects 
of  this  State  that  May  be  in  the  hands  of  the  Enemy. 

We  are  Sorry  that  So  many  of  the  disaffected  have  been  sent  to 
Canady,  as  they  have  such  oppertunitys  to  put  their  hellish  plots 
in  Execution.  We  are  your  Very  obt.  &  Humble  Serv'ts 

Alex'r  Webster,  Alex'd  McNitt,  Eben  Clark  Commiss'rs. 
His  Excellency  Gov'r  Clinton. 


308  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

» 

[No.  1936.] 
ATKOCITIES  ALONG  LAKE  CHAMPLAIN. 

Colonel  Webster  Makes  Report  of  a  Daring  Indian  Mavement  and 
of  the  Sufferings  of  Patriots. 

Black  Creek  Novr  26th  1778. 

D'r  Govenor,*  I  received  by  Express  from  the  Command't  at 
Fort  Edward  Information,  that  by  a  person  (says  he)  Just  arrived 
who  made  his  Escape  from  the  Enemy  at  Crown  Point;  this  was 
a  man  that  was  taken  prisoner  the  first  Instant  at  Lake  George  a 
hunting,  &  says  he,  their  is  of  the  Enemy  Encamped  at  Crown 
Point  500,  who  is  to  divide  them  Selves  in  to  three  parties  to 
Destroy  the  Inhabitants  upon  this  Information  I  Imediately  Issued 
Orders  to  the  Deffrent  Capts.  to  hold  them  Selves  in  readieness 
-&  their  Companies  to  march  at  a  minut's  warning.  This  I  re- 
ceived the  6th  Inst.  Next  Morning  Verbally  Came  a  report  that 
the  Lakes  was  full  of  the  Enemy's  boats.  I  Imediatly  sent  of  a 
scout  to  Skeensborrough  to  know  the  Truth  &  ordred  the  militia 
to  Embodie  which  they  readly  did  at  my  Howse;  my  Scout  re- 
turned &  reportd  that  they  Could  not  here  of  any  Enemy;  this  was 
on  Saturday,  then  I  Ordred  that  the  men  should  go  home  and  keep 
themselves  in  readiness  to  march  at  the  shortest  Notice;  on  Mun- 
<lay  Night  following  I  receved  an  Express  from  Skeensborrough 
that  the  Enemy  was  burning  on  both  sides  of  the  Lake  &  begged 
for  Imeddate  assistance.  I  Imediately  Ordred  out  the  Militia  and 
Sent  an  Express  to  Cambridge  and  I  must  praise  the  Militia  for 
their  readieness  in  Turning  out.  We  Marched  to  Skeensborrough. 
I  had  above  200  with  me.  The  Company  that  Lay  above  Fort 
Edward  I  Ordred  to  Cooperate  with  Collo.  Warner  if  their  was 

*For  Governor  Clinton's  answer  see  page  375. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  309 

need;  otherways  to  Join  me  at  Skeensb'h.  I  Sent  of  a  scout  to 
Crown  Point  to  bring  Sure  Intilligence  of  the  motions  of  the 
Enemy.  The  Scout  was  out  four  days  and  brought  Sure  Intilli- 
gence that  the  Enemy  was  gone  off  &  had  burned  Six  (6)  Town- 
ships mostly  on  the  Grants.  The  Men  they  took  prisoners;  the 
women  &  children  they  stript,  and  sent  into  the  Country,  Many 
of  them  wanting  shoes  &  stockings,  among  Snow  three  or  four 
Inches  Deep,  and  only  two  old  men  with  them,  which  they  did 
not  Choice  to  take  with  them — these  Miscreants  Behaved  in  this 
way— the  most  of  the  Creaters  they  Collected  into  the  howses  & 
Sett  them  on  fire  and  burned  them.  Others  they  Cut  Large  pesses 
out  of  and  Let  them  run  alive. 

I  talked  with  Several  of  the  women  that  Escaped.  They  say 
they  herd  them  talk  much  of  Skeensborrough  &  it  is  thought  that 
if  we  had  not  been  their  that  they  would  Certainly  a  Come.  One 
Capt.  Allan  was  at  Crown  Point  when  my  Scout  was  their,  and 
he  found  two  Hessians  that  had  Deserted  from  the  Enemy;  they 
had  been  Eight  Days  wanting  Vitles  &  they  give  Much  the  Same 
account  about  the  Enemies  behaviour  &  say  that  the  hellish  band 
was  about  Six  hundred  in  number  &  that  their  is  three  regiments 
in  Canada  &  that  the  Enemy  talked  of  penetrating  further  Into  the 
Country;  they  say  that  St.  Johns  is  Strongly  fortifyed  &  the  Isle 
of  Noix. 

One  of  Collo.  Warner's  Scouts  took  two  Ingians  at  the  half  way 
brook  near  Lake  George;  they  said  they  were  hunting  Indians  and 
Came  with  a  flag.  I  herd  Last  Night  by  a  person  that  Came  from 
Fort  Edward,  that  these  Indians  said  that  they  knew  where  the 
party  of  Indians  was  that  took  the  Hunters  at  Lake  George  &  if 
they  Could  have  a  party  of  men  they  would  bring  them  prisoners. 
Accordingly  it  was  agred,  that  one  of  the  Indians  should  be  kept 


310  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

as  an  hostage,  and  a  party  Sent  with  the  other,  which  was  accord- 
ingly Done  &  'that  they  took  four  days  provision  &  that  the  party 
had  been  out  ten  Days  &  no  word  of  them. 

If  more  men  is  not  stationed  on  our  frontiers  for  the  Ensuring 
Campain  then  has  been  this,  I  do  not  belive  any  of  the  Inhabitants 
will  stay,  as  the  Enemy  Intends  the  most  Cruel  usage  for  us.  I 
am  with  Great  respect  your  Excellency's  Very  obidt.  &  Humble 

Serv't 

Alex'r  Webster.* 

P.  S.  Just  now  a  person  from  Fort  Edward  brings  Information 
that  the  Scout  is  returned  &  brought  in  with  them,  four  Indians; 
they  give  Account  that  a  number  of  Indians  was  about  40  mils 
back  of  them  and  that  they  would  Either  take  or  kill  them  if  they 
had  a  large  party  to  go  with  them. 

To  His  Excellency  George  Clinton  Governor  of  the  State  of  New 
York. 


[No.  1937.] 
Governor  Clinton  Utters  a  Complaint. 

Nov'r  26  1778. 

D'r  Sir,  It  gives  me  Pain  to  trouble  your  Ex'y  with  the  inclosed 
Complaint  against  some  Gentlemen  in  the  Military  Line  and 
agreable  to  the  Law  of  this  State  for  regulating  Impresses  of 

*  Alexander  Webster  was  born  in  Scotland,  came  to  this  country  in  1772  and  settled 
at  Black  creek,  Charlotte,  now  Washington  county.  For  years  he  was  one  of  the  most 
influential  men  in  the  northern  part  of  the  State  of  New  York.  He  served  through  the 
Revolutionary  War,  advancing  from  the  rank  of  captain  to  Colonel  in  command  of 
his  regiment.  He  served  in  the  Provincial  Congress  as  a  member  of  the  Committee 
of  Safety,  and  in  the  Stale  Senate  from  the  first  session  in  1777,  continuously  to  1786, 
and  from  1789  to  1794,  having  been  elected  to  the  Assembly  for  the  sessions  of  1788-1783. 
He  acted  as  County  Judge  of  Washington  County— from  June  3,  1786  to  March  17,  1788. 
While  a  member  of  the  Senate  he  was  a  member  of  the  Council  of  Appointment  for  sev- 
eral years.  He  died  in  1810.— STATE  HISTORIAN. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  311 

Forage  &c.  to  request  that  the  Offender  be  delivered  over  to  the 

Civil  Magistrate.* 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Gen.  Washington.] 


[Nos.  1938-1939.] 
ABUSES  OF  FLAGS  OF  TRUCE. 

Lieutenant  Smith  Brings  the  Subject  to  the  Attention  of  Oovernor 
Clinton  who  Promises  to  Make  an  Investigation. 

Fort  Clinton  Nov.  27  1778. 

Sir,  The  inclosed  copy  of  a  letter  from  Lt.  Smith,  to  the  Baron 
de  Kalbe  will  give  your  Excellency  some  extraordinary  informa- 
tion. I  have  consider'd  as  my  duty  to  bring  the  matter  before 
you,  and  Request  your  Orders.  Mr.  Smith's  letter  is  so  full  on 
the  Subject  that  I  have  occassion  to  say  nothing,  but  that  by 
many  accounts  it  appears  to  be  true,  and  that  the  Vessell  was 
never  intended  to  appear  publickly. 

I  have  rec'd  your  Excellency's  letter  concerning  Maps.  Be  as- 
sured, Sir,  that  I  will  not  do  any  thing  to  forfeit  the  good  opinion 
which  I  flatter  myself  your  Excellency  entertains  off  me.  I 
really  have  not  time  to  aquaint  you  with  the  particulars  of  that 
affair,  but  from  wrhat  I  know  of  it,  am  sure  you  have  not  been 
well  informed — all  shall  be  done  as  you  direct  when  Capt.  San- 
ford  arrives.  Genl.  Clinton,  if  he  is  at  Poughkeepsie,  can  tell  you 
how  it  was,  because  a  trial  was  before  him,  but  proper  Examina- 
tions shall  be  taken  on  oath  &  sent  to  you  without  delay.  I  have 
the  Honor  to  be  with  great  Respect  Your  Excellency's  most  ob. 

&  Hb.  serv. 

W.  Malcom. 

*  Draft  letter  to  General  Washington,  Nov.  25,  Inclosing  original  letter  from  Major 
Strang  of  complaints  against  Major  Lee's  Corps  of  Light  Horse  for  abuses  committed 
in  Westchester  County.  Indorsement  on  back. 


312  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

I  have  wrote  to  the  Baron  that  this  affair  is  yours  &  that  I  ex- 
pect to  follow  your  orders  concerning  it.        W.  M. 
His  Excellency  Gover.  Clinton. 


(Copy.)  LIEUTENANT  SMITH'S  COMPLAINT. 

Sir,  Agreeable  to  your  Order,  I  have  been  stationed  here  for 
these  five  days  for  the  purpose  of  receiving  a  Flag,  with  Stores 
for  the  Convention  Army  w'h  arrived  yesterday;  and  was  dis- 
patched by  the  evening.  Likewise  another  Flag  with  the  follow- 
ing Articles  on  board,  with  directions  to  call  at  Haverstraw  and 
there  apply  to  Col.  Hay  of  the  Militia  for  Directions,  Vizt:  Forty- 
five  Bush:  of  Salt  in  two  Casks;  Two  p's  of  Sheeting;  Fifteen  & 
half  yds.  of  Broad  Cloth;  Twenty  pounds  of  Bohea  Tea  &  Six 
pounds  Green  do.,  with  two  small  Bundles,  the  Contents  un- 
known. 

This  Flag  without  any  ceremony  run  up  along  side  one  of  the 
Wharves  at  Haverstraw,  and  then  by  Col.  Hay's  permission,  the 
Crew  went  on  shore,  and  one  of  them  went  into  the  Country. 
The  Commander  of  the  Boat  says,  they  were  to  procure  Permis- 
sion from  the  Governor  of  the  state,  to  exchange  their  Cargo  for 
Wheat;  he  also  says  all  the  Papers  belonging  to  the  Flag,  ex- 
cepting the  within  pass,  were  delivered  to  Col.  Hay  who  has  gone 
to  the  Governor  with  them.  Now,  sir,  under  the  above  Circum- 
stances, I  have  thought  proper  to  detain  her  untill  I  receive  your 
orders.  Untill  then  I  shall  Remain  yours  &c. 

Jas.  Smith,  Lieut.  Officer  of  the  Guard. 
Kings  Ferry  25th  Nov'r  '78. 

N.  B.    The  Cargo  of  the  last  Flag  was  to  be  disposed  of  by  Col. 
Hay,  who  was  to  send  them  Wheat  in  the  place  of  it.        J.  S. 
[To  Baron  De  Kalbe.] 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  313 

LIEUTENANT  SMITH  FILES  His  REPORT  WITH  THE  GOVERNOR. 

Sir,  You  No  clout  have  before  this  seen  Coll.  Hay,  with  the 
papers  belonging  to  a  Flag  of  truse  that  arrivd  at  Haverstraw 
the  24th  Ult.  with  a  Cargo  of  Salt,  Linen,  Cloaths,  Tee  &c.  for 
the  perpose  of  bartering  it  for  Grain  with  the  above  Col.,  who  the 
Neighbours  of  this  place  acquaints  me,  has  a  suspistious  Car- 
recter  as  to  his  wigesim.  [Whigism.] 

This  morning  arrivd  here  anothe  flag  with  the  within  papers  of 
which  I  require  your  directions  what  to  do  with,  as  well  as  the 
former  one  &  the  pasengers  of  the  Latter  &  Untill  then  I  will  re- 
main yours 

Jas.  Smith,  Lt  of  the  4th  M.  R.  Offi'r  of  the  Guard. 
Kings  Ferry  27th  Nov'r  1778. 

N.  B.    The  first  flag  I  had  brought  here  the  Morning  of  the 

25th. 

J.  S. 
His  Excellencv  Govener  Clinton. 


THE  GOVERNOR  PROMISES  TO  INVESTIGATE  THE  CHARGES. 
Sir,  I  am  favoured  with  your  Letter  of  yesterday,  informing 
me  of  the  arival  at  Kings  Ferry  of  two  Sloops  under  the  Sanction 
of  Flaggs  from  the  Enemy.  The  first  which  appears  by  your  Ac- 
count transmitted  to  Baron  De  Calb,  a  Copy  of  which  was  for- 
warded to  me,  to  be  a  prostitution  of  a  Flagg,  to  the  Business  of 
Trade,  I  have  ordered  under  the  Care  of  Colo.  Malcom  who  com- 
mands at  West  Point,  and  requested  him  to  cause  a  proper  In- 
quiry to  be  made  respecting  that  Matter.  With  respect  to  the 
last,  I  desire  she  may  also  be  put  under  the  Charge  of  Colo.  Mal- 
com, to  whom  I  have  wrote  by  the  Bearer  on  the  Subject,  till  I 


314  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

can  have  Time  to  make  the  proper  Inquiries  concerning  the  Busi- 
ness she  is  sent  out  upon.  You  will  please  to  forward  the  Flagg 
papers  which  I  now  return  you  the  Letters  excepted  to  Colo.  Mal- 

com.     I  am  Sir  your  most  Obed't  Serv't 

Geo.  Clinton. 
[To  Lieut.  Jas.  Smith.] 

[Nos.  1940—1941—1942.] 
COLONEL  HAY  CALLED  UPON  FOR  EXPLANATIONS. 

Governor  Clinton  Desires  Information  Concerning  Flags  of  Truce 
and  Historian  Smith's  Effects. 

Nov'r  26  1778. 

Sir,  I  am  informed  a  Sloop  is  arrived  opposite  your  Place,  said 
to  be  under  the  Sanction  of  a  Flag  from  the  Enemy  at  New  York 
in  order  to  transport  the  remaining  Effects  of  William  Smith, 
Esqr.,  who  was  lately  sent  by  this  State  within  the  Enemy's  Lines 
&  that  this  Sloop  is  not  under  the  Direction  of  any  Officer,  as  is 
usual  in  those  Cases,  &  the  Permission  for  coming  out  signed 
only  by  a  Person  stiling  himself,  aid  de  camp  to  Lieut.  Genl.  Sir 
H.  Clinton.  You  will,  therefore,  be  careful  that  no  abuse  be  com- 
mitted thro'  the  medium  of  this  Flag  &  for  this  Purpose  keep  an 
officer  on  Board  till  the  Time  of  her  Departure.  And  you  will 
cause  to  be  put  on  Board  of  her,  such  of  the  Furniture  &  Effects 
of  Mr.  Smith  as  is  in  your  Custody  or  Care,  provided,  the  same  do 
not  consist  of  Provision,  Forrage,  Arms  or  Military  Stores,  & 
Order  the  Sloop  back  to  New  York,  &  by  his  Return,  inform  the 
Commander  in  New  York  that  no  such  informal  Flags  will  be  re- 
ceived in  Future. 

[G.  0.] 
[To  Col.  A.  Hawkes  Hay.] 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  315 

THE  CASE  OP  THE  HAVERSTRAW  SLOOP. 

Poukeepsie  28th  Nov'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  have  this  Morning  received  the  inclosed  Information  of 
Lieut.  Smith  as  transmitted  by  him  to  Baron  De  Calb  respecting 
the  Flag  which  lately  arived  in  your  Neighbourhood  &  which  by 
my  Orders  to  you  of  the  26th  Instant  was  put  under  your  Charge. 
You  will  readilly  perceive,  that  Lieut.  Smith's  Account  respecting 
the  Business  of  this  Flagg  &c.  differs  so  very  materially  from  that 
I  received  from  you,  as  to  make  it  my  Duty,  to  cause  the  Sloop 
Hands  &  whatever  is  on  Board,  untill  due  inquiry  can  be  made 
concerning  this  Matter,  to  be  taken  into  Custody.  And  I  have, 
accordingly,  directed  Colo.  Malcom  to  take  them  under  his  Care 
&  to  cause  such  Inquiry  to  be  made  &  the  Result  thereof  to  be  re- 
ported to  me.  If  it  shall  be  found  that  the  sole  Business  of  this 
Flag,  is  to  carry  the  Effects  of  Mr.  Smith  to  New  York,  Colo.  Mal- 
com has  my  orders  to  suffer  them  to  be  loaded  on  Board,  subject 
to  the  Instructions  contd  in  my  orders  to  you,  &  the  sloop  to 
proceed  with  them  to  New  York.  I  am,  Sir,  your  most  Obed't 

Serv't, 

G.  C. 
Colo.  Hay. 

THE  GOVERNOR  ISSUES  INSTRUCTIONS  TO  COLONEL  MALCOM. 

Poukeepsie  28th  Nov'r  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  Since  I  wrote  you  this  Morning  I  have  received  a  Let- 
ter from  Lieut.  Smith  at  Kings  Ferry,  informing  me  of  the  Arival 
of  another  Sloop  with  a  Flagg  at  that  Place,  whose  Business  it 
appears  by  the  Papers  forwarded  to  me  is  to  bring  up  the  several 
Persons  on  Board  &  to  take  down  to  New  York  the  Famillies  & 


316  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Effects  of  Saml.  Mabit,  &  Thos.  Thorn  two  Exiles  under  the  late 
Act.  I  have  ret'd  the  Papers  to  Lieut.  Smith  &  directed  him  to 
transmit  them  to  you.  And  I  must  request  that  you  will  receive 
with  them  the  Charge  of  this  Sloop  untill  she  can  be  properly  dis- 
patched. It  does  not  appear  from  Lieut.  Smith's  account  or  the 
Papers,,  that  she  is  on  a  Trading  Voyage;  but  it  is  not  clear  to 
me,  however,  that  it  is  good  Policy  to  receive  Flags  in  this  loose 
way,  and  to  Return  them,  without  accomplishing  their  Business 
on  which  they  come,  might  Answer  a  good  Purpose.  I  do  not 
know  any  of  the  Persons  mentioned  in  the  Papers,  except  Mrs. 
Dole  who  cannot  have  my  Permission  to  proceed  to  Albany.  If 
the  others  are  Friends  to  the  State,  which  you  may  know  as 
they  appear  to  be  Citizens,  let  them  pass  into  the  Country.  Is 
not  Mrs.  Tom  &  Child  of  your  Family.  As  soon  as  I  can  possibly 
determine  with  Eespect  to  this  last  Flagg  you  shall  hear  from 

me.    I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
Colo.  Malcom. 

GOVERNOR  CLINTON  SENDS   INSTRUCTIONS  TO  COLONEL  MALCOM 
REGARDING  MR.  SMITH'S  EFFECTS  AND  INCLOSES  His  LETTER  TO 

COLONEL  HAY. 

Poukeepsie  28th  Nov'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  am  this  Morning  favoured  with  your  Letter  of  the  27th 
Instant  inclosing  the  Information  transmitted  by  Luten't  Smith 
to  Baron  De  Calb  respecting  the  Conduct  of  a  Flag  lately  arived  at 
Haverstraw.  Previous  to  the  Receipt  of  your  Letter,  Colo.  Hay 
waited  upon  me  (as  mentioned  in  Leut.  Smith's  Account)  &  in- 
formed me  of  the  Arival  of  this  Flagg  for  the  Purpose  of  tran- 
sporting the  Effects  of  William  Smith,  Esquire,  to  New  York 
agreable  to  my  Permit  formerly  given  to  Lieut.  Colo.  Burr  for  this 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  317 

Purpose,  whereupon  I  g?,ve  Colo.  Hay  the  Order,  whereof  I  now 
inclose  you  a  Copy,  which  I  had  reason  to  hope  would  not  only 
have  prevented  any  Abuses  being  committed  through  the  Medium 
of  this  extraordinary  Flag,  but  also  prevented  the  Enemy  from 
attempting  to  trouble  us  with  the  like  in  Future.  I  am  sorry  to 
find  the  Account  of  Leut.  Smith  differing  so  very  matterially  from 
that  I  received  from  Colo.  Hay,  as  to  make  it  my  Duty  to  request 
(which  I  now  do)  that  you  will  Take  this  Flag -with  the  Hands,  & 
whatever  is  on  Board  the  Sloop,  under  your  Care  &  that  you  will 
please  to  cause  due  Inquiry  to  be  made  respecting  this  Business 
&  transmit  the  Kesult  to  me.  I  would  only  add,  that  If  on  such 
Inquiry,  you  find  that  the  Business  of  this  Flag  was  not  Trade, 
but  for  the  Purpose  only  of  carrying  the  Effects  of  Mr.  Wm.  Smith 
to  New  York  you  will  in  that  Case,  suffer  them,  subject  never- 
theless to  the  Restriction  ment'd  in  my  Orders  to  Col.  Hay,  to  be 
put  on  Board  &  the  Sloop  to  proceed  to  New  York.  I  inclose  you 
a  letter  to  Colo.  Hay,  on  this  Subject  for  your  Perusal,  which 
when  you  have  read,  you'l  be  pleased  to  seal  and  forw'd  to  him. 
I  am,  with  great  Regard,  Your  Most  Obed't  Serv't, 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Colo.  Malcom. 


[No.  1943.] 
John  Doremus  Writes  for  the  Restoration  of  His  Horses  and  Cash. 

Paramas  November  the  29th  1778. 

To  the  Hon'ble  George  Clintin,  E'rs,  Govenor  and  Chief  Com- 
mander of  the  Province  of  New  York. 

Sir,  Haveing  meet  with  an  Oppertunyty  the  17th  of  April  in  the 
year  1777,  to  have  Some  Conversation  with  Judge  Morris,  and  he 
was  kind  to  write  a  few  Lines  to  your  Excelency,  and  I  wold  have 


318  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

been  up  with  your  Excelency  about  the  Same  time,  but  my  wife 
Laid  very  bad  with  the  Consomtion,  and  have  had  the  misfourtune 
of  Loseing  her ;  after  that  I  was  taken  with  the  Rumatics,  so  that 
I  was  Not  Able  to  wake  without  Crotch,  So  I  have  been  Detaind 
till  this  time :  &  Now  haveing  meet  with  An  Oppertunity  to  Send 
it  to  you :  and  I  hope  to  have  the  favour  of  you  to  See  the  money 
and  horses  Returned.  This  is,  Sir,  from  Your  Humble  Serveat 

John  Doremus. 


[No.  1944.] 
Again  the  Question  of  Contraband,  Wheat. 

Poughkeepsie  Nov'r  30th  1778. 

S'r,  I  am  directed  by  his  Excell'cy,  Gov'r  Clinton,  to  send  you 
the  enclosed  Letter  &  affid't  &  to  inform  you  that  on  the  4th  Nov'r 
last  a  Permission  was  given  to  Jon'a  Fitch,  or  his  agent  Danl. 
Gray,  to  export  (under  the  direction  of  the  Commiss'y  Genl.  of 
Purchases  or  one  of  his  assis'ts)  for  the  use  of  the  Troops  sta- 
tioned on  the  Coast  of  Connecticut,  One  hundred  &  fifty  barTs  of 
flour,  &  five  hundred  Bush'ls  of  wheat,  which  by  a  Certificate  of 
Mr.  Flint,  was  directed  to  be  exported  under  the  Direction  of  Mr. 
Philip  Leake.  Upon  the  application  of  the  Person  now  apply'g, 
the  enclosed  Letter  &  affidavit,  is  sent  you  for  your  Information. 
His  Excellency,  therefore,  requests  that  you'l  make  the  necessary 
Enquiry,  &  if  you  find  the  Facts  as  stated  therein  to  be  true, 

which  you  may  discover  by  Examin'g  Mr.  Leake,  &  the  Persons 

> 

from  whom  the  wheat  was  taken,  his  Ex'cy  has  the  highest  Con- 
fidence that  you  will  do  that  which  is  Right.     I  am  &c. 

R.  Benson. 
Peter  Lions,  Esqr.  Westchester  County. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  319 

[No.  1945.] 
Connecticut  Relies  Upon  New  York  for  Bread. 

New  London,  Nov'r  30th  1778. 

Sir,  Inclos'd  is  a  letter  from  Goven'r  Trumbull  Requesting  that 
you  would  Grant  me  Liberty  to  purchase  and  bring  out  of  your 
State  Two  hundred  Barrells  of  Flower. 

This  is  Just  to  Inform  you  that  I  have  Imploy'd  Mr.  John  Blagg 
to  purchase  the  above  Flower  for  the  use  of  this  States  Ships.  I 

am  Sir  Your  moast  Obed't  Hum'e  Serv't 

Nath'l  Shaw. 

His  Excellency  Gov'r  Clinton. 


State  of  Connecticut.  Lebanon  25th  Novem'r  1778. 

» 

Sir,  The  Oliver  Cromwell,  and  Defence,  two  Ships  belonging  to 
this  State  are  now  lying  in  port  at  New  London.  I  have  this 
minute  received  a  Letter  from  Capt.  Nath'el  Shaw,  of  that  place, 
informing  that  it  is  impossible  to  purchase  flour  in  "this  State, 
to  make  bread  for  the  said  Ships  and  desiring  that  I  would  write 
to  your  Excellency  for  liberty  to  purchase  in  N.  York  State  a 
quantity  sufficient  for  that  end.. 

I  must,  therefore,  in  behalf  of  Capt.  Shaw,  request  your  Excel- 
lency to  grant  Licence  to  him,  or  his  order,  for  purchasing  about 
two  hundred  Barrels,  which  is  thought  to  be  sufficient  to  answer 
the  present  exigence — &  to  transport  the  same  into  this  State.  I 
am,  with  great  Esteem  &  Regard  Sir  your  most  obedient  hble 

Servant 

Jon'th  Trumbull,  Gov'r. 
His  Excellency  Gov'r  Clinton. 


320  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  1946.] 
WILLIAM  MILLER'S  EARNEST  APPEAL. 

Tories  Permitted  to  Drive  Cattle  to  New  York — Connecticut  and 
Eastern  Westchester  County's  Defenceless  Condition. 

May  it  Please  your  Excelency;  With  Reluctance  I  Trouble  you 
with  these  my  Imperfect  Lines,  though  I  have  Two  motives  that 
Induces  me  To  Undertake,  First,  your  Excellency's  Permission 
to  write  If  the  Letter  to  General  Morris  had  not  the  Desired  ef- 
fect, and  Secondly,  the  Love  of  my  Countery  and  All  those  who 
hath  Put  their  Lives  and  fortunes  in  Jaeperdy  for  its  Defence. 
As  to  the  Letter,  it  had  no  Appearent  effect;  Genneral  Morris 
Saith  there  is  no  Provision  and,  therefore,  will  not  Call  the  mili- 
tia. As  to  the  State  of  our  Army,  I  am  not  knowing  And  if  they 
are  Like  to  Disband  for  want  of  Provision,  Gen'rl  Morris's  giving 
Permission  for  So  many  Hundred  Cattle  &  Hogs  to  go  Down,  and 
nine  Tenths  of  Them  to  People  that  has  During  the  Contest  been 
our  Inviterate  Enemies,  is  at  Least  bad  Policy.  As  to  the  good 
People  they  are  now  Left  naked.  The  Smal  Piquets  are  CalPd  in 
and  wee  hear  the  Infantry  are  ordered  to  Leave  Bedford,  the  good 
People  are  now  left  without  any  one  to  Leade  Them  fourth  in 
their  own  Defence,  Like  Sheep  not  having  any  Shephard.  I  be- 
ing one,  they  formerly  Placed  Some  Confidence  in,  many  applys 
To  me  with  Gastly  Countenances,  Saying,  what  Shall  wee  Do, 
which  Intirely  Confounds  me,  I  not  knowing  what  To  Advise.  O 
that  the  good  People  of  West  Chester  County  Could  be  Together, 
and  Circumstances  would  admit  your  Presence  among  them,  if  it 
were  but  one  Hour,  For  the  Late  Petitioners,  when  I  informed 
them  that  you  had  taken  up  Their  Petition  on  Receipt  and  had 
Set  about  To  Do  all  in  your  Power  for  their  Security,  they  ex- 
press'd  great  Joy,  and  I  now  have  their  order  To  Return  you  their 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  321 

Hearty  thanks.     And  Shall  Conclude    my  Counteries    Devoted 
Friend,  And  your  Excelencies  Very  Humble  Servant 

Wm.  Miller. 
Francis  Nashes,  Township  of  Greenwich. 

State  of  Conecticut  December  ye  1st  1778. 
P.  S.  Wbjle  writing  this,  10  Tories  from  below  has  Pass'd  by 
to  go  to  Bedford  for  Permits  to  Drive  Cattle.  The  Numbers  men- 
tion, is  Taken  from  Common  fame,  as  I  have  not  been  an  Eye  wit- 
ness to  So  many  Cattle  &  hogs  Drove,  but  have  Seen  many  and 
fame  as  above  Says  Hundreds. 


[No.  1947.] 
NEW  YORK,  VERMONT  AND  CONGRESS. 

Opinions  of  Our  Delegates — Ethan  Allen's  Subterfuge — New.  Yoi'k 
Receives    One    Hundred    Thousand    Dollars — The    Treaty    with 

France. 

Philadelphia,  1st  Decemb'r  1778. 

Sir,  We  are  now  to  acknowledge  the  Honour  of  your  Excel- 
lency's Dispatches  of  the  18th  and  21st  Ult.  by  Messrs.  Bancker 
and  Wynkoop*  for  whose  return  we  made  the  necessary  Prepara- 
tions without  delay.  This  day  will  be  spent  in  counting  and  pay- 
ing the  money,  a  Trouble  which  will  fall  on  Mr.  Duer  who  has 
charged  himself  hitherto  with  the  Care  of  it. 

We  had  the  good  Luck  to  recover  the  Copies  of  the  Constitu- 
tion of  our  State  which  were  printed,  and  oh  our  retiring  to  York 
Town,  left  in  this  City.  They  are  forwarded  by  this  Conveyance: 
part  of  the  Expence  of  the  Press  was  defray'd  by  Mr.  Duer;  &, 
the  remainder  by  Mr.  Lewis  which  with  the  advance  of  1000  Dol- 
lars for  each  of  the  present  Delegates  will  be  deducted  out  of  the 
money  granted  by  Congress. 

*See  page  294. 

21 


322  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

It  gives  us  particular  Pleasure  that  we  are  at  Liberty  to  trans- 
mit to  your  Excellency  several  Copies  of  the  Treaties  of  Amity 
and  Commerce  between  his  most  Christian  Majesty  and  the 
United  States.f  Your  Excellency  will  see  how  totally  groundless 
have  been  the  suspicions  propagated  by  our  Enemies  respecting 
these  Treaties.  They  will  appear  to  be  founded  on  perfect  Equal- 
ity, and  in  every  Respect  liberal  and  reciprocally  beneficial.  It  is 
the  Direction  of  Congress  that  no  Impression  of  them  be  made 
untill  their  further  order. 

We  have  not  yet  the  Pleasure  of  Mr.  Jay's  Company.  Mr. 
Ethan  Allen  has  lately  presented  a  Paper  to  Congress,  as  an  act 
of  what  they  call  the  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Vermont.  It  is 
calculated  to  shew  that  the  New  Hampshire  Towns  on  the  East 
side  of  Connecticut  River  which  Joind  in  the  Revolt  had  re- 
tracted and  seperated  from  the  Towns  on  the  west  side.  The  De- 
sign of  this  flimsy  artifice  is  obvious:  but  it  was  a  little  unrea- 
sonable for  the  Projectors  that  only  two  days  after  the  Produc- 
tion of  this  Paper,  Lieut.  Col.  Wheelock  presented  a  Remon- 
strance from  the  Revolted  Towns  on  the  East  side  of  the  River, 
complaining  that  Allen  had  no  authority  to  make  the  before  men- 
tioned Declaration;  that  they  utterly  renounced  it  and  adherd  to 
their  Revolt  from  New  Hampshire.  This  Incident  renders  ridic- 
ulous the  Plan  which  Allen  and  his  adherents  boasted  of  as  de- 
cisive. When  Mr.  Jay  arrives  we  hope  this  important  Subject 
will  be  taken  up,  notwithstanding  Congress  is  pressed  by  a  var- 
iety of  Objects  which  call  for  attention  and  Dispatch. 

While  we  lament  the  reiterated  sufferings  of  our  Fellow  Citi- 
zens from  the  Depredations  of  the  savages  and  disaffected,  we 
agree  with  your  Excellency  that  every  defensive  system  in  a 

fSee  Volume  III,  pages  230-231,  and  foot  note  on  pages  308-309. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  323 

predatory  war  must  prove  vain  and  Chimerical  and  that  a  vigor* 
ous  Irruption  into  the  Enemy's  Country  can  alone  promise  ad- 
vantage and  Safety.  To  this  great  object  we  shall  extend  our 
Views  and  endeavour  to  have  it  carried  into  Effect  as  soon  as  the 
Season  will  permit.  In  the  mean  time,  if  the  whole  of  the  New 
York  Brigade  which  is  orderd  to  march  for  the  Defence  of  our 
Frontiers  is  not  thought  a  sufficient  Force,  be  pleased  to  inform 
us,  and  it  shall  be  our  Care  to  obtain  the  aid  you  may  require  and 
to  promote  any  measures  which  may  be  recommended  for  the  im- 
mediate Protection  and  future  Security  of  the  State  we  represent. 
We  have  the  Honour  to  be,  with  the  utmost  respect,  Sir,  Your 
Excellency's  most  Obedient  humble  Servants 

Jas.  Duane, 
Fra'  Lewis, 

Gouv'r  Morris. 
His  Excellency  Governour  Clinton. 

[No.  1948.] 
LIVING  EXPENSES  OF  A  DELEGATE  TO  CONGRESS. 

Gouvemeur   Morris    Forwards   Facts    and   Figures    to    Governor 

Clinton. 

Phila.  1st  Dec'r  1778. 

Sir,  The  Legislature  of  our  State  having  at  Length  complied 
with  my  ardent  wishes  in  sending  for  the  money  which  was  long 
since  obtained,  and  which  I  did  hope,  would  have  reached  their 
Treasury  many  months  ago.  I  cannot  omit  the  first  Opportunity 
of  testifying  to  you  my  Joy  on  that  Occasion.  Money  matters 
are,  of  all  others,  those  which  I  wish  to  have  least  concern  in. 
Many  Reasons  may  be  assigned  for  this,  which  your  Delicacy  will 
catch  at  a  Glance.  But  among  that  many,  there  is  not  one  which 
•did  not  give  me  Solicitude  while  so  considerable  a  Deposit  re- 


324  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

mained  with  us.  I  say,  with  us,  for  altho  I  did  not  personally 
touch  or  take  Charge  of  it,  yet  in  the  minds  of  my  Constituents  I 
was  doubtless  considered  as  one  of  those  who  was  accountable 
for  any  accidents  which  might  "happen. 

My  time  being  continually  occupied,  even  to  a  minute,  insomuch 
that  I  am  under  a  necessity  of  borrowing  large  Portions  from  my 
Slumbers,  I  have  not  seen  the  act  you  allude  to  in  your  Letter.  I 
am  told  however  that  an  advance  is  made  to  each  of  the  Delegates 
of  1000  Dollars.  I  am  also  told  that  in  Consideration  of  the  Ex- 
pences  which  must  necessarily  have  accrued  by  living  in  this 
Town,  the  Legislature  have  directed  the  additional  Sum  of  three 
Dollars  pr  Day,  to  be  paid  since  our  arrival  in  this  City.  I  pray 
you,  Sir,  on  the  first  convenient  Opportunity  to  make  the  proper 
Returns  on  my  Part  for  this  equitable  Provision.  Since  I  am  on 
the  Subject  of  money,  which  I  think  will  not  be  an  object  in  many 
of  my  Letters,  I  am  to  observe  that  considering  the  high  Trust 
with  which  I  am  honored  by  my  Constituents,  I  determined  to 
support  the  Character  to  the  Extent  of  what  would  be  afforded 
from  my  private  Fortune.  Whether  the  State  would  make  Retri- 
bution rested  indeed  with  their  Generosity,  but  this  was  by  no 
means  a  bad  Foundation.  At  any  Rate  I  knew  the  worst  and 
after  certain  Expenditures,  I  should  inevitably  have  quitted  a 
station  the  Dignity  of  which  I  could  no  longer  support.  My  Ex- 
pences  have  been  by  no  means  small. 

Before  I  left  New  York,  an  advance  was  made  to  me,  but  how 
much  I  cannot  at  present  ascertain,  for  as  the  Receipt  &cav  were 
of  Record,  I  took  no  memorandum.  In  order  that  my  account 
may  be  adjusted,  I  am  to  request,  that  I  be  considered  in  the  Pub- 
lic Service  as  from  the  25th  of  Dec'r  1778,*  True  it  is  I  left  the 

•This  palpably  Is  an  error.    The  correct  date,  as  Morris  desired  it,  was  December  25, 
1775.— STATE  HISTORIAN. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  325 

State  much  earlier,  but  I  staid  a  considerable  Time  among  my 
Friends  in  New  Jersey,  wherefore,  counting  the  Days  I  was  really 
on  my  Journey,  back  from  the  Time  I  Came  to  Congress,  will 
bring  it  to  that  Period.  In  addition  to  what  I  received  there,  I 
have  had  of  Mr.  Duer  2000  Dollars,  which  he  will  I  suppose  charge 
in  his  accounts.  I  shall  also  receive  now  the  1000  Dollars  before 
mentioned  in  advance.  The  auditor  will  find  no  Difficulty  from 
these  Data  to  make  out  a  proper  account  which  I  hope  may  be 
done. 

I  must  again  intreat  that  your  Excellency  will  urge  to  the 
Legislature  the  Necessity  of  adjusting  the  public  accounts  so  that 
Congress  may  finally  settle  the  Ballance.  I  have  the  Pleasure  to 
say  that  after  many  earnest  Efforts  the  Treasury  Board  is  at 
Length  organized  and  I  hope  to  see  my  Labors  on  this  Occasion 
productive  of  some  good  Consequences  to  my  Country.  Hoping 
this  greatest  Reward  I  have  the  Honor  to  be  your  Excellency's 

most  obedient  &  humble  Servant 

Gouv.  Morris. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  1949.] 
COLONEL  MALCOM  DISCREDITS  COLONEL  HAY. 

•  Governor    Clinton,    However,    Indulgent — <Salt    as    a    Contraband 

of  War. 

Fort  Clinton  Dec'r  1st  1778. 

Sir,  Both  the  flag  Vessells  are  now  in  Charge  of  my  Guards. 
Your  Excellency's  letter  hath  been  handed  to  Col.  Hay  but  he 
has  not  appeared  to  give  an  Explanation  of  his  Conduct.  My 
Opinion  is  that  Both  Vessells  ought  to  be  sent  down  the  river 
under  the  Care  of  a  guard  with  a  whale  boat,  to  see  them  near 


326  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

the  Enemy's  Lines.  Altho'  I  am  also  of  opinion  that  the  property 
ought  to  be  seized  (I  mean  the  Salt  &c.  on  board  Mr.  Smith's- 
Vessel)  yet  I  am  not  fond  of  that  kind  of  bussiness.  Neverthe- 
less, if  your  Excellency  shall  order  it  to  be  done,  I  will  cause  the 
Q.  Master  of  the  Garrison  do  it.  Mrs.  Tom  is  "  a  child  of  my 
family ".  Being  confident  that  I  fully  comprehend  what  your 
Excellency  wishes  to  be  done  in  such  cases,  I  have  taken  her  on. 
shore  &  she  is  with  her  husband  in  my  Quarters,  I  suppose  re- 
ceiving her  back  Rations.  Doctor  Vandycke  &  Mrs.  Cole  as  also- 
Lowndes  ought  to  be  sent  back  &  I  dare  say  you  will  order  it. 

With  respect  to  Col.  Hay  I  imagine  he  will  answer  for  his  Con- 
duct before  your  Excellency.  The  Country  are  Loud  in  their  com- 
plaints &  many  are  offended  with  the  freedoms  he  has  taken  with 
your  name  to  give  Sanction  to  his  proceedings  in  this  affair.  A» 
the  sooner  these  Vessels  can  be  sent  off,  the  better,  because  they 
are  an  incumbrance  to  us.  I  beg  to  have  your  orders  to  morrow. 
Please  send  them  to  Col.  Hay  who  will  send  to  me  instantly. 

With  the  greatest  Respect  I  have  the  Honor  to  be  Your  Ex- 

cellencys  mo.  ob.  &  very  Hb.  serv' 

W.  Malcom. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton  Pokepsie. 


GOVERNOR   CLINTON  WILL   GIVE  ADVICE   BUT  WILL   NOT   ISSUB 

ORDERS. 

Poukeepsie  1st  Dec'r  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  I  am  favoured  with  your  Letter  of  this  Date.  By  the 
Papers  you  will  observe  it  appears  that  the  last  Flagg  has  on 
Board  the  Effects  of  the  Revered  Mr.  Freligh,  a  Dutch  Refugee 
Parson  from  Long  Island,  who  is  a  sound  Whig  &  has  sustained 
great  Losses  by  the  Present  War.  These  were  sent  out  through 
the  Influence  of  Bardsly,  a  Torry  Parson,  late  of  this  Place  on 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  327 

my  Certificate  that  Mr.  Freligh  shoud  be  permitted  to  send  in 
Bardsly's  Effects  in  Exchange  for  them.  Both  Honor  &  Justice 
are,  therefore,  concerned  not  to  dismiss  that  Vessel,  until  Mr. 
Freligh  can  have  an  opportunity  of  receiving  his  Effects  &  fulfill- 
ing his  Promise  founded  on  my  Certificate.  This  cannot  be 
effected  in  less  than  three  or  four  Days.  It  is  our  Interest  also, 
that  Mabit  &  Thorn's  Famiillys,  go  down  with  this  Flagg,  as  it 
will  make  Koom  for  better  People,  &  save  us  from  many  Trouble- 
some applications  from  them  in  future.  I  have,  accordingly, 
signified  to  them  that  they  will  have  my  Permission  to  depart, 
which  I  expect  they  will  accept.  I  am  surprized,  Colo.  Hay  has 
not  been  with  you,  if  it  was  only  to  put  on  Board  Mr.  Smith's 
Effects,  which  you  will  observe  by  my  orders  he  is  permitted  to 
do,  but  more  so  to  learn  that  he  attempts  to  Justify  any  Misscon- 
duct  of  his  by  my  orders.  They  are  written  &  speak  for  them- 
selves. You  have  a  Copy.  I  care  not  how  soon  this  Flagg  is 
ordered  down,  tho  I  believe  it  may  be  as  well  to  detain  her,  (if 
not  too  Troublesome)  till  both  go  together  as  by  this  Time  our 
Flagg  may  be  clear  of  the  Enemy  &  on  her  way  up.  I  agree  with 
you  in  oppinion  the  Salt  &  other  Things  ought  to  be  taken  from 
on  Board  her  &  carefully  deposited,  to  be  applied  as  shall  be  here- 
after directed  by  the  Legislature  of  the  State;  but  as  our  Laws 
are  silent  as  to  such  Seizures  I  woud  rather  wish  to  advise  than 
give  any  positive  orders  on  the  Occassion.  I  impute  the  whole  of 
this  affair  to  the  wickedness  of  my  old  Master,  who  under  the 
Colour  of  serving  Colo.  Hay,  has  lead  him  into  this  Difficulty. 
Hay,  I  have  charity  to  believe,  is  honest  tho  Imprudent,  &  the 
War  rendered  necessitous,  for  this  Keason  I  coud  wish  how  little 

he  might  suffer.    I  am  &c. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Colo.  Malcom. 


328  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

P.  S.  Mr.  Van  Dycke  &  the  other  Persons  mentioned  in  your 
Letter,  must  by  all  means  be  sent  back  with  the  flag  &  not 
suffered  to  put  foot  on  shore. 


[No.  1950.] 
SETTLING  DIFFERENCES  IN  RANK. 

Congress  at  Last  Takes  Action  on  this  Long  Disputed  Matter — 
Simplifying  the  Forage  Question. 

Philadelphia  2nd  December  1778. 

Sir,  On  the  16th  November  I  had  the  honor  of  addressing  your 
Excellency  by  Messenger  Dodd,  since  which  I  have  not  received 
any  of  your  favors. 

Under  the  present  Cover  will  be  found  two  Acts  of  Congress 
viz.  ) 

1.  Six  Copies  of  an  Act  of  the  24th  November  for  arranging 
the  Army. 

2.  An  Act  of  the  30th  for-  obtaining  Forage  for  the  Army  of 
these  United  States. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  With  the  highest  Esteem  &  Respect  Sir 
Your  Excellency's  Obedient  humble  servant  '; 

Henry  Laurens,  President  of  Congress. 
His  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esquire  Governor  of  New  York. 


In  Congress,  November  24,  1778. 

Congress  took  into  consideration  the  Report  of  the  Committee 
of  Arrangement,  and  thereupon  came  to  the  following  resolutions. 

Whereas  the  settlement  of  rank  in  the  army  of  the  United 
States  has  been  attended  with  much  difficulty  and  delay,  inas- 
much as  no  general  principles  have  been  adopted  and  uniformly 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  329 

pursued;  KESOLVED,  THEREFORE,  That  upon  any  dispute  of 
rank  the  following  rules  shall  hereafter  be  observed: 

1.  For  determining  rank  in  the  continental  line  between  all 
Colonels  and  inferior  officers  of  different  States,  between  like  offi- 
cers of  infantry  and  those  of  horse  and  artillery,  appointed  under 
the  authority  of  Congress  by  virtue  of  a  resolve  of  the  16th  of 
September,  1776,  or  by  virtue  of  any  subsequent  resolution  prior 
to  the  first  of  January,  1777,  all  such  officers  shall  be  deemed  to 
have  their  commissions  dated  on  the  day  last  mentioned,  and 
their  relative  rank,  with  respect  to  each  other  in  the  continental 
line  of  the  army,  shall  be  determined  by  their  rank  prior  to  the 
16th  day  of  September,  1776.    This  rule  shall  not  be  considered  to 
affect  the  rank  of  the  line  within  any  State,  or  within  the  corps 
of  artillery,  horse,  or  among  the  sixteen  additional  battalions, 
where  the  rank  hath  been  settled;  but  shall  be  the  rule  to  de- 
termine the  relative  rank  within  the  particular  line  of  artillery, 
so  far  as  the  rank  remains  unsettled.  , 

2.  In  the  second  instance,  preference  shall  be  given  to  com- 
missions in  the  new  levies  and  flying  camp. 

3.  In  determining  rank  between  continental  officers,  in  other 
respects  equal,  proper  respect  shall  be  had  to  their  commissions 
in  the  militia,  where  they  have  served  in  the  continental  army  for 
the  space  of  one  month. 

4.  All  Colonels  and  inferior   officers,   appointed   to   vacancies 
since  the  5th  day  of  January,  1777,  shall  take  rank  from  the  right 
of  succession  to  such  vacancies. 

(5.  In  all  cases  where  the  rank  between  the  officers  of  different 
States  is  equal,  or  between  an  officer  of  State  troops  and  one  of 
cavalry,  artillery,  or  of  the  additional  battalions,  the  precedence 
is  to  be  determined  by  lot. 


330  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

6.  All  officers  who  have  been  prisoners  with  the  enemy,  being 
appointed  by  their  State,  and  again  enter  into  the  service,  shall 
do  it  agreeably  to  the  above  rule;  that  is  to  say,  all  of  the  rank  of 
Captains,  and  under,  shall  enter  into  the  same  regiment  to  which 
they  formerly  belonged,  and   if   such   regiment  is   dissolved   or 
otherwise  reduced,  they  shall  be  intitled  to  the  first  vacancy  in 
any  regiment  of  the  State  in  their  proper  rank,  after  the  officers 
belonging  to  such  regiment  have  been  provided  for. 

7.  The    rules    of    rank    above    laid  down  between  officers  of 
different  States,  are  to  govern  between  officers  of  the  same  State, 
except  in  cases  where  the  State  may  have  laid  down  a  different 
rule,  or  already  settled  their  rank. 

8.  A  resignation  shall  preclude  any  claim  of  benefit  from  former 
rank  under  a  new  appointment. 

Whereas,  from  the  alteration  of  the  establishment  and  other 
causes,  many  valuable  officers  have  been  and  may  be  omitted  in 
the  new  arrangement,  as  being  supernumerary,  who,  from  their 
conduct  and  services,  are  intitled  to  the  honourable  notice  of 
Congress,  and  to  a  suitable  provision,  until  they  can  return  to 
civil  life  with  advantage. 

Resolved,  therefore,  that  Congress  gratefully  acknowledge  the 
faithful  services  of  such  officers,  and  that  all  supernumerary 
officers  be  intitled  to  one  year's  pay  of  their  commissions  respec- 
tively, to  be  computed  from  the  time  such  officers  had  leave  of 
absence  from  the  Commander  in  Chief  on  this  account.  And  Con- 
gress do  earnestly  recommend  to  the  several  States  to  which  such 
officers  belong,  to  make  such  farther  provision  for  them  as  their 
respective  circumstances  and  merits  intitle  them  to. 

Whereas  it  will  be  for  the  benefit  of  the  service,  that  some  rule 
for  promotions  be  established: 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  331 

Therefore,  Resolved,  that  it  be  recommended  to  the  several 
States,  to  provide  that  in  all  future  promotions  officers  rise  regi- 
mentally  to  the  rank  of  Captain,  and  thence  in  the  line  of  the 
State  to  the  rank  of  Colonel,  except  in  cases  where  a  preference 

may  be  given  on  account  of  distinguished  merit. 
» 
Resolved,  That  all  officers  who  have  been  in  the  service,  and, 

having  been  prisoners  with  the  enemy,  now  are  or  hereafter  may 
be  exchanged,  or  otherwise  released,  shall,  if  appointed  by  the 
authority  of  the  State,  be  intitled,  in  case  of  vacancy,  to  enter 
into  the  service  of  their  respective  State,  in  such  rank  as  they 
would  have  had  if  they  had  never  been  captured;  provided  always 
that  every  such  officer  do,  within  one  month  after  his  exchange  or 
release,  signify,  to  the  authority  of  the  State  to  which  he  belongs, 
his  release,  and  his  desire  to  enter  again  into  the  military  service. 

Resolved,  That  every  officer  so  released,  and  giving  notice  as 
aforesaid,  shall,  until  entry  into  actual  service,  be  allowed  half 
pay  of  the  commission,  to  which,  by  the  foregoing  resolve,  he 
stands  intitled;  provided  always,  that  in  case  of  his  receiving  any 
civil  office  of  profit,  such  half  pay  shall  thenceforth  cease. 

Resolved,  That  no  brevets  be  for  the  future  granted,  except  to 
officers  in  the  line,  or  in  case  of  very  eminent  services. 

Resolved.,  That  Pay-Masters,  not  being  of  the  rank  of  Captains, 
Quarter-Masters  and  Adjutants,  be  intitled  to  receive  Twenty  Dol- 
lars per  month,  subsistence  money,  in  lieu  of  rations. 

Resolved,  That  all  officers  and  persons  employed  on  the  Staff 
shall  receive,  for  subsistence  money,  One-Third  of  a  Dollar  for  each 
extra  ration  heretofore  allowed  them. 

Resolved,  That  Adjutants,  Pay-Masters  and  Quarter-Masters, 
taken  from  the  line,  be  again  admitted  into  the  rank  they  would 
have  been  intitled  to.  had  they  continued  in  the  line.  And  such 


332  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Adjutants,  Pay-Masters  and  Quarter-Masters,  not  taken  from  the 
line,  may  be  admissable  into  the  line  in  such  subaltern  ranks,  as, 
by  a  signed  certificate  from  the  field  officers  of  their  respective 
corps,  they  shall  be  deemed  competent  to. 

Extract  from  the  Minutes. 

CHARLES  THOMSON,  Secretary.  • 


THE  QUESTION  OF  FORAGE  LARGELY  LEFT  TO  THE  STATE. 

In  Congress  30  Nov'r  1778. 

Resolved,  That  in  all  cases  where  forage  is  wanted  for  the 
troops,  and  cannot  be  purchased  by  the  commissaries  at  reason- 
able rates,  application  be  made  to  the  executive  or  legislative  au- 
thority of  the  State  wherein  the  forage  is  required,  or  to  some 
person  or  persons  properly  authorised,  by  them  for  that  purpose, 
for  their  interposition  and  assistance  in  procuring  the  necessary 
supplies: 

That  it  be  recommended  to  the  governments  of  the  States,  where- 
in the  army  or  any  detachment  or  part  thereof  now  is  or  here- 
after shall  be,  to  take  such  measures  in  aid  of  the  forage  masters 
who  shall  first  use  every  endeavour  to  purchase  the  same,  for  the 
procuring  sufficient  quantities  of  forage  at  reasonable  rates,  as 
shall  in  their  opinion  be  effectual  and  most  likely  to  procure  a 
speedy  supply. 

Extract  from  the  minutes. 

Chas.  Thomson,  sec'y.* 

•November  27,  1778,  Washington  wrote  from  Fredericksburg  to  the  President  of 
Congress : 

Sir,  Congress  will  be  pleased  to  accept  my  acknowledgments  for  the  communication 
of  the  treaties  between  His  Most  Christian  Majesty  and  the  United  States.  The  resolve 
respecting  the  exchange  of  prisoners  has  been  transmitted  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  and  I 
have  appointed  commissioners,  if  he  thinks  proper,  to  meet  his  at  Amboy  on  the  7tb 
of  next  month. 

I  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  Congress,  that  the  whole  army,  one  brigade  and  the 
light  corps  excepted,  is  now  in  motion  to  the  places  of  the  respective  cantonments  for 
winter-quarters.  I  have  thought  it  prudent  to  delay  this  event  awhile,  to  give  time  for 
the  convention  troops  to  make  some  progress  in  crossing  the  North  River,  to  prevent  a 
possibility  of  accident.  The  third  division  passes  this  day;  and,  if  no  unexpected  inter- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  1951.] 

An  Assault  Case  Brought  Before  the  Attorney-General. 
Dear  Sir,  We  think  it  our  Duty  to  inform  you  of  the  extream  ill 
Treatment,  which  Mr.  Saml.  Hake  has  lately  receiv'd  from  Mr. 

Kobt.  G.  Livingston  Jr.  &  his  Bro'r  Gilb't  R.  Livingston  by  their 

i 

ruption  happens,   the  whole  will  be  over  by  the  30th  instant.    When  their  passage  la 
completed,  the  remaining  troops  kept  in  the  field  will  immediately  retire  to  quarters. 

The  disposition  for  winter-quarters  is  as  follows:  Nine  brigades  will  be  stationed  on 
the  west  side  of  Hudson's  River,  exclusive  of  the  garrison  at  West  Point;  one  of  which, 
the  North  Carolina  brigade,  will  be  near  Smith's  Clove  for  the  security  of  that  cass, 
and  as  a  reinforcement  to  West  Point  in  case  of  necessity;  another,  the  Jersey  brigade, 
will  be  at  Elizabethtown,  to  cover  the  lower  part  of  Jersey;  and  the  other  seven,  consist- 
ing of  the  Virginia,  Maryland,  Delaware,  and  Pennsylvania  troops,  will  be  at  Middle- 
brook.  Six  brigades  will  be  /left  on  the  east  side  of  the  river  and  at  West  Point;  three 
of  which  (of  the  Massachusetts  troops)  will  be  stationed  for  the  immediate  defence  of 
the  Highlands;  one  at  West  Point,  in  addition  to  the  garrison  already  there;  and  the 
other  two  at  Fishkill  and  the  Continental  Village.  The  remaining  three  brigades,  com- 
posed of  the  New  Hampshire  and  Connecticut  troops  and  Hazen's  regiment,  will  be 
posted  in  the  vicinity  of  Danbury,  for  the  protection  of  the  country  lying  along  the 
Sound,  to  cover  our  magazines  lying  on  Connecticut  River,  and  to  aid  the  Highlands  on 
any  serious  movement  of  the  enemy  that  way. 

The  park  of  artillery  will  be  at  Pluekemin.  The  cavalry  will  be  disposed  of  thus; 
Bland's  regiment  at  Winchester  in  Virginia,  Baylor's  at  Frederic  or  Hagerstown  in 
Maryland,  Moylan's  at  Lancaster  in  Pennsylvania,  and  Sheldon's  at  Durham  in  Con- 
necticut. Lee's  corps  will  be  with  that  part  of  the  army  which  is  in-  the  Jerseys,  acting 
on  the  advanced  posts.  This  comprehends  the  general  distribution  ol  tne  army,  except 
Clinton's  brigade  of  New  York  troops,  Pulaski's  corps,  and  some  detached  regiments  and 
corps  stationed  at  Albany  and  at  different  parts  of  the  frontier,  of  which  Congress  have 
already  been  particularly  advised.  General  Putnam  will  command  at  Danbury,  General 
McDougall  in  the  Highlands,  and  my  own  quarters  will  be  in  the  Jerseys,  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  Middlebrook. 

This  disposition  appeared  to  me  the  best  calculated  to  reconcile,  as  far  as  possible, 
these  several  objects;  the  protection  of  the  country;  the -security  of  the  important  posts 
in  the  Highlands;  the  safety,  discipline,  and  easy  subsistence  of  the  army.  To  have 
kept  the  troops  in1  a  collected  state  would  have  increased  infinitely  the  expense  and  diffi- 
culty of  subsisting  them,  both  with  respect  to  forage  and  provisions;  to  have  divided 
them  into  smaller  cantonments  would  have  made  it  far  less  practicable  to  maintain 
order  and  discipline  among  them,  and  would  have  put  them  less  in  a  condition  to  con- 
trol ami  prevent  offensive  operations  on  the  side  of  the  enemy,  or  to  assemble  to  take 
advantage  of  any  favorable  opening,  which  their  future  situation  may  offer,  should  they 
be  obliged  to  weaken  themselves  by  further  detachments,  so  far  as  to  invite  an  enter- 
prise against  them. 

By  the  estimate  of  the  quartermaster  and  commissary  general,  it  appears  indispensable 
to  have  the  principal  part  of  the  army  on  the  other  side  of  the  North  River.  It  was 
thought  impracticable  to  furnish  the  necessary  supplies  of  flour  for  the  whole  on  this 
side  of  the  river,  from  the  immense  difficulty  and  expense  of  transportation  in  the 
winter  season,  and  from  the  exhausted  state  of  the  country  with  respect  to  forage.  As 
this  subject  has  been  already  fully  before  Congress,  I  shall  not  trouble  them  with  a 
repetition  of  the  details.  In  order  as  much  as  possible  to  reduce  the  demand  of  forage 
and  facilitate  the  supplies,  I  have  given  directions,  when  the  several  divisions  arrive 
at  their  cantonments,  to  send  away  to  convenient  places,  at  a  distance  from  them,  all 
the  horses  not  absolutely  requisite  to  carry  on  the  ordinary  business  of  the  army. 

It  is  unnecessary  to  add,  that  the  troops  must  again  have  recourse  to  the  expedient  of 
hutting,  as  they  did  last  year.  But,  as  they  are  now  well  clad,  and  we  have  had  more 
leisure  to  make  some  little  preparations  for  winter-quarters,  I  hope  they  will  be  In  a 
more  comfortable  situation,  than  they  were  in  the  preceding  winter.  With  the  highest 
respect  and  esteem,  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 


334  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

coming  to  his  apartments  (at  Mrs.  Van  Allen's)  &  fastened  the 
Door.  They  then  beat  &  bruis'd  him  very  much  indeed;  which 
he  can  prove  from  the  most  credible  witnesses. 

Mr.  Hake  during  his  stay  with  us  here,  have  Conducted  himself 
with  propriety  &  very  friendly  to  the  States,  and  we  really  wish 
that  his  Excellency,  the  Governor  would  be  pleas'd  to  permit  him 
to  continue  with  us. 

We  think  Mr.  Hake's  present  situation  distressing  (&  agreeable 
to  his  request),  We  recommend  in  the  strongest  manner,  that 
you'll  instantly  be  pleased  to  take  the  necessary  steps  to  prosecute 
the  Mr.  Livingstons  with  the  utmost  Severity  of  the  Law,  which 
from  their  unjustifiable  conduct  they  justly  merit,  &  which  we 
think  Mr.  Hake  is  in  justice  fully  entitled  to.  We  are,  Sirs,  your 

mo.  obt.  Ser'ts 

David  Van  Ness 

Herman  Hoffman. 
Red  Hook  Decemb'r  3d:  1778. 

(Copy'd  from  the  original  for  his  Ex'cy  the  Gov'rs  kind,  perusal.) 
Egbert  Benson  Esqr.  Att'y  General,  Poghkeepsie. 


[Nos.  1952-1953.] 

DISTRESS  AND  SORROW  AT  CHERRY  VALLEY. 

George  and  James  Clinton  and  Mayor  Tates  on  the  Question  of 

Relieving  the  Sufferers. 

Albany  28  Novemb'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  have  with  me  Col.  Campbell  and  Mr.  John  Moore,  Both 
from  Cherry  Valley;  their  Buildings  and  Effects  Destroyed;  the 
wife  of  the  former  with  four  Children  and  a  negro  taken  pris- 
oners. They  have  prefered  a  petition  to  Genl.  Clinton  for  Relief; 
many  of  those  Inhabitants  who  have  Saved  their  Lives  have  lost 
every  thing  else,  and  now  are  moved  in  and  about  Schonectady  in 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  335 

want  of  Clothing  and  Subsistence.  The  Genl.  has  Given  them  an 
order  for  a  weeks  provision,  that  by  that  Time  they  may  Petition 
you  for  further  Relief.  They  Cannot  Get  a  Petition  Signed  I  Sup- 
pose, not  this  Ten  Days;  and.  If  they  Do,  I  Dont  Remember  you 
are  vested  with  any  Power  to  Relieve  them — but  if  any  there  be, 
or  you  be  able  to  Contrive  a  method  for  their  Relieve,  I  dare  say 
the  Legislature  will  Confirm  it.  I  foresee  a  greater  Difficulty 
with  those  Sufferers  then  many  of  the  former,  their  Case  being 
Some  what  Singular;  Chiefly  Europeans,  have  no  Relations,  but 
those  that  lived  about  them,  and  are  Equal  Sufferers  with  them- 
selves. 

It  is  absolutely  Necessary  Something  be  done  for  the  futur  that 
when  Such  Destruction  happens  there  may  be  Immediate  Relief. 

I  think  the  Congress  Should  Invest  the  Commander  in  Each 
Quarter  (be  it  in  what  State  it  will)  with  proper  powers  for  the 
purpose  &  it  Should  be  a  Continental  Charge  for  many  Reasons. 
We  have  no  Port,  Consequently  no  goods  European  or  West  India 
but  what  is  at  Enormous  Prices;  by  means  of  the  Land  Carriage 
and  the  manovers  of  a  Parcel  of  wicked  Traders:  add.  to  this,  that 
the  Congress  have  Suffered  themselves  to  be  Imposd  upon,  and  by 
Sporting  with  the  Indian  affairs  have  Drawn  Down  upon  this 
State  Death  and  Destruction.  I  can  write  no  more;  the  post 

waits.     Your  ob't  Hum.  S't 

Ab'm  Yates  Jun. 
His  Ex.  George  Clinton. 


A  TECHNICALITY  BARS  STATE  ASSISTANCE  FOR  CHERRY  VALLEY. 

Poukeepsie  3d  Dec'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  have  rec'd  your  Letter  of  the  28th  Ultimo  representing 
the  distressed  Situation  of  'the  Inhabitants  of  Cherry  Valey  & 
also  one  from  my  Brother  Genl.  Clinton  Dated  the  [28th]  on  the 


336  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

i 
same  Subject.     I  deplore  their  unhappy  Case  &  sincerely  wish  it 

was  in  my  Power  to  afford  them  Relief  by  placing  them  at  least 
on  the  same  Footing  with  the  Inhabitants  of  the  German  Flatts 
with  Respect  to  Provision  which  woud  in  some  Measure  aleviate 
their  Distresses.  By  the  inclosed  Letter  to  my  Brother  which  I 
have  left  open  for  your  Perusal,  you  will  observe  that  I  was 
authorized  by  the  Concurrent  Resolution  of  the  Senate  &  Assem- 
bly, to  supply  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Flatts  while  they  continued 
to  maintain  Fort  Dayton,  a  Post  in  that  Neighbourhood;  in  Con- 
sequence, whereof,  I  requested  Genl.  Hand  to  issue  them  a  proper 
Supply  from  the  Continental  Store,  ingaging  to  pay  for  the  same, 
if  the  Measure  should  not  meet  the  approbation  of  Congress,  to 
whom  he  immediately  wrote  on  the  subject;  but  I  am  not  yet  in- 
formed whether. he  has  received  their  Answer.  You  will  please 
to  observe  that  tho  the  Case  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Cherry  Valley 
is  equally  &  perhaps  more  distressing,  yet  the  Resolutions  taking 
up  the  Case  of  those  of  the  Flatts  as  garrisoning  &  maintaining  a 
Post  &  it  will  by  no  means,  therefore,  apply  to  the  former.  So 
that  in  the  present  Case  I  am  left  not  only  without  authority  but 
without  Presedent.  To  advise  my  Brother  to  order  them  supplies 
of  Provission  from  the  public  Stores  might  be  leading  him  into 
Difficulties  &  Censure  from  his  Superiors.  And  by  taking  upon 
me  to  order  them  a  Supply  in  any  other  way,  I  may  incur  Blame 
&  the  Displeasure  of  the  Legislature.  I  am  at  the  same  Time  fully 
of  oppinion  that  some  Relief  ought  to  be  afforded  to  those  un- 
happy Sufferers,  and  if  it  is  not  giving  you  too  much  Trouble, 
I  coud  wish  the  Members  for  the  County  of  Albany  woud  meet 
&  confer  upon  the  most  elligible  Mode  of  furnishing  them  a 
present  Supply  of  Provisions,  to  serve  till  the  meeting  of  the 
Legislature,  &  I  will  endeavour  to  have  it  carried  into  Execution 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  GLIN'TON.  337 

&  as  this  seems  to  be  the  most  practicable  Mode,  trust  to  their 
providing  for  the  Expence.     I  have  no  News.     I  am  your  Most 

Obed't  Serv't 

Geo.  Clinton. 
[To  Ab'rn  Yates  Esqr.] 


JAMES  CLINTON  ASKS  THE  GOVERNOR  FOR  INSTRUCTIONS. 

Albany  Nov'r  28th  1778. 

Sir,  I  arrived  in  this  Place  the  25th  Instant,  since  which  time  I 
have  had  repeated  applications  from  the  Inhabitants  for  Sup- 
plies of  cloathing  &  Provisions  for  those  distressed  refugees  from 
Cherry  Vally. 

As  I  do  not  think  myself  at  Liberty  to  act  in  this  matter  untill 
I  receive  your  Instructions,  I  have  enclosed  you  a  return  made 
me,  for  that  Purpose  that  you  may  be  better  able  to  determine, 
what  is  to  be.  done  to  alleviate  the  Distresses  of  these  unhappy 
Sufferers. 

I  am  informed  that  many  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  German 
Flatts,  who  are  not  justly  entitled  to  the  publick  Bounty,  avail 
themselves  of  the  General  Calamity,  &  impose  on  the  charity  of 
the  People — to  remedy  this  imposition,  I  conceive  that  some  Per- 
son of  Integrity  shoud  be  appointed  for  the  purpose  of  discrimi- 
nating between  those  who  are  objects  of  Charity  and  those  who 
are  able  to  provide  for  themselves,  and  make  returns  accordingly. 

In  consequence  of  the  enclosed  application  from  Cherry  Vally, 
I  have  ordered  the  Commissary  at  Schanectady  to  issue  one 
weeks  Provision;  if  this  shoud  meet  with  your  approbation,  you 
will  inform  me  in  line,  as  soon  as  convenient,  as  I  shall  give  no 
more  orders  untill  I  know  the  Pleasure  of  the  State  in  the  matter. 

I  am  your  very  affectionate 

James  Clinton. 

22 


338  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

P.  S.  The  enclosed  return  from  the  German  Flats  contains 
the  number  of  Persons  who  draw  Provision  by  order  of  GenL 
Hand. 

His  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esquire 
Governor  of  the  State  of  New  York. 


THE  VICTIMS  AT  CHERRY  VALLEY. 

A  genuine  account  of  the  slain,  and  prisoners  taken  in  the 
action  (of  the  Inhabitents)  at  Cherry  Valley  No'br  llth  1778. 

Viz:  31  Killed  and  Barbarous  massachred;  33  prisoners  Carred 
off;  38  made  prisoners  and  pirmited  to  Return. 

Prisoners  that  is  Carried  off:  Colo.  Campbell's  wife  and  four 
Children  and  a  negro  Boy;  James  Moore's  wife  and  three  Daugh- 
ters; James  Campbell,  Jun'r;  James  Ramsa,  two  sons  and 'two 
Daughters;  Will'm  McClellan  and  two  Children;  Hugh  Mitchell's 
two  Children;  James  Richey's  servant  Boy  and  negro  man;  Robt. 
Wells's  Servant  girl  and  negro  man;  Mathew  Cannan  and  two 
Servant  Boys;  John  Scott  and  two  negros;  Rev'd  Mr.  Dunlap's 
negro  wench;  Will'm  Henderson;  a  Son  of  James  Leshman. 


To  the  Hounerable  Briga'r  General  Hand,  Commander  in  Cheif 
of  the  American  forces  in  the  Northern  Department: 

We,  the  undernamed  Subscribers,  at  the  Request,  and  in  Behalf 
of  the  poor  Distresed  Inhabitents  of  Cherry  Valley,  who  made 
their  Escape  in  the  Conflagration  thereof,  on  the  llth  and  12th  of 
Nov'br  1778,  Humbly  Sheweth;  That  the  persons  and  familys 
whose  names  in  a  Schedull  is  hereunto  anexed,  By  Reason  of  the 
Loss  and  Distraction  of  their  all,  is  Left  in  a  Dolefull,  Lament- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  339 

able,  and  Helpless  Condition,  Destitute  (many  of  them)  of  meatr 
money,  and  Cloathing,  Either  for  Back  or  Bed. 

We,  your  Memorialists,  Humbly  pray  your  Houn'r  to  take  the 
distresed  Condition  of  these  people  into  your  Serious  Considera- 
tion, and  grant  Such  Supplys  of  provision,  and  wood,  to  those 
setled  in  and  about  Schenactady,  as  your  Houn'r  may  think  fit, 
and  also  advise,  or  devise  Some  ways  and  means,  in  your  Houn'rs 
wisdom,  wherby  those  distresed  people  may  be  Supplied  with 
Some  Cloathing,  to  Cover  them  from  the  Inclemency  of  the 
wether,  and  your  Memorialists  Shall  Ever  hold  themselves  in  duty 
bound  to  pray. 

Schenactady  Nov'br  26th  1778. 

John  Moore  Quo'm  Justice, 

Saml.  Campbell,  Colo. 
James  Willson,  Capt. 

The  following  is  a  List  of  the  persons  pointed  at  in  the  within 
Memorial : 

Colo.    Samuel   Campbell's             family 5 

Leiut.  Colo.  Samuel  Clyd                Do 10 

Cap't  James  Willson                        Do 8 

Leiuts.  John  and  Saml.  Campbell    Do 8 

Adjutant  James  Cannan                   Do 3 

Kev'd  William  Johnston                   Da 10 

Will'm  Dixon                                     Do . 8 

Netha'l  Hammil  .                               Do 2 

Will'm  Gait                                        Do 9 

Rev'd  Saml.  Dunlap                          Do 5 

Will'm  McLellan                                Do 4 

James  Campbell                                Do. 11 

Rich'd  Johnston                                  Do 5 


340  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Rebacas  Thompson,  widdow            Do 6 

WilPm  Thompson                              Do 12 

James  Scott                                      Do 6 

James  Moore                                     Do ". 3 

James  Marr                                       Do 4 

James  Lishman                                 Do ' ••&'•, 

Alex'dr  McCollom                             Do 8 

Daniel  Ogdon                                    Do -7 

Hugh  Mitchell                                  Do 3 

Azaria  Holeburt                               Do 1 

Michal  McDearmot                           Do 6 

Saml.  Warfield                                  Do ',    4 

John  Campbell                                 Do ,  0 

Will'm  Cook                                       Do 4. 

Saml.  Edkins                                      Do 4 

Will'm  McConnell                              Do 3 

James  McCollom                              Do 4 

173 


THE  SUFFERERS  AT  GERMAN  FLATS. 

A  Return  of  the  Refugees,  or  inhabitants  of  the  German  Flatts, 
that  was  Burn'd  off,  and. lost  their  Effects  by  the  Enemy.  All 
above  16  years  old,  are  allow'd  one  Ib.  Bread  &  one  Ib.  Beef;  and 
all  under  16  years  old,  half  a  Ib.  of  Bread,  and  half  a  Ib.  Beef,  pr. 
Day. 

Names  of  Persons:  above  under 

16  years:       16  years: 

Henry  Herter 5  6 

Frederick  Bellinger 7  1 

Thomas  Volmer ,  3  5 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  341 

Jacob  Weber,  Jun'r 3  i 

Mcleod  Folts 2  1 

Marks  Ittig Q  5 

Joseph  Folts 2  5 

Christian  Bigel 2  4 

Frederick  Rigel 2  5 

Frederick  Helmer,  Jun'r 2  3 

Frederick  Dornberger   1  7 

Conrod  Folts 4  2 

Peter  Weber 4  3 

George  Smith 6  2 

George  Helmer 2  4 

George  Hills,  Sen'r   4 

Eve  Frank >  1  5 

Stephen  Frank 2  1 

Margaret  Pesausie 1  4 

Philip  Helmer 3  7 

Nicholas  Herter 6 

Lawrence  Herter,  Sen'r 3  1 

Jacob  G.  Weber 2  2 

George  Hills,  Jun'r 5  2 

Adam  Smith 3  4 

John  Christman,  Jun'r 2  3 

Ludowick  Bersh 2  1 

Michael  Myer 4  3 

John  Bellinger 3  1 

Jacob  Christman 2  5 

John  Casler 2  4 

Jacob  Bauman 2  4 

John  Dcmuth 3  2 


342  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Frederick  Herter 5  4 

George  J.  N.  Weber 2 

Nicholas  Smith 2  3 

Adam  Bauman 5  2 

Frederick  Bauman 2  1 

William  Petry 2  5 

George  Dochsteder 4 

Mary  Myer 4  2 

Mary  Bell 1  3 

Frederick  Myer 2  5 

Frederick  W^eber 2 

William  Cunningham 2  6 

John  Smith 2  1 

Jacob  Bell 2 

Adam  Helmer 2  1 

Adam  (Starring,  Jun'r 3  1 

Elizabeth  Helmer 1  8 

Jacob  Myer 4  6 

Joseph  Myer 2  5 

Christian  Ittig 4  6 

Jacob  Pypher 5  4 

John  Pesausie 2  2 

Augustinus  Hess 2  2 

Ichabod  Bonny 3    .  3 

John  Frank 3  5 

Frederick  Frank : 2  4 

George  Weber 2  1 

Frederick  Getman,  Jun'r 2  1 

Henry  Miller 5 

Mark  Kaspell 3  5 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  343 

William  Cline 2  5 

Margaret  Bersh 1  4 

Nicholas  Spoon 5  2 

Mary  Oxner 1  4 

Nicholas  Christman 2  1 

Elizabeth  Rankin 1  2 

Ludowick  &  John  Campbell 4  3 

Rudolph  Steale 2  2 

Barbary  Clapsattle  3  7 

Margaret  Sharer 1  2 

Dorothy  Bell 1  2 

^.nn  Schuyler 1  4 

Barbara  Petry 1  4 

Oatharine  Petry 1  4 

William  Shoot 2  3 

The  widow  Steinwax 1  4 

The  widow  Iray 1  6 

Barbara  Cunningham 1  3 

Such  as  have  lost  Houses  &  Barns  but  has 
some  Grain  left,  and  are  put  on  half  allow- 
ance: 

Adam  Starring,  Sen'r 2  4 

Michael  Ittick 4  4 

George  Wents 4  3 

John  Fox ' 2  5 

Peter  Bellinger 4  4 

John  Osterhout 2  5 

Frederick  Getman,  Sen'r 5  3 

Jacob  Basehaur 5  3 

Tiedrick  Steale  .  6  5 


344  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Jacob  Folts 4  5 

Nicholas  H.  Weber. 2  7 

Jacob  Krim 3  5 

Conrod  &  Peter  Folts. 5  5 

Such  as  liv'd  distant  from  Fort  Dayton  and 

was  oblig'd  to  leave  their  habitations  all 

the   summer,   and   has   lost  part   of  their 

Effects  and  are  on  half  allowance: 

George  Weber 5  1 

John  Hyer 2  6 

Frederick  Kast 5  4 

Gertrude  Kast 1 

Mark  Demuth 5  6 

Christopher  Strobell 3 

Nicholas  Weber 2  4 

John  Davie 2  6 

Nicholas  Lighthall,  Sen'r 2  1 

Timothy  Frank 2  5 

Conrod  Fulmer 3  3 

Nicholas  Lighthall,  Jun'r 2  3 

John  Bellinger 3  6 

Peter  Flock 2  2 

Jacob  Broadhack 2  1 

Such  as  are  absent  at  present,  but  have  lost 

Houses,  Barns  and  most  of  their  effects: 

Lawrence  Herter,  Jun'r 2  3 

Nicholas  Hills  3  7 

Andrew  Clapsattle 2  2 

William  Deygart 7     f        6 

George  Nellis 5  1 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  345 

Sign'd  by  the  Principal  Officers  and  Inhabitants  of  the  German 
Flatts: 

Peter  Bellinger,  Colo;  Frederich  Bellinger,  Lt.  Coll;  Henrig 
Herder  Capt;  Wm.  Ptetri,  Justice,  Friederich  Gettman,  Capt; 
Adam  Helmer,  Leut;  Frieterich  Franck. 


THE    GOVERNOR    CONFIDENT    THE    LEGISLATURE    WILL    ADOPT 
MEASURES  OF  AMELIORATION. 

Poukeepsie  3d  Dec'r  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  I  have  received  your  Letter  of  the  28th  Ultimo.  Tho 
I  feel  for  the  Distresses  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Cherry  Valley  and 
sincerely  wish  it  was  in  my  Power  to  afford  them  Relief  I  am  not 
authorized  to  instruct  you  to  supply  their  wailts  from  the  Public 
Stores,  however  equitably  they  may  be  entitled  to  this  In- 
dulgence. I  am  sensible  their  Case  is  equally  hard,  &  consider- 
ing the  advanced  Season  of  the  year  in  which  their  Settlement 
was  destroyed,  perhaps  more  so  than  that  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
German  Flatts,  whom  the  Legislature  have  by  their  Resolution 
(a  Copy  whereof  is  inclosed  for  your  Information)  authorized  me 
to  supply  with  Provissions,  but  you  will  at  the  same  Time  observe, 
that  the  Reason  held  out  by  the  Resolution  for  supplying  the  In- 
habitants of  the  Flatts,  is  their  garisoning  &  maintaining  Fort 
Dayton  &  as  it  does  not  apply  to  those  of  Cherry  Valey,  it  does 
not  even  afford  me  a  Precedent  for  extending  this  Indulgence 
to  the  latter.  It  was  in  Consequence  of  my  Request  to  Genl. 
Hand  &  Promise  to  defray  the  Expence,  if  the  Measure  shoud  be 
disaproved  by  Congress,  to  whom  he  wrote  on  the  subject,  that 
he  has  ordered  Provisions  to  be  issued  to  them  from  the  public 
•Stores,  and  that  you  may  stand  on  the  same  Footing  with  him  in 
continuing  these  Issues,  I  now  repeat  the  same  Engagements 


346  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

to  you.  I  inclose  you  also  Copy  of  my  Orders  to  Colo.  Bellinger, 
to  prevent  the  Impositions  mentioned  in  your  Letter  which  I 
trusted  woud  have  proved  an  effectual  Guard  ag't  them.  If  the 
Contrary  however  is  the  Case,  as  I  am  entirely  Ignorant  of 
Charecter  in  that  Quarter,  I  must  begg  you  to  appoint  some  Per- 
son to  this  Business,  who  can  be  relied  on,  &  I  will  confirm  the 
appointm't. 

The  Legislature  is  to  meet  the  2d  Monday  in  Jan'y  &  I  have  not 
the  least  doubt  but  they  will  on  proper  application  from  the  In- 
habitants of  Cherry  Valey  which  I  wish  them  to  make  take  the 
Case  of  these  unhappy  sufferers  into  Consideration  &  grant  them 
suitable  Relief.  In  the  Mean  Time  I  have  wrote  to  the  Members 
of  the  County  of  Albany  for  their  Oppinion  of  the  best  mode  of 
giving  them  a  Temporary  Supply,  which  I  am  willing  the  Risque 

of  its  being  approved  by  ye  Legislature.    I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Gen.  James  Clinton.] 

[No.  1954.] 
McDOUGALL  AGAIN  IN  COMMAND  AT  THE  HIGHLANDS. 

Governor  Clinton  Orders  Out  Three  Hundred  Militia  at  His  Request. 

Peekskill  Dec'r  2nd  1778. 

My  Dear  Sir,  I  was  honored  with  your  Favor  by  Major  McDou- 
gall.  You  justly  concluded,  that  I  did  not  intend  to  ask  a  promise 
of  you  in  favor  of  Colonel  Lawrance.  I  can  with  great  Truth 
assure  you,  I  had  not  a  wish  to  obtain  a  promise  from  you.  Such 
a  Measure  is  too  dishonorable  to  be  proposed,  to  one  in  your  office, 
exclusive  of  the  Friendship  I  bear  you. 

After  traversing  the  lower  part  of  this  State,  and  part  of  Con- 
necticut, I  am  ordered  once  more  by  the  Commander  in  chief,  to 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  347 

take  Charge  of  the  Posts  in  the  Highlands,  with  Nixon's,  Patter- 
son's and  Learned's  Brigades;  and  the  present  Garrison  of  West 
Point.  The  first  of  these  is  now  hutting,  on  the  Post  Road  below 
Mrs.  Warren's,  the  two  Latter  are  not  yet  come  on,  from  the  East- 
ward. When  they  arrive,  some  of  them  must  hut  also.  With 
the  utmost  Dispatch  that  can  be  made,  it  will  be  the  15th  or  20tb 
Instant,  before  they  are  covered.  Whenever  they  are,  or  the  Work 
advanced,  I  shall  send  large  Parties  down  to  Bedford,  North  Castle 
Church  and  Sing-Sing.  His  Excellency  has  called  off  the  Horse 
and  light  Troops,  to  join  their  respective  corps.  For  these  Rea- 
sons, I  wish  you  would  order  three  Hundred  of  the  Militia  out,  for 
that  Service,  for  fifteen  or  Twenty  Days  at  furthest,  when  I  shall 
relieve  them,  and  hope  I  shall  have  no  further  Occasion  to  call  on 
them,  during  my  Command.  Your  Favors  left  at  Major  Cammel's 
Continental  Village,  will  reach  me.  I  beg  the  Favor  of  a  Line 
from  you  in  answer  to  this  as  soon  as  you  can,  to  govern  my  Con- 
duct. I  am  my  Dear  Sir  Your  most  affectionate  Servant 

Alex'r  McDougall. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


The  Governor  Co-operates  with  McDougaM. 

Poukeepsie  4th  Dec'r  1778. 

D'r  Sir,  I  am  favoured  with  your  Letter  of  the  2d  Instant  and 
agreable  to  your  Request  have  orderd  out  three  hundred  of  the 
Militia  of  Genl.  Morris's  Brigade  to  serve  under  you  for  one  Month 
unless  sooner  relieved.  The  Inhabitants  of  the  [Philipse]  Pur- 
chase, Tarry  Town,  &ca.  are  at  present  much  exposed,  and  the 
Enemy  draw  considerable  Supplies  of  Cattle  &ca.  from  those 
Neighbourhoods.  I  wish,  therefore,  that  the  Militia  now  ordered 
out,  may  be  imployed  as  much  as  consistent  with  Safety  &  the 


348  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

good  of  the  Service  to  cover  those  Neighbourhoods.    I  am  in  great 

Haste  D'r  Sir  Your  most  Obed.  Serv't 

G.  C. 
i 

P.  S.    You'l  be  pleased  to  forw'd  the  inclosed  order  to  Genl. 

Morris,  who  I  underst'd  is  at  Bedford  or  in  his  absence  to  Coll. 
Saml.  Drake.    Genl.  McDougal. 


[No.  1955.] 
COLONEL  MALCOM  TO  BE  SUPERSEDED. 

He  Invites  Governor  Clinton  to  Make  Him  a  Call — The  Case  of 

Colonel  Hay. 

Fort  Clinton  Dec'r  1,  1778. 

Sir,  When  I  had  the  Honor  of  addressing  you  yesterday,  I  knew 
not  or  rather  did  not  recollect  that  the  parson's  furniture  was  on 
board.  It  is  most  certainly  right  that  it  should  be  received  and  I 
shall  with  pleasure  afford  the  person  who  comes  to  take  charge 
of  it,  every  assistance  in  my  power.  I  believe  Col.  Hay's  Case  is 
just  as  your  Excellency  views  it.  I  am  [of]  opinion  that  for  the 
present,  it  is  best  to  take  his  salt;&c.  on  shore  here  for  a  few 
days — if  it  is  delivered  to  him  at  Haverstraw — it  will  ruin  him. 
I  imagine  he  has  paid  or  will  pay  for  it  &  am  perswaded  he  can- 
not afford  the  loss.  I  dare  say  you  will  approve  of  my  doing  so. 

Smith's  flag  lies  about  2  miles  below  this  Garrison,  and  the 
other  at  King's  Ferry — but  for  the  conveniency  of  delivering  the 
parson's  Goods,  &  receiving  the  familys,  I  think  of  ordering  her 
up  also  &  they  may  go  on  board  at  Robinson's.  Vandyke  nor  the 
others  shall  not  come  on  shore. 

I  shall  have  an  officer  and  a  party  w'li  a  w.hale  boat  ready,  to 
see  both  vessells  down  the  River,  when  your  Excellency  shall 
direct  it  to  be  done.  Col.  Hay  is  not  yet  come  up,  but  I 'expect 
him  to-morrow. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  349 

In  a  few  days  I  expect  to  be  relieved  from  my  command.  I 
have  no  such  intimation  from  the  Commander  in  Chieff  but  by  a 
Letter  from  General  McDougall  &  other  reports,  I  imagine  it  will 
be  the  case.  I  have  no  regret  on  this  account,  only  that  I  imagine 
that  very  few  will  take  as  much  pains  to  promote  the  Service  as 
I  have  done,  and  if  they  really  would,  it  would  be  some  time  ere 
they  could  be  properly  acquainted  with  the  bussiness  to  be  done. 
I  wish  it  were  possible  for  your  Excellency  to  ride  down  or  to 
come  down  by  water,  and  I  woud  send  a  well  mann'd  barge  to 
Pokepsie.  I  wish  you  to  see  the  state  of  the  fort  as  I  leave  it,  if 
that  turns  out  to  be  the  case,  that  at  least  I  may  have  the  credit 
of  whats  now  dione,  and  I  don't  want  more.  I  have  the  Honor  to 
be  with  due  respect  Your  Excellency's  most  obed't  and  very  Hbl. 

ser't 

W.  Malcom. 
His  Excellencv  Governor  Clinton. 


COLONEL  HAY'S  CASE  LEFT  TO  COLONEL  MALCOM'S  DISCRETION. 

Poukeepsie  4th  Dec'r  1778. 

D'r  Sir,  I  am  favoured  with  your  Letter  of  the  1st  Instant.  I 
perfectly  agree  with  you  in  sentiments  respecting  Colo.  Hay's 
affair  &  I  'submit  the  whole  management  of  it  to  your  Discretion 
not  doubting  but  it  will  be  conducted  in  such  prudent  Manner  as 
not  to  give  Precedent  to  a  Practice  which  might  be  injurious  ta 
the  public  Service. 

You  will  receive  this  from  Mr.  Davis,  who  will  deliver  on  Board 
the  Flag,  Mr.  Bardsly's  Furniture  &  take  into  his  Care  Mr.  Fre- 
ligh's,  to  be  delivered  at  this  Place.  He  is  possessed  of  Lists  of 
each.  Mrs.  Thorn  with  her  Familly  &  Effects  goes  down  also  in  Mr. 
Davis'  Boat  &  as  Mrs.  Mabit  declines  going  to  New  York  the 
Flaggs  may  be  sent  off  as  soon  without  further  Delay.  If  I  pos- 


350  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

•sibly  can,  I  will  pay  you  a  vissit  at  the  Fort  before  you  leave  it. 

I  am  your  most  Obed't  Serv't 

G.  C. 
[To  Col.  Maleom.] 


[No.  1956.] 
'Colonel  Woodhull  Determined  to  Preserve  Discipline  in  His  Regiment. 

Orange  County  Decemb'r  2st  1778. 

Dear  Govenor,  Inclosed  you  have  the  names  of  Three  of  my 
Officers  with  their  Charg*  stated  that  I  have  Laid  under  an  arrest. 
I  Beg  your  Excelency  would  Order  a  Court  Martial  To  Try  them 
Immediately.  I  have  had  more  Troble  with  my  Ridgment  for  a 
few  months  Past  than  I  Have  Had  Ever  Since  the  Commencement 
of  the  War.  Your  Excellency  must  be  Sencible  that  the  Malitia 
of  this  State  has  been  Greatly  Harrased  Ever  Since  the  Beginning 
of  the  war  and  of  Course  must  be  Extreemly  Distressing  to  the 
Poorer  Sort  of  mankind,  and  if  the  officers  do  not  use  every  means 
in  their  Power,  it  is  not  Possible  to  Get  them  out.  Therefore,  I 
^am  determined  for  the  future  to  Lay  Every  Officer  under  an  arrest 
for  the  Least  Disobediance  of  Orders  or  who  does  not  use  every 
means  in  his  Power  to  Carry  them  into  Execution.  I  am  Deter- 
mined to  Bring  them  to  a  Since  of  their  Duty  or  Resign  my  Com- 
mition  and  have  no  further  Troble  with  them.  I  Received  a  Let- 
ter from  Coll.  Courtland  of  the  23  Instant,  ordering  the  malitia  to 
Menicinck  and  it  appears  from  your  Excellency's  order  of  the 
Twenty  first  of  October,  that  the  malitia  of  Ulster  and  Orange  are 
Discharged  untill  further  orders  from  your  Excellency.  In  Haste, 
I  am  with  the  utmost  esteem,  Your  Excellency's  Very  Humb. 

Serv't 

Jesse  Woodhull. 

To  His  Excellency  George  Clinton  Governor  of  the  State  of  New 
York. 

•Copy  of  charges  not  found. — STATE  HISTORIAN. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  351 

GOVERNOR  CLINTON  ORDERS  A  COURT  MARTIAL. 

Poukeepsie  4th  Dec'r  1778. 

D'r  Sir,  I  have  received  your  Letter  of  the  2d  Instant  enclosing 
the  Charges  ag't  Capt.  Tuthill,  Lieuts.  Hobart  &  Horton  and 
agreable  to  your  Request  you  have  herein  an  Order*  appointing 
a  Gonl.  Court  Martial  for  their  Tryal  &  the  Tryal  of  such  other 
Offenders  as  may  be  brought  before  the  Court.  You  will  please 
to  forward  the  Order  to  the'  Presid't,  who  as  he  is  to  appoint  the 
Time  &  Place  for  holding  the  Court,  must  forward  to  the  dif- 
ferent Regts.  who  are  to  furnish  Members,  a  Copy  of  the  Order 
with  his  Appomtm't  of  Time  &  Place  indorsed  thereon. 

I  highly  approve  of  your  Resolution  to  bring  your  Regt.  to  a 
proper  Sense  of  their  Duty,  in  which  you  will  always  meet  with 
my  utmost  assistance.  Genl.  Hand,  or  in  his  Absence  Count 
Pulaski,  commands  at  Minisinck,  &  it  would  be  well  to  consult 
either  of  them  before  the  Militia  march  to  that  Place,  as  Col. 
Cortland's  Request  may  arise  from  some  Misstake  &  I  wish  to 
ease  them  as  much  as  may  be  consistent  with  the  Public  Safety. 

I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
Colo.  Woodhull. 

[No.  1957.] 

McDOUGALL  APPREHENSIVE  OF  AN  ATTACK. 
A  Large  Fleet  of  the  Enemy  Reported  in  Tappan,  Bay — Protecting 
I  Both  Sides  of  the  River. 

Fort  Arnold,"Dec:  4th  1778. 

Sir,  I  am  favour'd  with  yours  of  equal  date,  the  Inclosures  were 
delivered  to  Col.  Drake,  and  your  wish  respecting  the  Inhabitants 
below  will  be  attended  to.  I  came  here  at  noon,  to  inspect  the 

*  Order  not  found. — STATE  HISTORIAN. 


352  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

state  of  this  post,  and  to  give  the  necessary  Orders  for  the  winter. 
This  moment  Col.  Hay  informs  me,  there  are  twenty  Sail  of  large 
and  some  small  vessels  in  Tappan  bay.  Their  object  must  be 
some  stores  on  the  west  side  of  the  Ferry.  Five  hundred  Penn- 
sylvanians,  now  at  Peekskill  are  ordered  to  cross,  and  Nixon's 
Brigade,  with  all  possible  dispatch.  Learned's  is  ordered  to 
march  to  this  Ferry.  Patterson's  to  the  Village  to  wait  orders. 
Least  any  accident  should  happen  the  Boats  at  the  Ferry  before 
those  Troops  can  cross,  I  shall  probably  order  a  Detachment  from 
this  post.  They  can  always  fall  back  if  the  Enemy  should  have 
any  other  object,  higher  up  in  view.  The  Troops  (those  Vessels 
may  contain)  would  give  me  no  pain,  if  they  were  confined  to  act 
one  side  of  the  river:  But  as  I  cant  depend  on  this,  I  must  be 
prepared  for  events.  I  think  the  Militia  on  the  west  side  should 
be  collected;  ready  to  march  to  this  post,  if  the  Alarm  should  be 
fired.  And  that  on  the  East  side,  prepared  to  move  to  Fishkill; 
and  there  wait  orders.  I  cannot  now  inform  you  where  yours 
will  find  me,  as  I  have  dispositions  to  make.  But  when  this  is 
done,  I  shall  advise  you.  Three  Cannon  fired,  five  minutes  after 
each  other  will  be  the  signal.  I  am,  Sir,  Your  hble.  serv't 

Alex'r  McDougall. 
7  P.  M. 

Governor  Clinton. 

THE  MILITIA  TO  BE  HELD  IN  READINESS. 

P.  5  Dec'r  1778. 

D'r  Sir,  I  have  received  yours  of  yesterday  &  will  order  the 
Militia  to  hold  themselves  in  Readiness  and  to  march  accordingly 
on  Fireing  of  the  alarm  Guns.  I  am  your  most  Obed't  Serv't 

[G.  C.] 
Genl.  McDougal. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  353 

[No.  1958.] 
CONFIDENCE  IN  COLONEL  MALCOM. 

The  Govevnor  Regrets  He  is  to  le  Superseded  at  West  Pomt — Requests 
Maloom  to  Settle  the  Hay  Case. 

Poukeepsie  5th  Dec'r  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  I  am  favoured  with  yours  of  equal  Date.  It  gives 
me  real  Concern  to  learn  that  you  are  likely  to  be  divested  of  the 
Command  of  the  Fort  ag't  which  every  Reason  mentioned  in  your 
Letter  opperates  (in  my  Opinion)  most  strongly.  I  think  it  will 
be  most  adviseable  to  send  the  Tories  to  the  Commissioners  at 
this  Place  at  least  such  of  them  as  it  may  not  be  safe  to  dismiss. 

I  wrote  you  this  Morning  by  Mr.  Richard  Davis  who  has  Bard- 
sly's  Furniture  &  Mrs.  Thome  &  Familly  on  Board  his  Boat.  He 
has  Orders  to  receive  Mr.  Freligh's  Effects  from  on  Board  the 
Flagg  on  his  Arival  which  will  be  Tomorrow  at  farthest  so  that 
the  two  Flags  may  be  dismissed  without  further  Delay.  I  must 
begg  you  will  compleat  the  Settlement  of  Colo.  Hay's  Affair  in' 
such  manner  as  you  shall  Judge  best  even  tho'  you  shoud  be 
superceded  in  Command,  there  can  be  no  Impropriety  in  your 
transacting  this  Business,  as  it  relates  solely  to  this  State  &  I 
chuse  to  intrust  it  to  your  Discretion  in  preference  to  any  other 
Person.  I  wish  it  was  in  my  Power  to  continue  you  at  the  Fort; 
had  Genl.  McDougal  consulted  with  me  on  the  Occassion  I  shoud 

most  certainly  have  advised  it.     I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 

[To  Col.  Malcom.] 
23 


354        PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  1959.] 
QUARTERS  FOR  THE  LEGISLATURE. 

Inducement  Offered  by  Kingston — The  Rate  for  Board  Fixed  at  Nine 
Dollars  Per  Week. 

Marbletown  Dec'r  5th  1778. 

S'r,  Inclos'd  I  Send  your  Excellency  a  letter  I  Rec'd  from  Mr. 
Dumond  &c.  and  also  a  list  of  the  Names  of  such  of  the  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  town  of  Kingston,  who  are  willing  to  board  the  Mem- 
bers of  the  Legislature,  in  case  your  Excellency  should  think 
proper  to  appoint  that  place,  for  the  Meeting  of  the  next  Legis- 
lature. The  Town  of  Hurly  is  much  nearer  than  Salsbury  or 
Harry  Jansen's.  Those  Gentlemen  who  chooses  to  keep  Horses 
can  have  them  well  keept  and  at  a  Reasonable  rate  at  those 
places  out  of  town. 

I  am  farther  Inform'd  that  rooms  for  the  Senate  and  assembly 
will  be  provided.  What  is  wanting  in  my  opinion,  is  a  house  for 
your  self  and  family.  The  lowest  paid  at  Poughkeepsie  the  last 
setting  (at  lest  as  far  as  I  know)  was  ten  Boilers  pr  week.  Some 
GentPn  Paid  fourteen.  I  am  S'r  with  Great  Esteem  your  Most 

Humble  Ser't 

Levi  Pawling. 

[To  G.  C.] 

REPORT  OF  THE  COMMITTEES. 

Kingston  Dec'r  2,  1778. 

Sir,  Agreable  to  our  Resolution  of  yesterday  we  have  taken  a 
Tour  among  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  respecting  the  Enter- 
tainment of  the  Legislature  at  the  next  Sessions.  A  List  of  the 
Persons  who  are  willing  to  Board  them  will  be  delivered  to  you 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  355 

by  Mr.  Dumond — as  to  the  price  from  the  best  calculation  we  are 
able  to  make,  will  be  nine  Dollars  p  Week.    We  are,  Sir,  Your 

most  Obed't  Serv't 

John  Dumont, 

Christ'r  Tappen, 
Egbert  Dumond, 
Joseph  Gasherie, 
D:  Wynkoop,  Jun. 
To  The  Hon'ble  Levi  Pawling,  Esqr. 


[No.  I960.] 
THE  ENEMY'S  FLEET  RETIRES  TO  NEW  YORK. 

Merely   Off  on  a  Foraging  Expedition — McDowgall  Suggests  the 
Dismissal  of  the  Five  Hundred  MiUtia. 

Peeks  Kill  Dec'r  6th  1778. 

Sir,  I  am  honored  with  your  favor  of  yesterday.     The  Enemies 
Fleet  consisting  of  26  saile  came  up  and  anchored  at  Kings-Ferry 
at  9  A.  M.  of  the  5th,  and  Landed  1500  men  at  11;  but  their  ob- 
ject being  removed,  in-  time,  and  seeing  Nixon's  Brigade  move 
towards  them,  which  crossed  in  the  morning,  (within  shot,)  they 
embarked  with  precipitation.     And  at  4  P.  M.  they  sett  saile  and 
moved  down  the  river  below  Tallars  Point,  and  I  believe  are  now 
out  of  sight.     There  Landed  a  considerable  body  at  Tarry  Town, 
the  afternoon  before.     These  excursions  were  for  Provisions;  as 
they  are  pressed  for  this  Article,  six  men  having  but  the  allow- 
ance of  four.    Considering  the  advanced  season;  and  my  present 
Force,  I  think  it  unnessary  now,  to  detain  the  common  Militia 
any  longer  in  suspense.    You,  therefore,  please  to  order  them 


356  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

dismissed.  I  am  much  obliged  to  you  for  the  ready  assistance 
you  afforded  me  in  ordering  those  out,  destined  for  below,  as  well 
as  the  orders  Issued  for  the  others.  You  may  rest  assured,  I 
shall  not  call  upon  them  at  any  time  unnecessarily.  My  com- 
plim'ts  to  Mrs.  Clinton.  And  believe  me  to  be  your  affectionate 

Friend  and  Humble  Servant 

Alex'r  McDougall. 
Gov'r  Clinton. 

[No.  1961.] 

Mr.  Bancker  Arrives  at  Goshen  with  the  One  Hundred  Thousand 
Dollars  Advanced  by  Congress  to  Neiti  York. 

Goshen,  Sonday  Noon  December  6th  1778. 

Sir,  I  did  myself  the  honour  of  addressing  your  Excellency  last 
Monday  when  at  Philadelphia;  I  now  have  the  pleasure  of  Inform- 
ing your  Excellency  of  our  safe  Keturn  thus  far,  and  for  the 
quicker  Conveyance  of  the  Letters  (we  received  in  Philadelphia) 
to  your  Excellency  &ca.  I  have  thought  best  to  Dispatch  One  of 
the  Guard  by  the  way  of  New  Windsor,  who  is  the  bearer  of  this. 
Immidiatly  after  Dinner  shall  proceed  on  to  Kingston  and  Deliver 
our  Charge  in  the  hands  of  the  Treasurer  and  take  his  Receipt 
agreable  to  our  Instructions.  The  Specie  mentioned  of  in  Mr, 
Duane's  Letters  being  altogether  in  my  own  Charge,  I  shall  De- 
liver the  same  either  to  your  Excellency  or  your  Order  as  soon  as 
possible.  In  the  Mean  time  conclude,  with  my  best  Respects  to 
your  Excellency  and  family,  and  Remain  with  great  Esteem  Your 
Excellency's  Most  Obed't  &  Very  Humble  Serv't 

Abr'm  B.  Bancker. 

This  accompanies  also  a  Number  of  the  Constitution  of  our 
State  and  14  of  the  Treaty  of  Alliance  rece'd  from  Mr.  Lewis. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  357 

[No.  1962.] 

Colonel  Malcom  Apparently  Umvilling  to  Surrender  His  Command 

at  West  Point. 

Fort  Clinton,  Dec'r  6,  1778. 

D'r  Sir,  I  had  the  Honor  to  address  your  excellency  by  Capt. 
Neven  yesterday.  Since  that  Genl.  McDougal  is  gone  to  Peeks 
Kill,  the  Garrison  is  reenforced  with  a  few  Troops,  and  at  all 
•events  I  am  in  no  apprehensions  for  its  fate.  Whether  or  not  you 
will  think  proper  to  interest  yourself  in  the  change  of  Command 
that  is  likely  to  happen  I  know  not, — Altho7  there  are  some  mo- 
tives which  I  imagine  will  incline  you  to  do  so,  Yet,  on  the  other 
liand,  you  woud  perhaps  risque  something  on  my  conduct,  by 
urging  the  matter  to  either  Congress  or  Genl.  Washington.  How- 
•ever,  I  am  sure  that  the  measure  is  no  way  connected  w'h  the  pub- 
lic Service,  but  a  cause  must  be  look'i  for  elsewhere.  Genl.  Mc- 
Dougal seems  to  Hesitate,  I  told  him  I  believed  it  would  not  be 
very  agreeable  to  you  &  that  I  imagined  you  would  interest  your- 
.self  in  the  matter,  He  said  "  he  expected  so."  Our  Garrison  are 
highly  incensed  at  the  prospect  of  being  sent  to  Haverstraw  to 
look  for  Winter  Quarters  after  the  excessive  fatigue  they  have 
•done  here, 

Your  militia  I  am  confident  would  rather  Succour  me,  than  any 
Stranger  &  they  have  had  a  pretty  good  Specimen  of  those  from 
the  East. 

The  bussiness  recommended  in  your  Excellency's  letter  by  Capt. 
Davis  is  Executed,  but  the  flag  cannot  go  down  before  to-morrow. 

Col.  Hay  is  not  come  yet  but  expect  him  every  moment. 

I  shall  be  exceeding  happy  to  see  you  here,  but  beg  a  day's  pre- 
Tious  notice.  W'h  great  respect  I  am  Your  Excellency's  mo.  ob. 

•&  Very  hum'e  Serv't 

W.  Malcom. 
[To  G.  C.] 


358  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  1963.] 

Tories  Abandon  Their  Wives  and  Children. 
To  his  Excellency  Gorge  Clinton,  Esqr. 

Governor  of  the  State  of  New  York  Genl.  and  Commander  in 
Cheif  of  all  the  malitia  and  Admiral  of  the  Navy  of  the  same. 
May  it  Plas  your  Excellency, 

That  where  as,  John  Bates  and  Ebeneser  Wasborn,  Both  of 
Fradricksbourgh  Precinct,  Some  months  Past  absconded  and  are 
gone  to  the  Enemy  of  the  United  States  of  America  Leaving  their 

> wives  and  a  number  of  Small  Children  behind  who  are  unable  to 
Soport  themselves: 

We,  the  Subscribers,  therefore,  Beg  Leave  to  acquaint  your  Ex- 
cellency, that  Considering  the  Inability  of  the  Families  of  the 
S'd  Bates  and  Wasborn's  of  Soporting  themselves,  the  Scarcity 
of  Grain  Occasioned  by  the  Troops  Remaining  So  Long  with  us, 
and  the  Number  of  Poor  we  have  to  Soport  at  Publick  Expence, 
that  it  is  our  humble  opinion,  that  it  would  be  of  Geat  Servis  to 
the  Precinct,  if  your  Excellency  in  your  wisdom,  would  see  fit  to 
Grant  a  Permit  to  Zubah  Bates  and  Mary  Washborn,  wives  of  the 
s'd  John  and  Ebeneser,  to  Pass  with  their  Children  within  the 
enemies  Lines,  as  witness  our  hands  at  Fradricksbourgh  this  7 
Day  of  Dec'br  A  D  1778. 

Mathew  Paterson  Justice  of  ye  peace;  Heman  King,  Timothy 
Hatch,  Reuben  Ferris,  Alex'r  Kidd  Overseers  of  the  Poor. 

Granted,  on  procuring  a  pass  from  Com'g  Officer  of  the  Depart- 
ment. 

[G.  C.] 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  359 

• 

[Numbers  1964,  1966-1967.*] 
JOHN  JAY  ELECTED  PRESIDENT  OF  CONGRESS. 

/Succeeds  Henry  Laurens — Promises  to  Devote  His  Services  to  New 
York — Gouverneur  Morris'  Tribute. 

In  Congress  Dec.  10,  1778. 

Sir,  I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you,  that  this  day  Congress  pro- 
ceeded to  the  election  of  a  President,  &  that  the  choice  has  fallen 
upon  the  hon'bl  John  Jay,  Esqr.f  I  am,  Sir,  Your  obed't  humble 

serv't 

Chas.  Thomson,  sec'y. 

His  Excell'y  George  Clinton  Esqr.  Gov'r  of  State  of  New  York. 

•For  reasons  that  are  obvious,  manuscript  documents  1966  and  1967  are  given  prece- 
dence in  the  printed  publication  over  manuscript  document  1963.— STATE  HISTORIAN. 

t  Monday  December  7.    John  Jay  returned  to  Congress  and  presented  his  credentials 
which  read  as  follows: 
"  The  people  of  the  State  of  New- York,  by  the  grace  of  God  free  and  independent,  to  all 

to  whom  these  presents  shall  come,  send  greeting. 

"  Whereas  our  senate  and  assembly  of  our  said  state  did,  by  their  concurrent  resolu- 
tions of  the  21st  day  of  October  last,  declare  that  a  special  occasion  did  then  exist  in 
which  the  chancellor  and  judges  of  the  supreme  court  might  be  elected  delegates  to  the 
general  Congress,  and  that  of  the  chancellor  and  judges,  one  should  be  elected  a  dele- 
gate on  such  special  occasion;  and  also  by  concurrent  resolutions  of  the  4th  day  of  this 
inst,  month  of  Nov.,  did  resolve  to  proceed  severally  to  nominate  in  the  mode  pre- 
scribed in  and  by  the  30th  article  of  the  constitution  of  this  state,  of  the  chancellor  and 
judges  of  the  supreme  court,  one  as  a  delegate  to  represent  this  our  state  in  the  Con- 
gress of  the  United  States  of  America,  on  such  special  occasion,  to  continue  in  office 
until  the  first  day  of  March  next,  and  did,  thereupon  proceed  to  the  said  nomination, 
and  did  nominate  and  appoint,  iru  the  mode  prescribed  by  the  said  article.  John  Jay, 
Esq.  our  chief  justice  of  our  supreme  court  of  judicature,  a  delegate  to  represent  this 
our  state  in  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  of  America,  on  the  present  special  occa- 
sion: now  therefore,  know  ye,  that,  in  pursuance  of  such  nomination  and  appointment, 
we  do,  by  these  presents,  commissionate  the  said  John  Jay,  Esq;  a  delegate  to  represent 
this  our  state  in  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  of  America,  on  the  present  special 
occasion;  and  do  hereby  authorize  him  to  hoCd  and  exercise  all  the  powers  and  authori- 
ties to  the  office  or  place  of  delegate  belonging,  by  virtue  of  the  said  constitution,  and 
the  nomination  and  appointment  aforesaid;  to  have  and  to  hold  the  said  office  or  place 
of  delegate  upon  the  present  special  occasion,  unto  the  said  John  Jay,  Esq;  for,  and  dur- 
ing, and  until  the  first  day  of  March  next,  and  no  longer.  In  testimony  whereof,  we  have 
caused  these  our  letters  to  be  made  patent,  and  the  great  seal  of  this,  our  state  to  be 
hereunto  affixed.  Witness  our  trusty  and  well-beloved,  George  Clinton,  Esq;  our  gov- 
ernor of  our  said  state  of  New-York,  general  and  commander  in  chief  of  all  our  militia, 
and  admiral  of  the  navy  of  the  same,  this  tenth  day  of  Nov.  in  the  third  year  of  our 
Independence,  and  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy- 
eight. 

Signed,  George  Clinton, 

With  the  great  seal  appended,  and  endorsed. 

Passed  the  secretary's  office,  by  the  special  command  in  writing  of  his  excellency,  the 
governor,  this  loth  of  November,  1778. 

John  Mo<rin  Scott,  Secretary  of  State."— From  the  Journals  of  Congress. 


360  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

JOHN  JAY'S  ANNOUNCEMENT  OF  THE  FACT  TO  THE  GOVERNOR. 

Philadelphia  10  Dec'r  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  Many  unavoidable  Delays  prevented  my  arrival  here 
till  Sunday  evening  last. 

Yesterday  Mr.  Laurens  resigned  the  Chair,  &  this  morning 
Congress  were  pleased  to  appoint  me  to  succeed  him.  This  Cir- 
cumstance was  unexpected.  Let  your  public  Letters  be  public 
ones.  I  mean  that  public  &  private  matters  should  not  be  mixed 
in  the  same  Letters. 

Commodore  Wynkoop's  memorial  has  been  presented  &  com- 
mitted. You  shall  have  the  earliest  Intelligence  of  its  Fate. 

I  have  heard,  tho  not  from  authority,  that  the  Enemy  have 
quitted  the  River  without  having  accomplished  any  thing  of 
Importance.  God  Grant  it  may  be  true.  We  have  no  Intelligence 
worth  communicating. 

The  Season  for  bringing  on  the  affair  of  Vermont  is  not  yet 
arrived,  nor  can  I  divine  what  will  be  the  Issue  of  it.  I  can  only 
say  that  my  Endeavors  shall  not  be  wanting  to  bring  it  to  a  Ter- 
mination satisfactory  to  New  York.  Be  pleased  to  present  my 
best  Respects  to  Mrs.  Clinton  &  believe  that  1  am  very  sincerely 

your  Friend  &  serv't 

i  John  Jay. 

His  Excellency  Gov'r  Clinton. 


GOUVERNDUR  MORRIS  LOOKS  FOR  "  GOOD  CONSEQUENCES  "  BY  THIS 

PROMOTION. 

Phila:  10th  Dec'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  have  the  Pleasure  to  inform  your  Excellency  that  the 
hon'le  John  Jay,  Esqr.  is  elevated  to  the  Chair  of  Congress,  which 
as  well  from  your  Friendship  for  him,  as  for  Reasons  of  public 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  361 

Importance  will,  I  am  confident,  be  agreable  to  you.  The  weight 
of  his  personal  Character  contributed  as  much  to  his  Election 
as  the  Respect  for  the  State  which  hath  done  and  suffered  so 
much  or  the  Regard  for  its  Delegates  which  is  not  inconsiderable. 
The  Public  will  I  am  confident  experience  many  good  conse- 
quences from  the  Exchange.  I  am  respectfully  Your  Excellency's 

most  obedient  &  humble  Servant 

Gouv.  Morris. 

His  Exc'y  George  Clinton,  Esqr.,  Gov'r  of  the  State  of  N.  York 
Poughkeepsie. 


[No.  1965.] 
SMUGGLING  CATTLE  TO  THE  ENEMY. 

Samuel  Lyon's  Charge  Against  English  Sympathisers  in  Westchester: 

County. 

Horse  Neck  Dec'br  10th  1778. 

Sir,  I  beg  leave  to  acquaint  your  ExePcy  that  the  situation  of 
affairs,  are  such  in  the  County  of  Westchester,  for  want  of  Guards, 
that  I  am  reduced  to  the  necessity  of  quiting  my  house,  and  puting 
myself  under  the  protection  of  the  Guards  in  this  place.  This  is 
likewise  the  fate  of  every  honest  friend  to  his  Country  in  Rye. 
The  consiquence  is,  that,  a  nomber  of  designing  persons  under 
the  influence  of  avaritious  &  Inimical  principles,  make  a  practice, 
of  secretly  purchasing  fat  Catle,  and  in  the  night  thro  woods  & 
bye  Places,  pass  the  Guards  here,  and  keep  them  secreeted  untill 
a  convenient  opertunity  presents,  to  send  them  to  the  Enemy. 
In  this  way  I  am  credibly  Informed,  eight  fat  oxen  and  four 
Cows  have  lately  been  sent  from  the  neighbourhood  where  I 
should  live  and  a  considerable  nomber  of  fat  hoggs.  There  is  no 
doubt  this  is  the  case  quite  across  to  the  North  River.  In  this 


362  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

/way  the  Enemy  have  a  large  and  ever  plentifull  supply  in  New 
York  market.  I  am  confirmed  in  this  by  the  report  of  Capt.  Olm- 
stead  of  Col.  Enos  Regt.,  on  Guard  here;  who  has  this  week  re- 
turn'd  from  Valantine's,  near  Fort  Independance,  where  he  had 
be»n  sent  a  flag  and  detained  some  days,  who  says  he  heard  and 
saw  while  there,  two  hundred  head  of  Cattle,  and  a  great  nomber 
of  Sheep  and  hoggs  pass  by  there  towards  New  York.  This  is  a 
harvest  for  those  Infamous  Villains,  the  Cow  Thieves,  &c.,  and 
brings  great  distress  on  many  of  the  good  Citizens  in  this  quarter 
of  the  Country,  I  would  beg  leave  to  hint  to  your  Exelency,  that 
should  a  party  of  men,  as  a  patrole  under  the  Command  of  an 
active  honest  man  be  Employed,  I  conceive  would  be  of  great  Im- 
portance, and  the  most  likely  method  to  detect  the  Thieves,  I  am 
told  Mr.  John  Haynes  proposes  to  offer  himself  for  that  purpose. 
Whether  this,  or  such  other  method  as  your  Exelency  in  your 
great  wisdom  shall  judge  best,  I  doubt  not  will  soon  be  adopted. 
I  am,  with  Great  Respect  and  Esteem,  your  Exelen'ys  most  obed't 

Humble  Ser't  ' 

Samuel  Lyon. 
His  Exe'lcy  Gov'r  Clinton. 


[Nos.  1966-1967.]* 


[No.  1968.] 

Colonel  Malcom  Unhappy  at  West  Point — He  Speaks  of  Tories. 
Sir,  I  send  Mr.  Hall  one  of  the  banished  persons — from  Ver- 
mont— not  as  a  prisoner,  he  is  a  good  honest  man ;  has  been  faith- 
full  &  I  really  believe  deserves  every  Trust.  He  did  not  like  to 
be  left  here,  nor  do  I  think  that  he  ought  to  be;  he  may  provide 
for  himself.  I  pray  your  Excellency's  favor  to  him. 

*For  the  anomalous  position  of  these  two  documents  see  page  359,  footnote. — STATB 
HISTORIAN. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  363 

Peter  &  John  Angevine  are  the  only  Torys  that  I  think  is 
necessary  to  trouble  the  Commissioner  with.  They  are  base 
Torys;  one  of  them  Peter  was  with  the  enemy  at  the  masacre  of 
the  Pensyl'a  militia  at  the  Crooked  Billet*  last  Spring;  they 
ought  to  be  confined.  I  hope  to  see  you  soon  at  Poughkeepsie. 
Things  wear  such  a  Complexion  here  that  I  am  unhappy.  The 
other  Torys  are  discharged.  I  most  respectfully  am,  D'r  Sir, 

yours  most  sincerely 

W.  Malcom. 
Port  Clinton  Dec'r  10  1778. 

[To  G.  C.] 


[No.  1969.] 

Albany  Citizens  Appeal  to  the  Governor  in  Behalf  of  the  Cherry 

Valley  Sufferers. 

Albany  Decem'r  12th  1778. 

Sir,  By  the  Late  Ravages  of  the  Enemy  on  the  Settlement  of 
•Chery  Vally,  many  of  its  Inhabitants  having  Lost  their  Provis- 
ions, Cloathing,  &c.  are  reduced  to  the  Greatest  Distress;  and 
unless  a  mode  is  adopted  for  their  present  Support,  they  must 
inevitably  perish.  They  have  petitioned  Genl.  Clinton  for  relief, 
who  has  Been  pleased  to  order  Them  provisions  for  a  few  Days. 
We  would  wish  that  your  Excellency  would  be  pleased  to  request 
that  the  General  would  continue  to  furnish  these  people  with 
Provisions  until  the  next  Meeting  of  the  Legislature,  who,  we 
have  not  the  least  doubt,  will  approve  of  the  Measure  and  provide 
for  their  farther  Support. 

*The  affair  at  Crooked  Billet  near  NesHamlny,  Pa.,  occurred  May  1st,  1778.  Owing  to 
the  neglect  of  the  American  scouts  to  patrol  the  roads  and  leave  camp  by  2  o'clock  in 
the  morning  as  they  were  ordered  to,  the  enemy  succeeded  in  completely  surrounding 
the  American  camp,  and  surprising  the  troops  that  held  it.  The  American  loss  was 
upwards  of  30  killed  and  wounded,  with  58  missing.  The  English  loss  was  not  reported  — 
STATE  HISTORIAN. 


364  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

We  are  with  every  Sentiment  of  respect  Your  very  Humble 
Servants 

Abr'm  Yates,  Jun'r,  John  Tayler,  Leonard  Gansevoort,  Evert 
Bancker. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  1970.] 
A.  Threatening  Letter  from  Four  Indian  Chiefs. 

Decemb'r  13th  1778. 

Joseph  Brant 

Mr.  Capt:  Sir,  It  is  the  Desire  of  the  Seneca  Cheifs  and  other 
Indians  that  you  will  Not  in  the  Least  trouble  or  moliest  those 
People  on  the  Delaware  above  Econack.  The  Keason  of  this  your 
Rabies  came  to  Oughquago  when  we  Indians  where  gone  from 
our  place,  and  you  Burned  our  Houses,  which  makes  us  and  our 
Brothers  the  Seneca  Indians  angrey,  so  that  we  Destroyed  men, 
women,  and  Children  at  Chervalle.  It  is,  therefore,  the  Desier 
of  us  Indians  that  those  people  Living  about  Shackaken  are  our 
Brothers;  we,  therefore,  Desire  that  you  will  Let  our  brothers 
live  in  peace,  least  you  be  worst  delt  with,  then  your  Nighbours 
the  Cheryvalle  People  was.  You  may  think  its  a  Hard  winter 
will  hinder  us  from  Coming  to  you.  I  have  Big  Shouse  and  can 
come  in  a  few  day  to  your  place.  At  present  my  face  is  another 
way,  But  if  you  Destroy  that  place,  I  will  set  my  face  again  you, 
for  if  you  hurt  my  people  I  shall  fell  the  Strock  for  the  Six 
Nations  fells  the  Strock  that  Hurts  there  Brothers. 

Capt.   William   Johnson,   Cheif  Mohack;  Joseph    Ceskwrora, 
Cheif ;  Capt.  John,  Cheif;  William  George,  Cheif. 
Copy. 
To  Cunnell  John  Cantine  Mormeltown. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  365 

[No.  1971.] 
VIOLATIONS  OF  THE  GATES-BURGOYNE  CONVENTION. 

Governor  Clinton  Endeavoring  to  Secure  Evidence  for,  the  Use  of 

Congress. 

Poukeepsie  14th  Dec'r  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  I  have  lately  been  favoured  by  Congress  with  a  few 
Copies  of  the  Treaties  at  large  between  the  States  and  his  most 
Christian  Majesty,  which  I  am  injoined  however  not  to  publish 
till  further  Order.  I  consider  myself  at  Liberty  nevertheless  to 
communicate  them  to  my  Friends  for  their  Information  and  I  ac- 
cordingly now  inclose  you  one  of  the  Copies  which  you  will  please 
to  return  at  the  Meeting  of  the  Legislature.  In  the  Mean  Time 
you  will  not  suffer  it  to  be  Copied. 

I  am  directed  by  Congress  to  continue  my  best  Endeavours  to 
procure  the  fullest  Evidence  of  the  Infraction  of  the  Convention 
of  Saraghtoga  on  the  Part  of  the  Enemy.  And  they  are  particu- 
larly desirous  of  having  a  Copy  of  a  Proclamation  published  by 
Gov'r  Carlton  in  Canada  last  Spring,  requiring  the  Prisoners  who 
returned  into  Canada  to  join  their  Regtsv  as  the  Convention  was 
rendered  void  by  the  Violation  of  it  by  Congress.*  The  Procla- 

*November  20,  1778,  from  Fredericksburg,  Washington  wrote  as  follows  to  General 
Sehuyler: 

My  dear  Sir,  Congress  seem  to  have  a  strong  desire  to  undertake  an  expedition  against 
Canada.  The  practicability  of  it  depends  upon  the  employment,  which  the  enemy 
intend  to  give  us  on  the  seaboard  next  campaign,  on  their  strength  in  Canada,  the  state 
of  our  resources,  and  other  circumstances,  some  of  which  are  too  much  buried  in  obscur- 
ity, others  too  much  in  the  field  of  conjecture,  to  permit  us  to  form  any  decisive  opinion 
about  them  at  this  time.  But  there  is  not  a  moment  to  spare  in  preparing  for  such  an 
event,  if  hereafter  it  should  be  found  expedient  to  undertake  it. 

In  your  letter  of  the  9th  ultimo,  which  you  did  me  the  favor  of  writing  upon  this 
subject,  you  are  opposed  to  an  enterprise  against  Canada  by  the  way  of  Coos,  and  assign 
cogent  reasons  for  not  making  it  a  principal  dependence.  You  are  also  against  the  route 
by  Oswego;  but,  as  an  expedition  that  way  had  not  been  suggested,  you  do  not  touch 
upon  the  reasons,  but  recommend  the  common  route  by  the  way  of  Lake  Champlaia, 
and  a  winter  expedition,  if  the  ice  will  admit  of  it. 

In  general,  winter  campaigns  are  destructive  to  troops,  and  nothing  but  pressing 
necessity,  and  the  best  state  of  preparation,  can  justify  them.  I  fear  neither  the  state 
of  our  provisions,  the  condition  of  our  men,  nor  the  situation  of  our  officers  (the  dis- 
tresses of  whom,  on  account  of  the  uncommonly  high  prices  of  every  necessary  of  life, 
are  a  source  of  general  discontent  and  indifference  to  the  service),  would  warrant  the 
undertaking,  even  if  the  state  of  the  Lakes,  and  the  force  of  Canada,  should  invite  to 


366  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

mation  is  alluded  to,  I  think,  in  Fry's  affidavit,  who  brought  one 
of  them  out  of  Canada  &  left  it  on  his  way  Home  in  one  of  the 
Eastern  States.  I  must  begg  you,  therefore,  to  concert  &  have 

the  measure.  I  am  clear,  also,  that  neither  force  nor  stratagem  can  give  us  a  well- 
founded  hope  of  a  decisive  superiority  in  naval  strength  upon  Lake  Champlain,  where 
the  enemy  are  at  present  so  powerful. 

Your  scheme  for  preparing  materials  for  building  two  large  ships  upon  this  lake  is 
plausible,  and,  if  only  one  or  two  were  entrusted  with  the  secret,  practicable.  But 
when  fifty  men  are  to  be  consulted,  before  the  measure  can  be  adopted,  many  of  whom 
are  inattentive  to  the  importance  of  keeping  military  manoeuvres  secret,  and  a  knowl- 
edge of  the  plans  by  that  means  may  get  to  the  enemy's  emissaries,  wno  are  industrious 
in  acquiring  and  diligent  in  communicating  every  piece  of  useful  information;  I  say. 
wheni  this  is  the  case,  I  can  entertain  but  little  hope  of  success  from  a  project  of  this 
kind.  If,  from  these  considerations,  a  winter's  expedition  is  found  impracticable  or 
unadvisable;  if  the  conquest  of  the  enemy's  fleet  on  Lake  Champlain  is  not  to  be  accom- 
plished by  force  nor  by  stratagem;  and  if  an  enterprise  by  the  way  of  Coos  is  inadmis- 
sible, as  a  primary  object; — 

1.  What  door  is  left  open1  tor  an  expedition  against  Canada? 

2.  How  far  is  there  a  moral  certainty  of  extending  the  American  arms  Into  that  coun- 
try in  the  course  of  next  campaign?    And, 

3.  How  far  short  of  the  entire  conquest,   and   annexation  •  of   Canada   to  the  Union, 
vould  give  permanent  peace  and  security  to  the  frontiers  of  these  States? 

In  considering  these  points,  and  such  others  as  may  hereafter  occur,  it  will  be  neces- 
sary to  take  the  matter  up  im  two  points  of  view;  presuming,  in  the  one  case,  that  the- 
enemy  will  evacuate  the  United  States;  in  the  other,  that  they  mean  to  retain  New  York 
and  Rhode  Island  as  garrison  towns.  In  discussing  them  with  that  freedom  and  candor, 
which  I  mean  to  do,  you  will  readily  perceive  that  it  is  my  wish  to  enter  into  «u 
unlimited  and  confidential  correspondence  with  you  on  this  subject.  In  addition,  then, 
to  the  above  queries; 

4.  Where   lie   the   difficulties   of  an  expedition   against  Canada   by   the   way  of   Lake 
Ontario? 

5.  Why  did  General  Amherst  take  this  route,  when  Lake  Champlain  was  open,  free, 
and  so  much  more  direct,  if  he  did  not  foresee  that  some  apparent  advantages  were  to- 
be  derived  from  it? 

6.  What  resources  can  be  drawn  from  the  State  of  New  York  towards  the  support  of 
an  expedition  of  this  kind? 

7.  At  what  places  would  it  be  necessary  to  establish  posts  between  Albany  and  Oswego, 
for  the  support  of  the  communication,  and  security  of  convoys?    And, 

8.  How   many   men   will   be  required  at  each   post  for  the   above  purposes,    and   at 
Oswego? 

I  mean  to  hazard  my  thoughts  upon  a  plan  of  operations  for  next  campaign!,  if  the 
enemy  should  evacuate  these  States  and  leave  us  at  liberty;  but  being  unacquainted' 
with  the  country,  and  many  other  matters  essentially  necessary  to  form  a  right  judg- 
ment upon  so  extensive  a  project,  I  am  sensible  that  it  will  be  very  defective,  and  shall 
consider  it  as  the  part  of  friendship  in  you,  to  observe  upon  every  part  of  my  plan  with 
the  utmost,  freedom. 

I  have  already  laid  it  down  as  a  position,  that,  unless  a  winter  expedition  can  be 
undertaken  with  success  (opposed  to  which,  in  addition  to  the  reasons  already  assigned, 
the  want  of  provisions  I  find  is  an  almost  insuperable  bar),  or  the  fleet  at  St.  John's  can 
by  some  means  or  other  be  destroyed,  the  door  into  Canada  by  way  of  Lake  Champlain 
is  effectually  closed.  I  am  further  of  opinion,  that  the  distance  of  land  carriage  by  the 
way  of  Coos  for  flour  and  stores  is  too  great  to  expect,  that  a  sufficient  body  of  troops 
can  be  introduced  through  that  route,  to  answer  singly  any  valuable  purpose;  and  I  am 
therefore  naturally  led  to  turn  my  thoughts  to  the  route  by  the  way  of  Oswego,  though 
difficulties  of  the  same  kind,  but  not  in  so  great  a  degree,  present  themselves  here,  as 
on  the  other  Lake. 

If  I  am  not  mistaken  with  respect  to  the  water  carriage  from  Schenectady  to  Oswego, 
by  the  help  of  finesse  and  false  appearances  a  pretty  large  stride  may  be  taken  towardff 
obtaining  a  naval  superiority  on  Lake  Ontario,  before  the  real  design  would  be 
unfolded. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  367 

carried  into  Execution  such  Plans  as  you  shall  judge  best  adapted 
to  procure  the  desired  Information  &  Evidence.  I  will  chearfully 
defray  the  Expence  &  where  Specie  is  necessary  for  this  Service 

The  plan  I  would  adopt  should  be  this.  By  innuendoes  and  oblique  hints,  I  would 
endeavour  to  acquire  the  mastery  of  Lake  Champlain;  and,  to  give  currency  to  this 
belief,  I  would  have  the  saw-mills  about  Fort  Anne  and  Fort  Edward  set  to  work  to 
prepare  plank  for  batteaux,  and  such  kind  of  armed  vessels  as  may  be  proper  for  Lake 
Ontario.  I  would  go  further,  and,  though  it  should  be  inconvenient  and  expensive,  I 
would  build  the  batteaux,  and  bring  the  timber  for  larger  vessels  to  some  place,  or 
places,  that  might  serve  to  confirm  an  idea  of  this  kind.  A  plan  of  this  sort,  if  well 
conceived  and  digested,  and  executed  with  secrecy,  might,  I  think,  deceive,  so  far  as  to 
draw  the  attention  of  the  enemy  to  Lake  Champlain,  at  the  expense  of  Ontario, 
especially  as  part  of  my  plan  is  to  advance  a  respectable  body  of  troops  at  a  proper 
season  to  Coos  for  purposes,  which  will  be  mentioned  hereafter. 

In  the  spring,  when  every  thing  is  ripe  for  execution,  and  the  real  design  can  no 
longer  be  concealed,  I  would  advance  with  the  utmost  celerity  consistent  with  proper 
caution  to  Oswego  in  the  batteaux,  which  have  been  provided  apparently  for  Lake 
Champlain,  transporting  the  armed  vessels  in  pieces  to  the  same  place.  But  here  I  am 
to  ask,  if  this  is  practicable.  My  knowledge  of  the  water  communication  from  Schenec- 
tady  to  Oswego  is  not  sufficiently  accurate  to  enable  me  to  form  a  decided  opinion  upon 
the  possibility  of  this  measure;  and,  if  it  is  not  to  be  effected,  my  plan  in  part  fails, 
and  we  can  only  provide  the  materials  under  false  colors,  and  depend  upon  out-building 
the  enemy  to  obtain  the  superiority  of  the  Lake.  Whether  the  superiority  can  be 
obtained  in  this  manner,  I  am  not  well  able  to  determine,  though  it  is  very  necessary 
to  be  known,  as  it  is  the  corner-stone  of  the  superstructure.  Much  will  depend  upon 
the  practicability  of  the  enemy's  getting  vessels,  or  materials  for  vessels,  from  Lake 
Champlain  or  Montreal,  to  the  navigation  above  La  Galette;  because  I  proceed  upon 
the  principle,  that,  if  we  can  deceive  them  effectually,  their  whole  attention  will  be 
drawn  to  the  more  interior  parts  of  the  country,  and  of  course  their  ship-carpenters, 
and  materials  for  ship-building,  will  be  employed  in  that  way. 

The  foregoing  is  a  summary  of  my  capital  movement,  to  facilitate  which,  I  would,  as 
has  been  before  observed,  advance  a  body  of  men  from  Coos.  The  motions  of  these 
should  be  regulated  precisely  by  those  of  the  main  army,  establishing  posts  as  they  go, 
for  the  purpose  of  retreat,  in  case  of  necessity,  and  to  protect  convoys,  if  the  main  army 
should  be  able  to  penetrate  into  Canada  as  far  as  Montreal.  Several  advantages  will 
be  derived  from  the  advance  of  a  body  of  troops  by  the  way  of  Coos.  First,  strengthen- 
ing the  belief,  that  we  mean  to  enter  by  the  way  of  St.  John's;  secondly,  it  will  serve 
to  distract  the  enemy  in  their  councils  and  measures,  and  either  divide  their  force  and 
render  them  weak  at  all  points,  or,  by  keeping  them  collected,  expose  the  interior  or 
exterior  part  of  the  country  to  a  successful  and  fortunate  blow  from  one  or  the  other 
of  these  bodies;  and  it  will,  in  the  third  place,  open  a  communication  for  ample  sup- 
plies of  live  cattle,  if  they  should  be  required  for  troops  in  Canada. 

Upon  this  plan,  it  is  not  only  possible,  but  to  be  expected,  that  the  enemy,  if  they 
should  come  at  the  knowledge  of  our  real  designs,  would  oppose  their  whole  naval 
force  to  our  troops  on  Lake  Ontario,  and  their  land  force  against  those  by  the  way  of 
Coos.  In  this  case  I  should  be  glad  of  solutions  to  the  questions  which  follow. 

9.  Is    there    any   practicable   route   from   Johnson's    Hall,    or   any   other   part    of   the 
Mohawk  River,  or  from  the  upper  parts  of  Hudson's  Rtver,  to  a  river  emptying  itself 
into  the  St.  Lawrence  a  little  above  La  Galette,  by  which  we  could  avoid  Lake  Ontario, 
and  the  armed  vessels  on  those  waters,  altogether?    And  if  this  is  not  to  be  effected, 
and  superiority  on  the  lake  is  despaired  of,  them  I  should  wish  to  be  informed, 

10.  Whether  Niagara  can  be  approached  with  an  army  and  the  necessary  apparatus,  by 
a  route,  which  will  avoid  this  Lake? 

11.  What  will  be  the  distance  of  the  march  from  Fort  Schuyler,  the  kind  of  country 
through  which  it  is  to  be  made,  and  the  difficulties  that  are  to  be  expected? 

12.  What  will  be  the  advantages  and   disadvantages  of  maintaining  that  post,   after 
possessing  it,  Canada  remaining  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy?  • 

For  the  more  certain  reduction  of  Niagara,  and  for  the  peace  and  safety  of  the  fron- 
tiers of  Pennsylvania  and  Virginia,  a  part  of  my  plan  is,  to  advance  a  body  of  troops 
from  Pittsburg  by  way  of  the  Allegany,  Le  Boeuf  or  French  Creek,  and  Presqu'  Isle  to 


368  PUBLIC.  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

advance  it.     I  am  with  best  Respects  to  Mrs.  Tayler,  in  which 

Mrs.  Clinton  joins  me  your  most  Obed't  Serv't 

[G.  C.] 
John  Tayler  Esqr. 

P.  S.     I  have  no  news  worth  communicating. 


[No.  1972.] 

Isaac   Goes  Makes    Complaint  Against   Certain    Tories,    and   the 

Governor  Replies. 

Kinderhook  4th  December  1778. 

Dear  Governor:  I  Re'd  your  faver  four  Days  after  Date.  I 
Immadietely  atanded  on  the  bisness  &  have  Sfezed  &  Sold  to  the 
amout  of  five  hundred  pounds  Clare  of  Exspence,  &  have  four 
barels  of  flour,  one  waggon  &  two  horsess  on  hand  (thirty  five 
barels  the  property  of  Shepard  &  others)  Sixteen  barels  two  Carts 
the  property  of  Joseph  L.  Hobbert  who  it  is  Said  has  maid  a  Large 

the  above  post,  if  it  be  practicable;  of  which  I  am  not  certain,  as  the  enemy  have 
armed  vessels  on  Lake  Erie,  and  I  am  ignorant  of  the  kind  of  country  between 
Presqu'  Isle  and  Niagara,  in  case  it  is  to  be  attempted  by  a  land  march.  But  admitting 
the  impracticability  of  this,  an  expedition  to  Detroit,  which  Congress  meditated  last  fall, 
and  still  have  in  contemplation,  will  keep  the  Indians  in  that  quarter  employed,  and 
prevent  them  from  affording  succour  to  the  garrison  at  Niagara.  The  preparations 
necessary  to  the  one  will  answer  for  the  other,  while  the  one  to  Niagara  may  be  con- 
cealed under  the  idea  of  going  to  Detroit. 

Although,  under  the  present  appearances  of  things,  it  is  a  matter  of  very  great  doubt 
whether  we  shall  be  in  circumstances  to  prosecute  a  project  of  this  kind,  I  have  never- 
theless given  orders  for  magazines  of  provisions  to  be  laid  in  at  Albany  and  on  Con- 
necticut River,  from  the  lower  Coos  to  Number  Four,  and  have  ordered  the  saw-mills 
about  Fort  Anne  to  be  set  to  work,  and  shall  be  obliged  to  you  for  your  advice  to 
Colonel  Lewis  o<n  this  occasion.  If  it  should  fall  in  your  way  to  ascertain  with  precision 
the  number  and  strength  of  the  vessels  upon  Lake  Ontario,  and  down  to  La  Galette. 
and  the  force  of  the  garrisons  at  Niagara  and  Oswegatchie,  I  shall  thank  you,  and  must 
beg  leave  to  remind  you  of  the 'mode  you  suggested  to  procure  intelligence  from  Canada 
in  the  course  of  the  winter,  as  it  is  of  infinite  importance  to  be  well  informed  of  the 
strength,  expectations,  and  preparations  of  the  enemy.  To  receive  the  account  through 
different  channels  is  also  essential,  to  avoid  deception. 

I  shall  be  very  happy  to  see  you  at  the  head-quarters  of  the  army,  in  your  way  to 
Philadelphia,  whenever  it  happens.  Governor  Clinton  wrote  to  me  that  he  should  be  at 
Albany  in  the  course  of  a  few  days.  As  I  have  implicit  confidence  in  him,  it  will  be 
quite  agreeable  to  me,  that  you  should  converse  largely  with  him  upon  the  several 
matters  herein  contained,  and  then  furnish  me  with  your  observations  upon  my  plan, 
and  the  most  effectual  means  of  carrying  it,  or  some  other,  into  execution,  with  the 
necessary  preparation  to  be  made  during  the  winter.  With  the  greatest  esteem  and 
regard,  I  remain,  dear  Sir,  &c. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  369 

Som  of  mony  by  runing  wheat  &  flour  out  of  this  State  Since 
the  Date  of  the  act;  it  is  my  opinion  the  atty.  General  ought  to 
be  Directed  without  any  Delay  to  prosecute  the  said  Habbert 
Lige  Ovet  &  Plummer  who  have  maid  it  their  bisniss  to 
run  all  thay  Could  in  violtion  of  the  Said  act  as  there  is  plenity 
of  Evidence  to  prove  it  uppon  them  &  will  Cause  a  grat  dele  of 
unesniss  by  many  of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  if  thay  are 
not  prosecuted.  I  have  wrote  you  ons  befor  this  but  have  had 
no  answer.  I  wood,  therefore,  beg  the  faver  of  your  answer  with 
Such  Derection  as  you  Shall  Judg  nascecary  By  the  furst  upper- 
tunity,  and  I  am  Your  Excelency's  most  obedent  Vary  Humble 

servent 

Isaac  Goes. 
To  his  Excelency  Gorge  Clinton  Esqr. 


THE  GOVERNOR  FAVORS  PROSECUTION. 

Poughkeepsie  Dec'r  14th  1778. 

Sir,  I  have  rec'd  your  Letter  of  the  4th  Inst.  but  have  not  rec'd 
any  other  Letter  from  you  on  the  Subject  of  the  Embargo  Law 
or  I  should  have  undoubtedly  answered  it.  I  am  obliged  to  you 
for  your  Exertions  and  am  clearly  of  opinion  that  Joseph  L.  Hob- 
bert  &  the  others  mentioned  in  your  Letter  ought  to  be  prose- 
cuted, for  which  Purpose  you'l  be  pleased  to  take  the  necessary 
Affidavits  to  be  taken  &  transmitted  to  me,  to  the  End  that  the 
Atty.  Genl.  may  proceed  ag't  those  violators  of  the  Law  without 
Loss  of  time.  I  am  with  great  Esteem,  Sir  Yours  &c. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Isaac  Goes  Esqr. 

24 


370  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  1973.] 
GOVERNOR  CLINTON'S  SUGGESTION  ACCEPTED. 

A.  Formidable  Expedition  Planned  which  Subsequently  Culminated, 
toith  Sullivan's  Successful  Advance  Against  the  Indians. 

Rochester  Dec'r  14th  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  I  am  just  return'd  from  ascorting  Brig'r  Genl.  Edw'd 
Hand  as  far  as  Liming  kill  on  his  way  to  the  Minisinks.  He  has 
Rec'd  orders  from  his  Excellency  General  Washington,  to  take 
the  Command  of  all  the  Troops  on  the  Fruntiers  from  this  place 
to  Wiomen.  Viz:  the  2d  N.  Y.  Regt;  Pulaske's  Legion;  Armand's 
Core;  the  German  &  Colo.  Hartley's  Regts.  With  this  force  it  is 
Intended  with  the  approbation  of  the  Commander  in  Chief, 
(Should  the  winter  be  favourable),  to  Destroy  Chemung  and  other 
Indian  towns  on  the  Susquehana;  (this  is  at  present  Secret).  I 
have  Received  orders  to  furnish  my  men  if  Possible  with  mittens, 
Socks,  Caps,  &  Blankets — also  one  pair  of  Spare  Shoes  Pr  man — 
all  which  I  am  at  a  loss  to  procure.  Mittens  I  hear  there  are  in 
the  State  Store.  Shall,  therefore,  be  much  obliged  for  an  order 
to  Recive  as  many  as  I  shall  want.  Shall  be  glad  your  Excellency 
will  give  me  your  advice  and  wether  any  Dependance  can  be  put 
on  Receiving  a  Supply  of  the  other  articles,  in  whole  or  in  part.  I 
Shall  Receive  upwards  one  Hund'd  &  fifty  pair  Shoes  from  the 
Supervisors  &  Mr.  John  Anthony,  which  is  but  little  more  than 
1-3  part  wanting.  I  want  150  Blankets.  I  have  the  pleasure  to 
Inform  y'r  Excel'y  that  we  are  Daily  Inlisting  men.  Of  Course 
my  Demand  for  Clothing  Encreases.  No  late  news  from  the 
westward.  The  militia  af  present  I  think  of  little  Service;  about 
Seventy  men  Except  those  at  Pienpack  will  be  a  Sufficient  Quan- 
tity to  be  Disposed  of,  in  the  following  manner,  Viz:  2  off'rs  & 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  371 

25  men  at  Shandacen;  1  ofr  &  10  do  at  Yough  Criplebush;  1  ofr 
&  12  do  at  Lunen  kill  &  2  ofr  &  20  do  at  Mamacotten. 

It  is  probable  Genl.  Hand  will  advise  Concerning  the  militia  at 
Pienpack.  And  also  Should  the  Intended  Expidition  take  place, 
it  may  be  necessary  then,  for  the  time  we  are  absent,  to  order  a 
Keinforcement  of  militia  which  in  that  Case  will  be  timely  applied 
for.  Please  to  make  my  best  Kespects  to  Mrs.  Clinton  and  believe 
me  to  be  with  great  Kespect  Your  Excellency's  Obed.  Hum'e  Ser't 

Philip  Cortlandt. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


GOVERNOR  CLINTON  PROMISES  TO  CO-OPERATE. 

Poukeepsie  22d  Dec'r  1778. 

Dear  iSir,  I  am  favoured  with  your  Letter  of  the  14th  Instant. 
If  the  Season  shoud  be  such  as  to  admit  of  any  Enterprize  ag't 
the  Enemy,  you  may  rest  assured  I  will  render  every  aid  in  my 
Power  to  promote  so  desierable  an  object.  How  or  where  to  get 
the  Articles  wanted  to  fit  your  Regt.  for  this  Service  I  am  not 
able  to  tell  or  even  advise.  There  are  some  Mitts  in  State  Store 
&  you  have  my  Letter  inclosed,  advising  the  Commissary  to  de- 
liver to  your  order  as  many  as  will  supply  your  Regt.  with  each 
man  a  Pair,  which  I  have  no  [doubt]  but  he  will  readilly  do.  If 
any  of  the  other  Articles  mentioned  in  your  Letter  are  in  Store 
on  your  apprizing  me  of  it  you  shall  have  my  order  for  them. 

The  inclosed  Letter  to  Colo.  Cantine*  contains  Orders  to  dispose 
of  the  Militia  as  you  have  advised  w.hich  you  will  please  to  for- 
ward him  &  oblidge  Sir  Your  Most  Obed't  Serv't 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Colo.  Cortlandt. 

•Not  found. 


372  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

THE  ORDER  FOR  THE  MITTS. 

Poukeepsie  22d.  Nov'r*  1778. 

iSir,  As  you  informed  me  when  I  last  saw  you  that  you  had 
in  Store  a  Quantity  of  Wollen  Mitts  purchased  for  the  Use  of 
the  Troops  is  an  Article  much  wanted  at  this  Time  by  Colo.  Cort- 
landt's  Regt.  I  woud  advise  you  to  deliver  to  his  Order  as  many 
of  them  as  will  supply  each  Man  with  one  Pair  taking  a  proper 
Receipt,  therefore,  &  charging  the  same  to  the  Regt.  I  am  Sir 

Yours  &c. 

[G.  C.] 

Mr.  Henry,  Com'y  of  Cloathing  for  the  State  of  New  York. 


[No.  1974.] 
ALARM  IN  CHARLOTTE  COUNTY. 

Ebeneser  Clark  Brings  Its  Defenceless  Condition  to  the  Attention  of 

Governor  Clinton. 

Charlotte  County  Dec'r  2d  1778. 

Sir,  The  Descriptive  Account  which  Coll.  Webster  gives  your 
Excellency  of  the  occurrences  in  the  last  alarm,  Protracted  his 
Epistle  two  long  to  say  any  thing  about  the  necessity  of  measures 
being  Concerted  for  our  future  safety;  he  Requests  me,  therefore, 
to  hint  (&  also  some  other  Principle  Inhabitants)  that  tho  we  are 
Pressed  with  a  Sence  of  your  arduous  zeal  for  the  Safety  of  every 
Part  of  the  State,  yet  that  the  Various  avocations  of  other  Parts 
may  so  much  Press  your  attention,  that  we  may  feel  the  Severity 
of  Indian  &  British  Cruelty  before  any  Succour  can  asist  us.  The 
People  are  in  general  much  Perplexed  at  the  Thoughts  of  Passing 
another  Summer  like  the  last  that  tho  Capt.  Barns  with  his  Com- 
pany have  been  Reconitreing  the  Northern  Parts,  yet  they  to- 
gether with  all  the  force  in  this  Department  ware  not  more  than 

•Apparently  a  mistake— December  is  meant.— STATE  HISTORIAN. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  373 

Sufficient  to  tell  the  Inhabitants  to  run  for  their  lives;  the  Enemy 
ware  comeing  &  hardly  that. for  tho  the  force  here  might  Stop 
one  two  or  three  avenews  yet  many  Remaind  open,  threw  which 
the  Enemy  might  Come  &  make  New  Perth  &  the  ajacent  Towns 
a  Catastrophe  like  Susquahana  German  Flats  &c.  &c. 

The  People  are  very  much  alarmd  at  being  Exposed,  as  the  Pic- 
ture of  Destruction  on  our  western  Frontiers  are  fresh  in  their 
View  &  that  it  would  be  no  Consolation  if  after  next  Spring  a 
Paragraph  of  the  Public  Papers  should  hold  forth  a  scene  of 
Burnt  Houses,  Barns  &  Perhaps  most  or  all  their  substance. 

If  any  hopes  of  forming  a  Camp  above  us  or  other  means  of 
Safety  Could  be  devised  it  would  give  great  quiet  to  the  Inhabit- 
ants to  know  of  measures  being  even  in  Contemplation,  because 
otherways  they  would  take  the  Precaution  of  Transporting  their 
Effects  in  the  winter  season  in  Sleighs  into  the  Interior  Parts  of 
the  State,  &  also  Famalys  which  would  be  attended  with  Ruinious 
Consequences  to  this  New  Country. 

Belive  me,  Sir,  this  freedom  is  not  from  an  Itch  for  knowledge 
in  warfearing  Plans  which  are  necessarily  Secrett,  but  the  Effect 
of  anxiety  for  our  Preservation. 

That  your  measures  may  be  Calculated  &  Sucessfull  for  Pro- 
moteing  the  Common  Good  Relieveing  the  State  &  Terminate  in 
adorning  your  name  &  Famaly  is  the  earnest  wish  of  Your  Excel- 
lency's most  obt.  &  very  Hum'le  Serv't 

Ebenez'r  Clark. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


GOVERNOR  CLINTON  INTIMATES  PATIENCE.     , 

Poughkeepsie  Dec'r  14th  1778. 

Sir,  I  have  rec'd  your  Letter  of  the  2d  Inst.  &  am  sorry  to  hear 
of  the  late  Incursions  of  the  Enemy  into  your  quarter  &  feel  for 


374  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

the  Distresses  of  the  Inhabitants  which  may  be  occasioned 
thereby.  I  think  it  highly  probable  that  offensive  Operations  will 
be  carried  on  ag't  the  Indians  &  Tories  the  ensuing  Campaign 
{tho'  I  am  not  warranted  in  this  assertion)  which  if  it  should  be 
the  case,  will  naturally  tend  to. protect  all  the  frontier  Settle- 
ments. You  may,  however,  rest  assured  that  my  utmost  Exertions 
with  the  militia  &  every  other  means  in  my  Power  will  be  used 

for  your  Safety.  Yrs.  &c. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Ebenezer  Clark  Esqr. 


[No.  1975.] 

Dirck  Ten  Broeck  Furnishes  Governor  Clinton  with  Lottery  Tickets. 

Albany  Dec'r  14th  1778. 

iSir,  I  take  the  Liberty  of  Transmitting  to  your  Excellency  a 
number  of  -  —  Tickets  of  the  2nd  Class  of  the  United  States 
Lottery;  those  Tickets  that  have  drawn  twenty  Dollars  in  the  1st 
Class  I  have  reserved  for  the  Proprietors  which  are  renewed  of 
•Course,  agreeable  to  the  Scheme. 

The  Lottery  will  be  drawn  on  the  1st  of  January  next  and  no 
Tickets  are  to  be  Disposed  of  after  the  31st  Inst.  I  have  very 
lately  received  the  Tickets  from  the  Managers  at  Philadelphia  & 
now  take  the  earliest  Opportunity  of  conveying  them  by  Ex- 
presses thro  the  State  that  as  many  may  be  disposed  of  as  Possible 
previous  to  the  Time  appointed  for  Drawing  the  Lottery.  I  re- 
main with  great  esteem  Sir  Your  Humble  Servant 

Dirck  Ten  Broeck  C.  L.  O. 
To  His  Excellency  George  Clinton,  Esq'r. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  375 

[No.  1976.] 

Governor  Clinton  Guardedly  Notifies  Colonel  Webster  that  Offensive 
Operations  will  be  Taken  Against  the  Enemy  in  the  Spring. 

Poughkeepsie  Dec'r  14th  1778. 

Sir,  Your  Letter  of  the  26th  Ultimo,*  together  with  the  Pro- 
ceed'gs  of  the  board  of  Commissioners  of  the  same  Date  relative 
to  the  Persons  to  be  removed  within  the  Enemy's  Lines  I  did  not 
receive  until  the  llth  Inst.  As  in  all  probability  I  shall  not  be 
able  to  procure  an  Exchange  for  the  said  Persons  I  hereby  inform 
you  which  you'l  be  pleased  to  communicate  to  the  board  that  I  do 
not  intend  to  detain  or  confine  them  for  that  Purpose. 

I  am  sorry  to  hear  that  the  Enemy  have  again  made  Incursions 
into  your  Country  &  most  sincerely  feel  for  the  Distresses  which 
may  [have]  been  occasioned  thereby.  As  in  all  probability 
offensive  operations  will  be  carried  on  in  the  Spring  ag't  those 
Disturbers  of  the  Country  (which  by  the  Bye  I  am  not  war- 
ranted to  assert)  I  am  in  hopes  the  Inhabitants  will  thereby  be 
amply  protected  ag't  any  Insults  during  the  course  of  the  next 
Summer.  I  shall,  however,  in  the  mean  Time  use  every  Exertion 
with  the  militia  &  other  means  in  my  Power  for  your  Safety  & 

Protection.  •  Yours  &c. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
The  hon'ble  Alex'r  Webster  Esqr. 


[No.  1977.] 

'Charges  Preferred  Against  Lieutenant  Robert  Wood,  of  Hopkins' 

Regiment. 

To  his  Excelencey,  George  Clinton  Esqr.  Govoner  of  the  State  of 
New  York  &c.     May  it  please  your  Exelancey;  We  the  Subscrib- 

*For  Colonel  Webster's  letter  see  page  308. 


376  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

ers  Mov'd  with  Zeal  for  the  Publick  Good,  Beg  leave  to  lav  before 
your  Exelencey  our  uneasiness  upon  the  account  of  Lieut.  Robt. 
Wood's*  haveing  the  Command  of  the  New  jail  in  Amena  Pre- 
sinkt;  we  Judge  him  not  Compatent  as  to  ability  for  that  Import- 
ont  trust,  andi  we  are  Dissatisfide  with  Respect  to  his  Moral  Con- 
duct in  General;  we  are  likewise  dissatisfide  upon  the  Account 
of  his  Keeping  Strong  Drink  to  Sell  by  Retail  at  the  sed  Jail, 
whereby  he  Draws  together  a  Set  of  Drunken  People,  as  Likewise 
the  Drunkenness  insident  thareby  to  the  Guards  and  Prisoners. 
We  are  Likewise  Dissattisfide  with  Respect  to  his  Conduct  toward 
Prisoners;  upon  Several  accounts  we  are  likewise  Grately  Dis- 
sattisfide,  that  for  Sum  time  before  the  late  Escape  of  the  Pris- 
oners out  of  Said  Jail,  that  he  told  the  Guard,  that  they  need  not 
keep  out  a  Centanil,  but  that  they  might  all  Turn  in  to  Sleep,  and 
when  they  awok'd,  then  look  out,  by  which  negligence  the  Pris- 
oners had  Opportunity  to  brake  the  Jail.  We  are  further  Dis- 
sattisfide  that  he  Spends  so  litel  of  his  time  at  the  place  of  his 
Charge  and  in  his  Absence  leaves  the  Command  with  a  Pitifull 
Incompetent  Serjent. 

Wee  are  with  the  Utmost  Respect  your  Exelency's  most  Obed- 
ient and  humbel  Servent, 

Signed  By,  Zebulon  Rudd,  Samuel  King,  Ichabod  Paine,  Robert 
Hebard,  William  Barker,  Abner  Gillett,  Elijah  Park,  Israel  Shep- 
herd, James  Palmer,  Solomon  Brown,  Jesse  Pike,  Joseph  Adams, 
Robart  Freeman,  Elijah  Freeman,  Richard  Shavelear,  Gilbert  Wil- 
lett,  Isaac  Darrow,  Amos  Parker,  Joseph  Fowler,  Barnabas  Paine, 
Elisha  Adams,  Abraham  Adams,  Abraham  Adams,  un,  Rosewell 
Kinney,  Didymus  Kinney. 

Amena  Precinkt  Decemb'r  14th  1778, 

*See  page  399. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.        377 

[No.  1978.] 
JACKSON'S  REGIMENT  ORDERED  TO  POUGHKEEPSIE. 

General   McDougall   Presents   a   Discouraging   and   Demoralizing 
Condition  of  Affairs  to  Governor  Clinton. 

Fish  Kill  Dec'r  15th  1778. 

My  dear  Sir,  I  have  been  here  four  days,  making  arrangements 
for  the  winter,  and  devising  expedients  to  cover  the  Troops. 
Altho  upwards  of  an  Hundred  Tons  of  Hay,  have  been  delivered 
out  in  Nov'r,  and  a  proportionable  Quantity  for  this  part  of  De- 
cember, near  200  Catle  of  different  Kinds,  have  been  eating  their 
mangers  for  three  days;  other  are  dying.  The  abuses  would 
shock  you.  I  have  not  time  now  to  relate  particulars.  The  ad- 
vanced and  inclement  season,  obliges  me  to  send  one  regiment  of 
Learnard's  Brigade  to  your  Town;  they  are  orderly,  and  are  sent 
there  under  the  inclosed  orders.  If  their  being  there,  should 
much  income  [incommode]  civil  business,  I  shall  be  able  to  re- 
move them  by  the  first  of  Feb'y,  into  the  cantonments,  now  rais- 
ing in  the  Con'l  village,  for  a  Bay  Militia  regt.,  whose  time  of  ser- 
vice will  then  expire.  But  I  dont  wish  either  of  those  corps, 
should  know  my  intention.  The  sick  and  convalecence  now 
occupy  the  Barracks.  The  totall  scarcity  of  vegatables  and  the 
want  of  Covering  for  the  Troops,  constrain  me  to  remove  the 
Convalecence  of  those  belonging  to  the  Corps,  with  the  Com- 
mander in  chief  to  Goshen.  The  Doctors  have  been  there,  and  re- 
port 250  can  be  well  accommodated.  I  find  by  London's  last 
paper,  General  Putnam  has  a  new  Correspondent.  If  you  will  be 
so  kind  as  to  send  me  copies  of  the  late  examinations  taken  on 
the  business  of  the  late  Flag,  his  son  went  with,  perhaps  I  may 
find  an  addition  to  them.  My,  best  wishes  wait  on  you  and  your 
Household.  I  am,  my  dear  Sir,  Your  affectionate  Humble  Serv't 

Alex'r  McDougall. 


378  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

P.  S.    The  General's  last  advices  to  me,  were  that  the  Enemy  in 
New  York  had  taken  up  30,000  Tons  of  shipping.     If  this  is  true, 
it  looks  like  his  being  soon  to  take  an  eternal  farewell  of  us. 
Governor  Clinton. 


COLONEL  JACKSON'S  ORDERS. 

Orders  for  the  Commanding  Officer  of  Colo.  Commandant 
Jackson's  regiment. 

When  ever  the  regiment  has  drawn  and  Cooked  its  provision, 
and  delivered  its  Tents,  you  will  march  them  to  Poughkeepsie. 
The  Barrack  Master  is  to  attend  you.  That  the  Troops  or  inhabi- 
tans  may  not  be  incommoded  by  the. formers  arriving  late  at  the 
Town,  you  march  them  from  hence  by  Companies.  If  you  are  re- 
tarded on  the  march,  they  may  be  Quartered  at  night  on  the  road 
the  D.  B.  M.  G.  is  instructed  to  march  on  that  which  is  best  in- 
habited. There  are  nearly  Public  covering  sufficient,  to  Quarter 
the  Corps.  The  rest  will  be  quartered  according  to  law,  in 
Houses  till  you  have  built  Huts,  which  must  be  done  without  a 
moment's  delay. 

That  town  is  the  Seat  of  the  legislature  which  will  require  all 
the  room  it  can  afford;  besides  tranquility  is  necessary  to  the 
Deliberation  of  that  Body.  For  these  reasons,  and  as  you  will 
Soon  be  called  upon  for  your  Quoto  of  duty  on  the  lines,  you  will 
be  very  vigilant  in  Compleating  your  Hutts,  for  Officers  and  Men; 
they  must  all  Front  to  the  Southwest,  if  there  is  no  important  in- 
conveniency  in  the  Ground  to  prevent  it.  There  are  Some  mater- 
ials on  the  Ground,  which  will  greatly  assist  you  in  Compleating 
the  Hutts.  Prevent  the  men  from  misappropriating  this.  You 
will  Quarter  the  men  pretty  full  in  the  Barracks,  till  your  Hutts- 
are  built. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  379 

Let  your  roll  of  duty  be  taken  in  the  Following  manner,  and  it 
will  give  room  to  the  Troops  and  be  productive  of  many  other 
advantages,  vizt;  Let  the  ajutant  take  Paper  with  him,  and  begin 
at  one  wing  of  the  Quarters,  and  take  down  the  name  of  one  man 
of  first  room  in  the  wing,  then  proceed  to  a  second  Boom  &  a 
third  till  he  has  gone  thro  them  all.  Then  begin  with  the  first 
Room  again,  take  a  Second  man  and  Continue  in  the  same  order 
as  at  first  to  take  down  the  men  out  of  all  the  Quarters  Alter- 
nately, till  all  the  Sarjeants  rank  &  file  are  enroled — do  the  like 
with  the  Officers  of  equal  rank;  when  the  duty  is  warned,  it  must 
be  taken  off  the  Roll  in  the  order  it  thus  stands,  which  will  take  it 
nearly  equal  out  of  each  Room. 

When  you  arrive,  you  will  of  cource  pay  your  Compliments  to 

t 
His  Excellency  the  Governor.     He  is  a  friend  to  a  Soldier,  and 

will  cheerfully  give  you  every  Council  and  assistance  in  his  Power. 
As  he  is  a  Brigadier  in  the  Army,  you  will  send  him  a  proper 
Guard.  If  he  declines  it,  you  have  done  your  duty;  you  will 
mount  a  main  Guard  Consisting  of  a  Subaltern,  and  thirty;  If  an 
House  can  be  procured  in  the  Town  for  this  purpose,  it  will  tend 
to  preserve  order  in  it,  as  your  patrols  will  be  near  to  perform  that 
duty. 

Revellie,  Troop  retreat  and  Tatto,  will  be  beat  at  the  usuel 
Hours,  performed  in  Garrison  duty,  and  every  other  of  this 
nature,  regularly  performed;  you  will  maintain  Strict  order  and 
Discipline  in  your  Quarters;  and  not  Suffer  the  Persons  or  prop- 
erty of  any  inhabitant  to  be  injurd,  not  insult  the  one  or  waste  the 
other,  remembering  your  Corps  were  raised  for  the  express  pur- 
pose of  protecting  both. 

Pay  the  Utmost  attention  to  the  cleanliness  of  the  regiment* 
This  is  absolutely  necessay  for  their  Health,  and  your  Honour; 


380  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

the  D.  B.  M.  General  is  instructed  to  procure  you  wood,  &  Straw, 
but  he  will  require  your  assistance  in  men  to  furnish  you  with  the 
Former,  and  purhaps  for  the  latter,  as  the  Forage  of  the  Country 
is  exhausted. 

You  cannot  rely  on  public  Teams,  to  do  your  Carting;  you  will 
therefore  furnish  him  with  a  Sufficient  number  of  Fatigue  men, 
not  only  to  cut  wood  for  daily  supply,  but  to  cut  a  sufficient 
Quantity  in  store  to  serve  you  till  June,  in  order  that  it  may  be 
brought  to  your  Cantonment,  when  its  good  Sleghing;  otherwise 
your  men  will  Suffer  often  by  disappointments,  occationed  by 
the  badness  of  the  roads;  and  the  uncertainty  of  getting  Teams. 

Deep  necessary  vaults  Should  be  dug,  the  next  day  after  you 
arrive;  before  the  Ground  Gets  more  Frozen  than  it  now  is;  and 
every  other  precaution  taken  to  preserve  the  health  of  the  Corps. 

You  will  receive  more  particular  orders  from  me,  when  I  get  all 
the  Troops  Covered. 

Colonel  Jackson  is  furnishd  with  orders  for  Mechanicks,  Tools 
&  such  other  materials,  as  are  necessary  to  compleat  the  Huts. 

I  have  ordered  you  to  be  furnished  with  two  Ox  Teams.  Great 
Care  must  be  taken  of  them  as  they  are  all  the  Public  ones  you 
can  expect  to  do  the  Duty  till  grass.  You  are  no  stranger  to  the 
extream  Scarcity  of  Forage,  and  the  Cause  of  it.  It  will  be  im- 
posible  to  supply  the  necessary  Horses  for  the  Public  Service  with 
that  Article  till  Grass.  Till  then  the  officers  of  your  Corps  must 
content  themselves  with  three  Horses,  Statedly,  viz.  one  for  the 
Commanding  officer,  one  for  the  Major  one  for  the  adjutent  and  Q. 
Master.  The  other  Horses  of  the  Officers  entitled  to  Keep  them, 
must  be  sent  off,  to  the  Distance  of  thirty  miles  from  your 
Quarters,  where  they  will  be  entitled  to  keeping  or  money  to  pay 
the  expence.  It  is  with  great  reluctance,  I  am  constrained  to 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  381 

Issue  any  order  which  will  incommode  them.  But  necessity  and 
the  Public  Service,  will  plead  my  apology.  I  have  written  to  all 
the  Commissaries  of  purchase  in  the  Neighbourhood  to  Procure 
Vegetables  for  the  Troops.  You  will  therefore  order  a  party  under 
a  discreet  Officer  when  ever  you  are  quarted  to  prepare  a  Pitt  or 
Hole,  in  a  proper  soil,  well  secured  against  the  Frost,  to  receive 
what  may  be  sent  to  your  Regt:  I  am  Confident  your  corps  will 
be  among  the  first  that  will  be  well  Quartered.  I  therefore  hope 
they  will  make  a  proper  use  of  this  advantage,  and  Conduct 
orderly  in  Quarters.  If  there  should  be  any  well  Grounded  Com- 
plaints against;  I  should  be  under  the  disagreeable  Necessity  of 
Hutting  them  all,  at  a  distance  from  the  Inhabitants.  You  will 
Please  Deliver  these  orders  over  [to]  your  next  Senior  Officer,, 
when  he  joins  the  Regiment.  Given  at  my  Quarters  Fish  Kill 
13th  Dec'r  1778. 

To  prevent  any  irregularrity  in  the  Commissaries  accounts  you 
will  Please,  when  a  detachment  is  ordered  from  your  Regt.  to  be 
out  for  more  than  the  Days  for  which  they  have  drawn  Pro- 
visions, to  cause  your  Quarter  Master  to  Certify  the  day  to  which 
they  have  drawn,  otherwise  they  may  be  disappointed  in  drawing, 
as  the  Com'y  will  be  instructed  not  to  Issue  to  any  detachments, 
without  such  a  Certificate. 

Additional  orders. — As  the  Neighbourhood  of  Pough  Keepsie 
has  been  for  some  time  infested  with  Robbers  &  Enemies  to  our 
Country,  who  are  Disposed  to  injur  us  &  Dishonour  our  Cause,  if 
Gov'r  Clinton  should  apply  to  you  for  parties  at  any  time  to  scout 
the  Mountains,  you'll  Please  to  order  them  out — they  will  follow 
such  Directions  as  he  shall  give  them. 

Alex'r  McDougall,  M.  General. 
(Copy) 


382  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  1979.] 
GOVERNOR  CLINTON  OBJECTS  TO  THE  PROPOSITION. 

Notifies  General  McDougall  that  the  Billeting  of  Troops  will  Interfere 
with  the  Work  of  the  Legislature. 

Poukeepsie  15th  Dec'r  1778. 

D'r  Sir,  Capt.  Bancker,  D'y  B'k  Master  Genl.  informs  me,  that 
he  has  your  orders  to  provide  Quarters  for  Colo.  Jackson's  Regt. 
of  Continental  Troops  in  this  Town  &  untill  they  can  be 
hutted  to  billet  them  on  the  Inhabitants.  This  unexpected  Meas- 
ure gives  me  real  Concern  as  if  carried  into  Execution  it  will  pre- 
vent the  sitting  of  the  Legislature  who  by  their  adjournment  were 
to  have  mett  at  this  Place  on  the  2d  Tuesday  in  next  Month.  This 
little  Town  (now  almost  the  only  one  left  us)  is  already  so  full  of 
Refugees  as  to  afford  but  very  Indifferent  Accomadation  for  the 
Members  of  Legislature.  If  to  these  we  must  have  added  the 
Officers  of  one  Regt.  only  (and  the  Sheds  at  this  Place  are  by  no 
Means  fit  for  their  Reception)  the  Legislature  must  either  give  up 
the  Idea  of  meeting  at  all  or  seek  for  some  other  less  convenient 
Place.  The  public  Offices  of  the  State  are  now  fixed  at  this  Place. 
They  cannot  easilly  be  removed  to  another  &  they  must  be  near 
the  Legislature.  The  Inhabitants  conceive  it  somewhat  strange 
that  while  their  most  valuable  Settlements  on  the  Frontiers  which 
would  furnish  the  best  of  quarters  meet  with  daily  Destruction 
by  the  Enemy,  the  Troops  seek  Quarters  in  the  Centre  of  the 
iState,  &  the  more  so  when  as  Militia  they  are  called  upon  to 
Protect  those  Settlements.  There  may,  however,  be  good  Reasons 
for  this  Disposition  which  would  be  improper  to  communicate. 
For  my  own  Part  for  the  Reasons  first  mentioned  I  shoud  esteem 
it  inconsistent  with  the  Duty  I  owe  to  the  State  to  give  Mr. 
Banker  the  least  Assistance  or  Continuance  in  procuring  Quarters 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  383 

for  these  Troops  at  this  Place,  unless  I  am  furnished  with  better 
Reasons  for  it  than  I  have  yet  heard. 

Capt.  Banker  has  a  genl.  Warrant  for  Impressing  the  Teems 
of  the  Inhabitants  to  supply  the  Troops  with  Fuel  &  Forrage. 
Least  he  shoud  proceed  to  the  Execution  of  it  &  meet  with  Diffi- 
culty which  he  certainly  will,  I  think  it  a  Duty  to  the  Friendship 
I  owe  you,  to  assure  you  that  it  was  not  intended  by  the  Law  on 
which  the  Warrant  is  founded  to  give  any  Genl.  officer  such  au- 
thority. It  impowers  a  Genl.  Commanding  in  the  State  on  extraor- 
dinary Emergencies  only  to  grant  Impress  Warrants.  The  Pres- 
ent are  the  most  ordinary  Occasions  of  the  Army  &  of  Course, 
if  at  all  are  to  be  provided  for  by  the  Civil  Magistrate.  The 
Forrage  Masters  assisted  by  the  Civil  Magistrate,  have  already 
impressed  for  the  use  of  the  Army,  all  the  Forrage  the  Inhab- 
itants have,  leaving  them  only  a  very  small  Supply  to  bring 
through  the  Winter  their  own  Stock,  without  any  to  spare  their 
Neighbours,  who  raise  none;  this  I  know  to  be  the  Case  through- 
out the  greater  Part  of  the  State.  Woud  it  not  be  extreamly  hard 
under  the  Circumstances  to  have  Teems  impressed  also  to  do  the 
Very  Business  which  makes  a  supply  of  Forrage  necessary  for 
the  Army.  I  am  perswaded  the  People  will  not  submit  to  it.  I 

am  with  great  Regard  Your  most  Obed.  Serv't 

Geo.  Clinton. 
The  hon'ble  Major  Genl.  McDougall. 


[No.  1980.]      , 
GENERAL  McDOUGALL'S  MANLY  REPLY. 

A  Comprehensive  View  of  the  Condition  of  the  Army  and  the  Country 

at  that  Time. 

Fish  Kill  Dec'r  15th  1778.    12  P.  M. 

Dear  Sir,   I  am  unhappily  left  in  this  Department,  gleaned  of 
almost  every  comfort  for  man  and  Horse;  upwards  of  200  differ- 


384  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

ent  Cattle,  have  been  for  three  Days  eating  their  mangers;  others 
dying  for  want;  altho  one  Hundred  Tons  of  Hay  have  been  issued 
in  November  last,  and  a  proportionate  quantity  for  what  is  past 
of  December,  and  but  very  little  of  it  issued  to  the  Brigade  en- 
camped in  the  Vicinity.  The  Troops  are  obliged  to  back  wood  for 
their  sick  Brethren,  about  400  in  the  Hospitals.  These  occupy  all 
the  Barracks  and  other  public  Buildings  fit  to  receive  the  Sick 
or  quarter  Troops. 

Nixon's  Brigade  is  hutting  in  the  Highlands,  but  makes  but 
slow  Progress  for  the  want  of  a  sufficient  quantity  of  sorted  Tools. 
Patterson's  at  Westpoint,  and  wants  Covering.  Learned's  has 
been  directed  to  be  posted  above  the  High  Lands,  to  guard  the 
Stores  and  do  the  Duty  at  and  about  this  Town.  For  several  Days 
during  the  last  bad  Weather,  they  have  been  in  Tents.  Two  Regi- 
ments are  still  in  them. 

The  severe  weather  is  fast  approaching.  In  this  State  of  the 
Troops  and  the  Post,  I  was  reduc'd,  and  still  am,  to  the  utmost 
Difficulty  to  cover  them,  and  to  provide  them  for  the  Winter; 
when  I  was  informed  there  were  public  Buildings  sufficient  to 
cover  200  men  at  Poughkeepsie;  Boards  near  it  to  aid  in  covering 
the  rest,  and  public  Wood  Cut  on  the  other  side.  I,  therefore, 
determined  to  send  Jackson's,  the  smallest  Regiment  there,  first 
detaching  fifty  men  from  it  for  the  Lines,  which  would  reduce  it 
to  185  now  fit  for  Duty;  and  it's  but  thinly  Officer'd.  They  were 
ordered  therewith;  the  Instructions  inclosed  in  mine  of  this  after- 
noon, which  will  remove  the  most  of  the  Objections  in  your  favor 
of  this  Day  since  received.  The  Officers  were  so  pressing  to  im- 
prove partial  Quarters;  and  willing  to  make  the  utmost  Exertions 
to  prevent  giving  the  least  public  Trouble  to  the  Town. 

In  short  Sir,  as  it  was  represented  to  me,  that  there  were  quar- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  385 

ters  for  at  least  two  Hundred  men,  and  when  I  sent  Mr.  Banker 
there  to  inspect  them,  I  did  not  conceive  that  any  Difficulty  would 
attend  their  going  there,  altho'  I  knew  the  State  of  the  Town  to 
be  as  you  represent  it,  and  guarded  against  it.  As  to  Mr. 
Banker's  press  warrant,  he  was  ordered  to  use  it  with  the  utmost 
Caution,  and  but  in  Cases  of  absolute  Necessity.  But  if  the  Law 
does  not  intend  that  Warrants  should  issue  when  the  army  is 
distress'd  for  Subsistance,  it  is  to  them  a  dead  Letter.  For  I 
cannot  create  Means  of  Subsistance  for  the  Cattle,  and  if  the 
army  has  been  kept  here  too  long,  for  the  Interest  &  means  of  the 
Country,  I  am  not  to  blame.  I  neither  command  her  army  or 
direct  her  Councils. 

I  have  always  understood  the  Farmers  prefer  hiring  their  Teams 
for  a  short  Distance  than  to  be  pinched  in  their  Forage.  And  I 
can  assure  you,  no  means  shall  be  left  unessayed  by  me,  to  lessen 
the  Number  of  public  Cattle  near  the  River,  however  ungracious 
it  may  be  for  me,  to  reform  the  abuses  or  Neglects  of  others.  This 
Regiment  carries  with  it  two  Ox  Teams,  which  I  believe  will  be 
sufficient  for  their  Duty. 

As  to  the  billetting  or  quartering  the  Troops,  in  Houses,  I 
meant  no  more  than  bare  House  Room  for  them  a  few  Days.  And 
if  such  of  the  Inhabitants  as  can  spare  it,  according  to  Law,  will 
not  chearfully  give  it,  when  officers  and  Soldiers  are  expos'd  to 
the  most  violent  Storms  of  Rain  &  snow,  they  do  not  deserve  to 
be  free. 

This  State  would  not  support  the 'whole  army  during  the  Win- 
ter, which  constrained  the  Commander  in  chief  to  remove  nine 
Brigades  to  Jersey.  He  has  left  three  here,  with  the  Expectation 
that  they  would  be  sufficient  to  defend  these  Posts  for  the  winter, 
without  disturbing  the  Repose  of  his  Troops  in  their  Quarters. 
25 


386  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

I  think  they  will  be  sufficient  for  the  purpose,  altho  I  have  sent 
that  Regiment  to  your  Town  for 'the  Reasons  already  assigned. 
'Tis  not  improbable  he  meditates  an  attack  on  New-York  in  the 
winter,  if  Circumstances  permit. 

I  lament 'the  Condition  of  our  Frontiers.  But  you  must  be  sen- 
sible I  cannot  order  the  Disposition  of  the  Troops;  nor  would  it 
have  been  prudent  in  the  Course  of  the  Campaign,  to  have  re- 
moved more  of  the  army  from  the  Sea  Frontiers.  I  confess  I  feel 
a  little  mortify ed,  that  my  Countrymen  should  even  have  appre- 
hensions, that  I  could  take  any  wanton  or  unnecessary  Measures 
to  incommode,  or  distress  them.  No  such  Charge  has  been  made 
against  me,  by  Strangers  thro'  whom  Troops  under  my  orders 
have  marched.  But  this  is  the  dear  price,  we,  General  Officers, 
pay  for  our  Honors. 

Connecticut  won't  have  us  but  in  the  Hour  of  Danger. 

New  York  is  reluctant  we  should  have  any  Repose. 

New  Jersey  complain  they  have  had  too  much  of  us. 

Where,  my  Dear  iSir,  are  we  to  go? 

Can  I  defend  the  Highlands  and  the  Rear  Frontiers  at  the 
same  Time? 

These  are  some  of  the  brave  men  who  aided  in  rescuing  the 
Northern  Frontiers  from  the  Enemy.  They  are  Strangers  too. 
So  far  as  I  have  learned  their  Character  they  are  pretty  orderly. 
They,  therefore,  merit  some  attention  and  Indulgence.  I  beg  you 
to  give  them  what  is  in  your  power.  Sooner  than  they  should 
interrupt  the  Deliberations  of  the  Legislature,  I  will  remove  them 
to  the  most  dreary  valley  in  the  Highlands,  altho  they,  and  I, 
should  share  the  fate  of  their  unfortunate  Brethren  last  Winter, 
at  the  Valley  Forge.  I  have  much  to  do  here,  and  little  to  do  it 
with.  My  Condition  is  not  much  better,  than  the  Israelites  in 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  387 

Egypt,  who  were  ordered  to  make  Brick  without  Straw.  But  I 
am  determined  it's  the  last  Winter  I  shall  be  imprisoned  in  the 
Highlands  to  be  a  Drudge  for  others.  I  am,  Dear  Sir,  Your 

humble  Servant 

Alex'r  McDougall,  M.  General. 

P.  S.  If  the  Troops  both  officers  and  men  are  not  totally  out  of 
the  Houses  before  the  Meeting  of  the  Legislature  I  will  remove 
this  Corps  before  they'  meet. 

His  Excellency  Gov'r  Clinton. 


[No.  1981.] 
GOVERNOR  CLINTON  ON  THE  GENERAL  PROPOSITION. 

Sensible  of  General  McDougalVs  Situation — New  Torfc's  Suffering 
Greater  than  that  of  any  Other  State. 

Poukeepsie  15th  Dec'r  8  P.  M.  1778. 

D'r  Sir,  I  am  this  Moment  favoured  with  your  two  Letters* 
of  this  Day's  Date.  I  am  very  Sensible  of  the  many  Difficulties 
you  meet  with  in  the  Execution  of  your  Present  Command  &  I 
am  perswaded  you  will  not  believe  that  I  wish  to  increase  them. 
I  need  not  tell  you  that  this  State  has  suffered  more  by  the 
Enemy  than  any  other  on  the  Continent,  and  being  the  principal 
Seat  of  the  War,  the  Inhabitants  have  of  Course  experienced 
as  much  Injury  from  our  own  army,  which  under  some  former 
Commands  was  not  a  little.  They  have  hitherto  chearfully  sub- 
mitted to  their  Fate  &  I  believe  I  may  safely  venture  to  say 
they  will  yet  as  chearfully  exert  themselves  to  accomodate  & 
render  the  Soldiery  comfortable  as  any. 

The  acts  of  the  Legislature  for  Billetting  the  Troops  Impressing 
Forage  &  Teams  &  for  supplying  the  army  with  Provissions  are 
the  highest  &  best  Evidence  of  this  Spirit.  I  am  far  from  sup- 

*See  page  430,  for  General  McDougall's  answer  to  this  letter.— STATE  HISTORIAN. 


388  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

posing  the  Quartering  a  proportionate  Number  of  Troops  in  this 
Town  (were  it  not  for  the  Reasons  mentioned  in  my  last  Letter) 
woud  be  any  ways  peculiarly  disagreable  to  the  Inhabitants, 
provided  they  were  regularly  supplied  with  Fuel,  so  that  their 
Fencing  &  Timber  (which  on  the  Banks  of  the  River  is  of  the 
utmost  Importance  as  the  Loss  of  them  is  irreparable)  might 
be  preserved;  But  this  fatal  Experience  has  taught  us  will  not 
be  the  Case  &  whether  it  arises  from  its  Impracticabillity  or  the 
Remissness  of  the  Quarter  Master,  the  Injury  is  equal  to  the 
Proprietor  &  is  an  argum't  ag't  Troops  being  Quartered  in  such 
a  Situation  but  from  absolute  necessity.  Your  orders  are,  as  I 
expected  they  woud  be,  well  calculated  to  prevent  abuses  of 
every  kind  &  discover  a  proper  attention  to  the  Conveniency  of 
the  Legislature. 

I  agree  with  you  that  the  Farmers  ought  well  afford  to  give 
the  Service  of  their  Teems  by  a  fixed  Rotation  of  Duty  to  the 
public  to  save  their  Forrage.  I  advised  the  Measure  last  Win- 
ter myself,  conceiving  it  to  be  not  only  for  their  Interest  but  a 
great  saving  to  the  public;  But,  Sir,  remember  that  at  this  early 
day  every  Dint  of  Forrage,  except  a  scanty  allowance,  barely 
sufficient  to  bring  the  Farmers'  Stock  alive  through  the  Win- 
ter, is  already  Impressed.  If  under  these  Circumstances,  their 
Teems  are  charged  with  double  Labour  through  the  Win- 
ter, will  they  be  in  order  to  perform  Spring  labour  besides,  if 
this  Duty  is  to  be  performed  by  them?  The  Impresses  will  be 
more  equitably  executed  under  the  Direction  of  a  Civil  Officer 
than  by  Quarter  Masters,  to  whose  Indiscretion,  Negligence  & 
Mismanagement,  great  part  of  our  present  Distresses  may  fairly 
be  imputed.  I  meant  not  however  to  blame,  but  to  prevent  you 
from  incurring  any,  when  I  gave  you  my  Sentiments  on  this  Sub- 
ject, as  I  doubted  your  being  possessed  of  the  Law. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  389 

The  Sheds  here  will  not  contain  all  the  Troops.  The  Barrack 
Master  tells  me  about  thirty  are  for  the  present  'billetted  on  the 
Inhabitants.  If  these  might  be  ordered  to  the  Gaol  in  Amenia 
Precinct,  they  might  be  well  accomaded  there  &  serve  in  the 
Interim  as  a  guard  to  the  Prisoners.  This  &  the  Officers  con- 
fining themselves  for  Quarters  to  the  Houses  South  of  the  Town, 
might,  perhaps,  prevent  the  necessity  of  Hutting  any  of  them, 
which  Cannot  easilly  be  done.  I  have  not  rec'd  a  single  Affi- 
davit on  the  Subject  you  allude  to;  if  any  were  taken  the  Officer 
omitted  sending  them  or  woud  with  pleasure  furnish  you  with 
them,  as  I  have  not  the  least  Objection  to  the  Business  for  which 
they  are  wanted.  I  am  in  great  Haste,  D'r  Sir,  Your  most  obed't 

Geo:  Clinton. 
The  hon'ble  Major  Genl.  McDougall. 


[No.  1982.] 
Abraham  Tates  and  the  Fugitives  from  Cherry  Valley. 

Albany  December  15th  1778. 

Sir,  Yours  of  the  third  Instant  I  have  received;  by  the  Enclosed 
you  will  See  the  method  we  have  taken  (to  Call  the  members  to- 
gether I  conceived  would  be  attended  with  Difficulties)  and  how 
far  it  is  Effected;  I  keep  the  original  Copy  with  me  to  Lay  hold 
of  any  members,  that  may  Chance  to  Come  to  Town,  to  get  them 
to  Sign;  a  Copy  is  Sent  to  the  members  of  Tryon  County  for  them 
also  to  address  you  on  the  Same  Subject  to  give  it  more  Weight. 
I  was  Just  now  with  Genl.  Clinton  and  Shew'd  him  the  Letter; 
he  Says  that  there  is  People  Complaining  also  from  Cobles  Kill, 
Some  of  which  are  in  Equal  Distress  with  those  of  Chery  Valley: 
this  we  did  not  advert  to.  Should  you  think  to  take  a  ride  up 
here  and  it  will  Suit  you,  you  are  welcome  to  a  Bed  with  Your 

obt.  Humble  Servant 

Ab'm  Yates  Jun. 


390  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

19th.  P.  S.  I  have  been  Confused  with  the  Expectation  of  the 
Post.    I  Send  this,  which  I  Intended  to  send  by  the  Post  with 
Myer,  who  Delivered  me  yours  with  the  Printed  Treaties  with 
France  for  which  I  thank  you. 
His  Ex.  George  Clinton,  Esq'r. 


[No.  1983.] 

Massachusetts  Board  of  War  Ask  Leave  to  Export  Flour  from  New 

York  Over  Land. 

Gentlemen,  Major  Shepherd  who  will  have  the  honor  to  deliver 
you  this,  is  employ'd  by  the  Board  of  War  to  purchase  Flour  for 
the  use  of  this  State.  As  that  article  is  extreamly  wanted,  &  the 
danger  of  importing  it  by  water  very  great;  We  are  to  request 
your  Excellency  &  Honors  to  grant  Major  Shepherd  permission 
to  transport  the  same  by  land  from  your  State  to  this  unmo- 
lested. 

We  have  the  Honor  to  be,  with  great  Respect  Gentlemen  Your 
most  Obed't  &  Very  h'ble  Serv'ts 

By  Order  of  the  Board, 

John  Browne  President  pr.  tern. 
War  Office  Boston  Dec'r  15th,  1778. 
His  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esq. 

The  Hon'ble  Senate  &  House  of  Assembly  for  the  State  of 
New  York. 


[No.  1984.] 

Governor  Clinton  Through  Robert  Benson  Instructs  Colonel  Budd 
in  the  Method  of  Drawing  Ammunition. 

Sir,  As  part  of  the  Regt.  I  command  are  called  out  into  actual 
Service,  and  no  Ammunition  being  provided  for  them  by  Colo. 
Thomas,  I  beg  you  wou'd  please  to  inform  me  where  I  can  be 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  391 

fiupply'd,  some  of  the  Regt.  are  in  want  of  Arms,  shou'd  be  glad 
to  know  wheather  they  can  be  supply'd  with  any,  and  where.    I 

am  Sir  Your  most  Obed't  Hum'e  Serv't 

Gilb't  Budd,  L.  Colo. 
Bedford  Decem'r  14th  1778. 

To  His  Excell'y  George  Clinton  Esqr.  Poughkeepsie. 


Poughkeepsie  Dec'r  16th  1778. 

S'r,  His  Excellency  directs  me  to  inform  you  that  the  ammuni- 
tion cannot  be  drawn  out  of  the  public  Store  but  agreably  to  the 
militia  Law,  which  directs  the  Colo,  or  Command'g  Officer  of  a 
Regt.  to  draw  an  Order  on  the  Commissioner  of  Military  Stores 
of  the  State  in  favor  of  the  Quarter  Master  of  the  Regt.  for  as 
much  ammunition  as  by  a  Return  of  the  Regt.  may  appear  to  be 
necessarily  required;  which  Order  is  to  be  presented  to  the  Gov- 
ernor who  backs  it  with  his  warrant.  The  Quarter  Master  is 
then  entitled  to  receive  it  by  paying  such  price  therefor  as  shall 
be  settled  by  the  commissioner,  Colo.  Jno.  Lasher  at  the  Wallkill. 
There  are  no  arms  in  Store  neither  do  I  know  how  you  can  get 

supplied  but  by  Purchase.    Yrs.  &c. 

Robt.  Benson. 
Colo.  Budd. 


[No.  1985.] 
INFRACTIONS  OF  THE  SARATOGA  CONVENTION. 

Congress  Appropriates  One  Thousand  Dollars  m  Specie  to  Further 

Discoveries. 

Philad.  2d  Decem'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  deliver'd  Congress  the  Depositions  your  Excellency 
charged  me  with,  respecting  the  Breach  of  the  Convention  of 
Saraghtoga  by  that  part  of  Genl.  Burgoine's  army  which  was  per- 
mitted to  return  into  Canada.  It  is  the  desire  of  Congress. that 


392  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

this  perfidious  proceedure  may  be  exposed  in  the  fullest  Light, 
and  they,  therefore,  request  that  your  Excellency  will  endeavour 
to  procure  further  Evidence,  and,  if  possible,  one  of  General  Carl- 
ton's  proclamations  or  orders  requiring  those  Troops  to  join  their 
respective  Corpses. 

One  thousand  Dollars  in  Specie  are  now  delivered  to  Mr. 
Bancker  for  the  purpose  of  making  the  necessary  discoveries,  to 
be  employd  in  such  manner  as  your  Excellency  shall  be  pleased 
to  direct;  when  it  is  expended  you  will  be  pleased  to  remit  the 
account  to  the  Treasury  board  that  you  may  be  properly  dis- 
charged. I  did  not  think  it  necessary  to  send  the  Cont.  money 
directed  to  be  paid  into  your  Hands,  for  the  above  purpose.  It 
therefore,  waits  your  disposal  in  the  Treasury.  I  have  the  Honour 
to  be  with  the  greatest  Respect  Sir  Your  Excellency's  most 

Obedient  humble  'Servant 

Jas.  Duane. 
His  Excellency  the  Governour  of  New  York. 


MR.  DUANB'S  FAMILY  WELL. 

Poukeepsie  [17th  December  1778.] 

Sir,  I  am  favoured  with  your  Letter  of  the  2d  Instant.  You 
may  venture,  Sir,  to  assure  Congress  that  the  Specie  forwarded 
by  Mr.  Banker  shall  be  faithfully  expended  in  procuring  further 
Evidence  of  the  Infraction  of  the  Convention  of  Saraghtoga,  but 
as  the  Passage  into  Canada  is  at  present  impracticable  &  will 
continue  so,  untill  the  Lakes  are  sufficiently  Froze  some  Con- 
siderable Time  will  of  Course  elapse  before  any  Thing  can  be 
obtained  from  that  Quarter. 

I  had  the  Honor  of  forwarding  your  Letter  to  Mrs.  Duane  by  a 
safe  Conveyance,  &  I  have  some  Reason  to  expect  her  Commands 
to  you  before  this  is  dispatched,  but  Least  this  should  not  be  the 
Case,  I  am  happy  in  being  able  to  inform  you  that  your  Familly  & 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  393 

Friends  at  the  Manor  were  in  Health  a  few  Days  since.     I  have 
the  Honor  to  be  with  great  Eegard  &  Esteem  Sir  Your  most 

Obed't  Serv't 

G.  C. 
The  Hon'ble  James  Duane  Esqr. 


[No.  1986.] 
The  New  York  Forage  Law  Well  Executed. 

Poukeepsie  Dec'r  17th  1778. 

Sir,  My  last  to  your  Excellency  was  dated  the  6th  November 
since  which  I  have  been  honored  with  the  Receipt  of  your  Dis- 
patches of  the  16th  of  that  Month  &  2d  Instant. 

For  the  Information  of  Congress  I  herewith  inclose  your  Excel- 
lency an  Act  of  the  Legislature  of  this  State  passed  as  early  as 
the  2d  of  April  last  for  supplying  the  Army  with  Forrage  &ca.  by 
which  you  will  please  to  observe  the  Commissary  is  enabled  to 
take  from  the  Inhabitants  whatever  they  are  possessed  of  more 
than  is  actually  necessary  for  the  Subsistence  of  their  respective 
Stocks  &  I  may  safely  venture  to  assure  your  Excellency  that  the 
Law  has  been  very  faithfully  executed  as  far  forth  as  the  Civil 
Magistrate  is  concerned.  I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  most  per- 
fect Esteem  &  Respect  Your  Most  Obed't  Serv't 

Geo.  Clinton. 

His  Excellency  Henry  Laurens  Esqr.  Presid't  &c. 


[No.  1987.] 
ONE  HUNDRED  THOUSAND  DOLLARS  ARRIVE  SAFELY. 

So   the   Governor  Notifies  New   York's   Delegates   in   Congress — 
Settlement  of  the  Vermont  Affair. 

Poukeepsie  17th  Dec'r  1778. 

Gentlemen,  I  have  been  honored  with  your  Letter  of  the  1st 
Instant  with  the  several  Papers  accompanying  it.    Mr.  Banker 


394  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

I  am  well  informed  is  safely  arived  at  the  Treasury  of  this  State 
with  the  Cash  with  which  he  was  charged,  but  as  on  his  way 
thither  he  forwarded  your  Dispatches  to  me  from  Goshen.  I 
have  not  yet  received  his  Report  or  the  Treasurer's  Receipt  for 
the  Money. 

I  am  particularly  oblidged  to  you  for  the  Communication  of 
the  Treaties  of  amity  &  Commerce  with  his  most  Christian 
Majesty,  as  the  perusal  of  them  cannot  fail  of  affording  the  high- 
est Sattisfaction  to  your  Constituents,  seeing  they  are  in  every 
Respect  as  liberal  &  Beneficial  to  the  United  States  as  coud  be 
reasonably  expected  &  fully  Answer  the  Idea  we  had  formed  of 
them.  The  Injunction  of  Congress  respecting  them  shall  be 
strictly  observed. 

I  am  happy  to  learn  that  the  Vermont  Business  is  at  lenghth 
likely  to  meet  the  Attention  of  Congress  &  in  Confidence  that 
this  will  be  the  Case,  I  now  inclose  &  forward  you  by  Express, 
sundry  Papers,  which  I  am  lead  to  believe,  may  be  of  some 
Service  on  the  Occassion,  as  besides  disclosing  the  Designs  of  the 
usurped  Government  of  Vermont.  They  afford  such  Evidence  of 
Disentions  &  Heats  prevailing  among  their  Leaders  as  may  con- 
vince Congress  that  the  present  is  the  most  favourable  Crisis 
for  the  Interposition  of  their  Authority  &  by  an  explicit  Dis- 
aprobation  of  the  Conduct  of  those  turbulent  People  determine 
a  Controversy,  which  if  suffered  to  continue  much  longer,  may 
occassion  the  Spilling  of  Blood  &  be  attended  with  other  most 
Serious  Consequences. 

The  inclosed  affidavit  of  Mr.  Zedekiah  Stone  &  Copy  of  Hilkiah 
Grout,  Esqr's  Letter,  respecting  the  Declaration  of  Colo.  Allen 
in  Assembly  (if  his  Word  deserves  Credit)  discover  the  share  of 
Confidence  you  are  to  place  in  your  New  Hampshire  Brethern. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  395 

Since  my  last  no  new  Depredations  have  been  committed  on 
the  Frontiers.  You  have  doubtless  been  informed  that  about  the 
Time  of  the  Destruction  of  Cherry  Valley  many  of  the  settle- 
ments on  the  Borders  of  Lake  Champlain  experienced  a  simular 
Fate.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  the  Season  may  prevent  the  Enemy 
from  attempting  any  Thing  Capital  ag't  us  before  the  opening 
of  the  Spring.  If,  however,  the  Contrary  shoud  be  the  Case,  the 
present  Force  imployed  in  the  Frontier  Service,  tho  very  con- 
siderable, is  not  sufficient  to  afford  the  different  Settlements  pro- 
tection owing  to  the  great  Extent  of  Country  to  be  guarded.  If 
any  Opperations  are  likely  to  take  Place  in  the  Execution  of 
which  the  particular  Aid  of  the  State  may  be  required,  I  wish 
if  consistent,  I  may  have  Timely  notice,  that  the  proper  prepara- 
tory Measures  may  be  taken  at  the  next  Meeting  of  the  Legis- 
lature. I  am,  Gentlemen,  with  the  highest  Respect  &  Esteem 

Your  most  Obed't  Serv't 

[G.  C.] 

P.  S.    If  Congress  are  already  possessed  of  Copies  of  the  papers 
inclosed* 
[To  Delegates  in  Congress.] 


[No.  1988.] 
IRA  ALLEN'S  VERMONT  ADDRESS. 

His  Arguments  to  Establish  Vermont  as  an  Independent 
Commonwealth. 

Poughkeepsie  Dec'r  17th  1778. 

Gentlemen,  Since  sealing  my  Dispatches  of  this  Date  1  ha?e 
been  favored  with  the  enclosed  Publication  of  Ira  Allen,  Treas- 
urer of  the  pretended  State  of  Vermont,  Copies  of  which  are  now 

*  Rest  of  sentence  marked  through  with  pen. 


396  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

circulating  thro'  the  different  Towns  on  the  Grants.  This  Paper 
you'l  be  pleased  to  observe  is  calculated  to  incourage  the  Inhabit- 
ants in  their  revolt  from  this  State  &  to  persist  in  their  Plan 
of  forming  a  separate  Government,  and  offers  the  Silence  of  Con- 
gress after  so  many  repeated  Applications  for  their  Interposition 
as  conclusive  Evidence  of  their  Acquiecence  in  the  Measure.  I 

am  &c. 

G.  Clinton. 
The  hon'ble  the  Delegates  of  New  York. 


THE  ADDRESS. 

To  the  Inhabitants  of  the  State  of  VERMONT.  " 

Gentlemen, 

Whereas  the  General  Assembly  of  this  State  did  appoint  me  to  wait  on  the  Honorable 
Meshech  Weare,  Esq;  President  of  the  Council  of  the  State  of  New-Hampshire,  with  a 
Letter  from  his  Excellency  Thomas  Chlttenden,  Esq;  and  another  from  Col.  Ethan 
Allen,  &c.  And,  whereas,  several  of  the  Members  of  the  Honorable  Council  and  Assem- 
bly of  this  State,  desired  me  to  write  to  them  (on  my  return  from  New-Hampshire)  the 
state  of  affairs  relative  to  the  Union  with  sixteen  Towns  east  of  Connecticut-River  and 
this  State:  I,  therefore,  beg  leave  to  state  the  following  as  a  short  state  of  the  matter, 
viz: 

When  I  arrived  at  Exeter  found  the  General  Assembly  then  sitting,  delivered  said 
Letters  to  the  President,  who,  after  examining  the  same  in  Council,  sent  them  to  the 
House  for  their  inspection:  the  said  Letters  were  again  read  and  largely  discoursed  on, 
and  a  Committee  appointed  from  both  Houses  to  answer  the  same— I  being  then  present 
besides  having  many  other  conferences  with  the  Members  of  both  Houses,  found  that 
they  were  unanimous  for  maintaining  Inviolable  their  Jurisdiction  to  the  East  Banks  of 
Connecticut-River,  but  that  they  had  no  disposition  to  interfere  with  the  State  of  Ver- 
mont in  its  first  described  Limits,  which  will  more  fully  appear  by  their  Resolution  in 
the  affair  of  Mr.  Hovey,  and  an  Extract  of  President  Weare's  Letter  to  Col.  Ethan 
Allen,  which  are  as  follows,  viz. 

State  of  New-Hampshire,  "  In  the  House  of  Representatives,  Nov.  10th,  1778. 
"According  to  the  Vote  of  the  House  of  this  day,  the  Honorable  Council  and  House 
being  met  in  the  Assembly  Chamber,  the  Honorable  Meshech  Weare,  Bsq;  fn  the  Chair, 
proceeded  to  take  under  Consideratiom  the  Petition  of  Nathaniel  Hovey,  preferred  to  the 
Honorable  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  State  on  the  24th  of  September  last,  and  the  fur- 
ther transactions  thereoni— and  upon  consideration  of  the  same,  came  to  the  following 
Resolutions  and  reported,  that  Two  Hundred  Pounds  be  Granted  to  the  said  Hovey,  out 
of  the  Treasury,  by  order  of  the  President,  for  his  present  necessities,  to  be  by  him 
accounted  for;  and  that  the  persons  named  as  Rioters  in  his  complaint  and  Petition, 
together  with  Nehemiah  Estabrook  of  Lebanon,  be  notified  to  attend  the  hearing  of  said 
Petition  before  the  General  Assembly  if  sitting,  or  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  State 
in  the  recess,  on  the  second  Thursday  of  December  next,  and  that  tne  Secretary  be 
directed  to  issue  proper  notice  to  the  said  persons;  and  that  Capt.  Samuel  Atkinson, 
of  Boscowen,  be  directed  to  Notify  them  accordingly,  which  Report  was  read  and 
accented." 

Sent  up  for  concurrence. 

John  Dudley,  Speaker,  Pro.  Tern. 
A  Copy  Examined  by  E.  Thompson,  Sec'ry. 

As  you  have  been  so  full  and  explicit  In  your  own  sentiments,  I  trust  the  Body  of  your 
People  will  be  of  the  same  opinion,  as  I  am  sure  every  sensible  person  will;  notwith- 
standing blind  designs  of  some  uneasy  and  never  to  be  contented  men,  whose  Views 
must  certainly  be  more  detrimental  to  you  than  they  possibly  can  be  to  New-Hamp- 
shire.—Whatever  may  be  determined  by  Congress  relative  to  the  acknowledgment  of  your 
Independence  will  be  freely  acquiesced  in  by  this  State. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  397 

I  find  by  enquiring  into  the  situation  of  the  Grants  (so  called)  east  of  Connecticut- 
Hirer,  that  the  Towns  in  the  County  of  Chester  are  a'.most  Unanimously  Represented  in 
the  Genera]  Assembly  of  New- Hampshire — and  that  about  twelve  Towns  in  the  County 
of  Grafton  are  also  Represented  in  the  Assembly  of  New-Hampshire — and  that  in  the 
sixteen  Towns  in  connexion  with  this  State  by  said  Union,  there  is  a  large  minority  in 
•opposition  to  said  Union. 

Amongst  the  arguments  made  use  of  by  New-Hampshire  to  support  their  Claim  to 
Connecticut-River  are  the  following,  vU. 

That  by  the  determination  of  the  Court  of  Great-Britain  in  establishing  Provinces  in 
North  America,  said  Lands  were  included  in  the  Jurisdiction  of  New-Hampshire,  and, 
in  consequence  of  that,  many  Charters  for  Towns  was  Granted  by  the  Governor  of  said 
Province  with  a'.l  the  Priviledges  and  Immunities  that  any  other  Towns  in  said  Province 
•did  enjoy,  which  they  held  under  the  xrrown  untill  the  Revolution,  at  which  time  circular 
Letters  was  sent  to  the  several  Towns  thro'  that  Province,  to  choose  Members  to  form 
a  Congress  to  transact  the  political  business  of  the  State;  at  which  time  several  of 
those  Towns  now  in  Union  with  this  State  sent  Members.  About  a  year  after  a  second 
Congress  was  chosen,  and  some  of  said  Towns  sent  Members.  Said  Congress  then 
•established  a  plan  of  Government  which  was  to  remain  in  force  untill  the  exigencies 
of  the  State  would  admit  of  more  leasure  time  to  form  another,  which  pian  or  Constitu- 
tion said  State  has  ever  since  and  now  remain  to  be  governed  by.  Since  the  deprecia- 
tion of  Money,  an  additional  pay  has  been  given  by  the  State  of  New-Hampshire  to  the 
Militia  of  said  State,  in  addition  to  their  Continental  pay  when  in  such  service;  which 
pay  has  been  chearfully  received  by  the  Militia  of  said  Towns. 

Thus  Gentlemen  I  hare  given  you  a  short  state  of  facts,  agreeable  to  the  best  infor- 
ELation  I  can  get,  by  which  you  will  observe  that  the  State  cf  New-Hampshire  are 
•willing  that  the  State  of  Vermont  should  be  a  State  in  its  first  discribed  limits  west  of 
Connecticut-River. 

I  have  also  to  observe,  that  by  several  authentick  accounts  lately  received  from  the 
Honorable  Continental  Congress,  that  the  Delegates  are  willing  that  the  State  of  Ver- 
mont should  be  a  SUt«  within  its  first  discribed  limits,  (the  Delegates  of  New-York 
exeepted.)  which  fully  appears  from  that  Honorable  Body's  not  passing  any  Resolves 
against  any  of  the  proceedings  of  the  State  of  Vermont  since  its  first  tormation,  altho' 
often  requested  by  New-York.  t. 

Having  met  with  several  printed  papers  published  by  order  of  those  gentlemen  that 
withdrew  from  the  General  Assembly  of  this  State,  at  their  Session  In  October  last:  But 
as  I  did  not  design  this  Letter  for  an  answer  thereto,  shall  make  but  few  remarks 
thereon, 

In  the  course  of  which  papers  there  is  a  request  to  all  the  Towns  on  the  Grants  on 
both  sides  of  the  River,  whether  united  with  the  State  of  Vermont  or  not,  to  send  mem- 
bers to  form  a  Convention  to  consult  and  agree  upon  measures  whereby  we  may  all  be 
raited  together,  by  being  and  remaining  a  distinct  State,  on  such  foundation  that  we 
may  be  admitted  into  Confederation  with  the  United  States  of  America,  and  under 
their  protection,  &c. 

A  very  large  part  of  the  Towns  on  the  Grants  west  of  the  Mason  Line,  and  east  of 
Connecticut-River,  are  Represented  in  the  General  Assembly  of  New-Hampshire,  and 
consequently  they  are  Represented  in  Congress:  therefore,  they  cannot  withdraw  from 
New-Hampshire,  and  connect  with  any  other  body  politick,  and  present  themselves  to 
Congress  to  be  taken  into  Consideration  with  the  United  States,  for  they  are  already 
taken  into  Consideration  by  the  way  of  New-Hampshire— The  way  them  Towns  could 
act,  were  they  to  send  members  to  said  Convention,  would  be  to  act  on  the  latter  clause 
of  the  Warrant,  which  la  to  claim  the  antient  Jurisdiction  of  the  Government  of  New- 
Hampshire,  and  in  that  way  defend  ourselves  against  the  pretended  rignt  of  Jurisdiction 
of  any  other  State,  and  thereby  become  one  entire  State  according  to  the  extent  of 
New-Hampshire  Province  as  it  stood  before  the  Decree  in  1764  took  place— But  whether 
that  is  the  design  of  the  Convention  or  not  I  leave  the  canded  reader  to  determine. 

I  appeal  to  every  person's  own  conscience  in  the  State  of  Vermont,  whether,  when  the 
Inhabitants  on  the  west  and  east  sides  of  the  Green  Mcuntain,  first  connected  together 
to  become  one  body  politick,  they  did  it  under  a  view  that  the  Grants  east  of  Connecti- 
cut-River would  join  them,  and  if  it  had  not  been  for  that,  they  would  not  have  joined 
in  said  plan. 

All  those  that  did  unite  together  in  one  body  politick  to  form  a  State  west  of  Connec- 
ticut-River, will,  I  doubt  not,  on  due  consideration,  pursue  that  desirable  object;  (if 
any  difficulties  should  arise  so  as  unhappily  to  seperate  those  Towns  east  of  Connecticut- 


398  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

River  from  this  State)  for  in  that  view  of  the  case  we  should  then  enjoy  all  we  first 
expected;  and,  as  the  Constitution  of  this  State  is  so  happily  calculated  to  preserve 
inviolable  the  rights  of  the  people;  and,  as  in  it  there  is  ample  provision  made  for  the 
propagation  of  the  gospel,  together  with  proper  Seminaries  and  Schools  of  learning 
which  are  among  the  greatest  blessings  God  in  his  wisdom  ever  bestowed  on  the  fallen 
race  of  man. 

By  what  has  been  already  elucidated,  it  appears  -that  the  State  of  Vermont  is  in  favor 
with  the  United  States  of  America;  therefore,  if  the  people  in  said  State  are,  and  con- 
tinue steadfast  to  maintain  the  same,  they  will  without  doubt  support  the  Independence 
of  said  State,  as  long  as  the  United  States  do  theirs. 

Since  the  choice  appears  to  be  in  the  brest  of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  whether 
they  will  be  governed  by  the  agreeable  Constitution  they  have  made,  or  lay  that  aside 
and  seek  for  connections  with  a  neighbouring  State  which  is  some  in  debt,  and  whose 
known  plen  of  representation  is  by  numbers,  so  that  it  would  take  five  or  six  of  our 
mew  Towns  to  send  one  member,  and  when  we  consider  that  those  infant  plantations 
have  gone  thro'  numberless  fatigues  and  expences  to  defend  their  just  rights  from  the 
arbitrary  power  of  New  York;  and  since  this  present  contest,  we  have  been  a  frontier  to 
three  neighbouring  States,  our  inhabitants  have  been  obliged  to  flee  before  their  enemy. 
our  Soldiery  ofteni  called  forth  by  alarums,  who  have  fought  and  bled  nobly  in  the 
field  for  the  defence  of  their  country — Is  there  not  a  much  greater  probability  that  we 
should  be  considered,  for  those  extraordinary  difficulties,  by  the  Honorable,  the  Grand 
Council  -of  America,  in  defraying  the  expence  of  this  unnatural  war,  than  by  the  legis- 
lature of  any  State,  whose  private  interest  would  be  nearer  connected  with  ours. 

I  doubt  not,  but  every  reasonable  person  will,  on  due  deliberation  determine  that  it  Is 
best,  wisest,  and  cheapest  for  the  good  people  of  this  State,  to  steadily  pursue  their  plan 
of  government,  which  will  transmit  to  posterity  the  blessings  of  a  free  State. 

I  am,  Gentlemen,  with  due  respect,  Your  most  Obedient,  Humble  Servant, 

Ira  Allen. 
Dresden,  November  27th.  1778. 

N.  B.  The  Laws  of  the  State  is  come  to  hand,  and  will  be  ready  for  Sale  in  a  short 
time. 


[No.  1989.] 
Mr.  Currie  Requests  Payment  for  Sugar  Supplied  to  Troops. 

Hopewell  [N.  J.]  Dec.  17th  1778. 

Sir,  Mr.  John  Murray  of  Potts  Grove,  &  State  of  Pensylvania, 
for  whom  I  forwarded  some  Casks  of  Loaf  Sugar  to  New  Windsor, 
&  which  remaind  there  at  the  time  the  Enemy  continued  up  the 
Eiver  last  year,  in  July  last,  gave  me  a  certificate,  which  he 
gott  from  Colo.  Taylor  to  receive  payment  for  21  Loaves  Sugar, 
belonging  to  said  Murray,  &  which  he  says,  your  Excellency  had 
directed  him  to  give  out  at  Head  Quarters  then  at  New  Windsor; 
and  as  the  Greatest  part  of  it  has  been  given  out,  at  your  Ex- 
cellency's, &  Genl.  James  Clinton's,  Head  Quarters,  I  beg  leave 
to  recomend  the  bearer  hereof,  &  Nephew  to  Mr.  Murray,  to 
your  Excellency,  &  that  you  will  be  pleasd  to  direct  him  where, 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  399 

&  from  whom  payment  for  said  Sugar,  is  to  be  obtain'd.     I  am 
with  perfect  esteem  Your  Excellency's  mo.  obed't  &  mo.  hbl. 

Ser't 

Arch'd  Currie. 
His  Excellency  Gov'r  Clinton. 


[No.  1990.] 

Lieutenant  Wood  Vindicated. 
To  His  Excellency  George  Clenton  Esqr.  Governor  Capt.  General 

of  the  state  of  N.  York  &  V.  Admiral  of  the  Navy  of  the  same. 

The  Petition  of  Robt.  Wood*  officer  of  the  New  Goal,  Amenia 
Precinct  P.  of  N.  Y.  humbly  Sheweth,  That  for  and  in  Consider- 
ation of  a  Complaint  made  to  the  Hon'ble  the  Com'ssrs  Respect- 
ing my  Conduct,  I  have  by  the  advice  of  the  subscribers,  taken 
this  method  to  Vindicate  my  Character,  against  the  aspertipns, 
of  a  Party  who,  thus  Endeavours  to  revenge  themselves  by  Vio- 
lating my  Character  without  a  Cause — yea  matters,  too  Effemi- 
nate, to  Incert  Notwithstanding,  I  shall  Chearfully  submit  to 
be  examined  by  men  of  Veracity  &  judgment  on  this  Occation, 
having  always  a  Contiance  Void  of  offence,  towards  those  Con- 
cerned in  this  Goal,  which  the  most  sponcible  G.  men  in  this 
Precinct  will  maintain;  it  is  true  -that  on  my  Return  from 
Pougheapsie  finding  some  of  the  Prisoners  gone,  I  examined 
the  rest  with  some  Severity,  by  which  I  learned  pritty  nigh  the 
Course  they  had  taken,  which  is  the  only  time  I  ever  offered 
the  least  Insult  to  any  of  them.  The  underwritten  Gent,  are 
all  witness  to  this  &  indeed  to  every  part  of  my  Conduct,  since 
I  have  taken  the  Command  at  this  Goal,  &  their  voice  I  am 
willing  to  abide  by,  as  this  paper  was  wrote  at  their  Request 

•See  page  375. 


400  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

and,  therefore,  if  I  have  done  Ought  amiss  in  My  Duty,  I  am 
willing  to  be  Corrected,  &  on  the  other  hand  if  I  am  wrongfully 
Impeached,  I  shall  hope  no  less  than  the  offenders  to  be  brought 
to  justice;  my  fidelity  I  ever  more  Endeavoured  to  shew  in  the 
most  Conspicuous  mann'r  I  am  Capable  of,  will  your  Excellency 
therefore  agreeable  to  your  known  abbilitys,  Consider  your  Pe- 
titioner as  much  abused  by  the  Complaints  affore  Recited,  owing 
to  private  malace  or  to  ans'r  some  lawless  Ends  of  their  own, 
&  not  for  the  Interest  of  the  Country,  as  I  always  Endeavour 
to  Conduct  my  affairs  agreeable  to  my  Character  or  the  business 

with  which  I  am  Intrusted. 

Robt.  Wood,  Lt. 
Amenia  Precinct  December  18  1778. 


We  whose  Names  are  under  written,  have  Duly  Considered 
the  nature  of  the  Complaint,  as  we  are  informed  against  Lieut 
Wood  do  recomend  him  as  a  Gen't  who  Endeavours  to  Conduct, 
as  becomes  a  man  of  his  station  or  Character;  being  all  Wittness 
to  the  mode  in  which  he  Discharges  the  Duties  Incombent  on 
him  Viz. 

Roswell  Hopkins,  Job  Mead,  Lewis  De  Lavergne,  Justus  Knapp, 
William  -  — ,  John  Atherton,  Ebenezer  Park,  Noah  Hopkins, 
Nathan  Spicer,  Simeon  Cook,  William  Chamberlain,  Colbe  Cham- 
berlain, Joseph  De  Lavergne,  Robrt  Williamson,  John  Kase, 
Ebzer  Mayo,  Elnathan  Knapp,  Thomas  Smith,  Absolem  Early, 
Juetis  Knapp  Ens. 


We  the  Subscribers  Do  hereby  Recomend  and  Praise  and  very 
much  approve  of,  the  Conduct  of  Lieut.  Robert  Wood  towards 
the  Prisoners  in  the  New  Goals,  and  are  very  Sorry  to  hear  that 
a  Petition  by  Some  Designing  men  with  Selfish  views  is  Carried 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  401 

in  against  him,  for  we  are  very  Sure  that  the  Command  of  the 
guard  Could  not  be  given  to  a  more  firm,  active,  and  Brave 
Officer,  and  that  when  the  Prisoners  broke  Goal  he  Pursued  them 
thro  the  Storms  &  Snow  at  the  Expence  of  his  health,  and  Con- 
siderable money  out  of  his  own  pocket,  and  Succeeded  Beyond 
our  Expectations  in  taking  three  of  the  worst  Villains  about  30 
miles  off.  We  Desire  this  may  be  Delivered  to  his  Excellency 
the  Governour  with  Lieut.  Wood's  Petition. 

Roswell  Hopkins,  Job  Mead,  Justus  Knapp,  Jonathan  Allerton, 
Rufus  Herrick,  Stephen  Herrick,  Jun'r,  Samuel  Waters,  John 
Denton,  James  Bedell,  Edmond  Perlee,  Samuel  Herrick,  Elnathan 
Tyler,  William  Wicks,  John  Drake,  Stephen  Reynolds,  Jacob 
Reynolds,  Stephen  Herrick,  John  McNeill,  Benjamin  Herrick, 
Justus  Willson,  William  Reynolds,  James  Reynolds,  Joseph 
Smith,  Rufus  Herick,  Jun'r,  Isaik  Golden,  Roger  Southerland. 

Amenia  Dec'r  18th  1778. 


[No.  1991.] 

Governor  Clinton  Writes  Washington  in  Behalf  of  James  McDowell, 
Whose  Barn  was  Burned  ~by  Captive  British  Troops. 

Poukeepsie  18th  Dec'r  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  Ait  the  Request  of  Mr.  James  McDowell  of  Little 
Britain,  in  this  State,  whose  Barn  was  destroyed  by  some  of  the 
British  Convention  Troops  quartered  in  it  on  their  late  Route, 
I  take  the  Liberty  of  Troubling  your  Excellency  with  'the  in- 
closed Affidavits  &  Letter*  of  Stephen  Ray  A.  D.  Q.  M.  on  that 
Subject  and  to  request  that  your  Excellency  will  be  pleased  to 
order  him  payment  for  the  Damages  he  has  thereby  sustained, 
if  it  can  consistently  be  done,  &  if  not,  that  you  will  be  pleased 
to  refer  his  Case  to  the  Congress  for  their  Direction.  It  appears 

•Affidavit  and  letter  not  found.— STATB  HISTORIAN. 

26 


402  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

from  the  Affidavits,  that  the  Barn  was  burnt  with  Design  which 
is  confirmed  by  other  concurring  Circumstances,  as  well  as  Mc- 
Dowell's own  Relation,  who  is  a  very  honnest  Man.  It  also  ap- 
pears from  Mr.  Ray's  Letter,  that  it  was  the  Intention  of  the 
public  to  Compensate  Individuals  for  the  Injuries  they  might 
receive  by  these  Troops,  and  that  this  has  been  the  Case  in  the 
whole  Course  of  their  March,  with  respect  to  Fencing  &  less 
Capital  Injuries,  &  as  the  present  is  such  as  will  ruin  this  Man 
if  he  alone  is  to  sustain  it,  there  are  strongest  Reasons  for  his 
being  Compensated  by  the  public.  I  am,  Sir,  with  the  most 

perfect  Esteem  &  Respect  Your  most  Obed't  Serv't 

[G.  0.] 
His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington. 


[No.  1992.] 
CORRUPTION  IN  STAFF  DEPARTMENTS. 

Governor  Clinton  Indicates  to  Gouverneur  Morris  the  Possibilities 
for  a  Dishonest  Commissary  and  Quartermaster. 

Poukeepsie  18th  Dec'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  have  received  your  favour  of  1st  Inst't,  &  am  happy  in 
having  at  lenghth  been  able  to  relieve  you  from  a  Troublesome 
Charge,  with  which  you  have  long  been  burthened.  Mr.  Banker 
is  safely  arrived  at  the  Treasury  with  the  Money.  It  is  with 
Pleasure  I  am  now  able  to  assure  you,  that  the  Loan  proves 
very  agreable  to  your  Constituents  as,  I  am  perswaded,  this  will 
be  esteemed  the  best  Compensation  for  the  Trouble  you  have 
had  in  obtaining  it. 

I  wish  I  coud  transmit  you  the  Act  (alluded  to  in  my  last 
Letter)  making  a  more  suitable  Allowance  for  the  Delegates,  with 
the  other  Acts  of  the  Legislature  of  this  State,  for,  as  many  of 
them  are  founded  on  the  Recommendations  of  Congress  particu- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  403 

larly  those  for  supplying  the  Army  with  Provissions  Forage  &c. 
for  forwarding  Military  Operations,  they  might  be  serviceable, 
but  this,  Sir,  is  not  in  my  Power,  as,  owing  to  the  Negligence  of 
some  of  our  Public  Officers,  I  have  not  yet  received  Copies,  even 
of  those  passed  the  first  Session  or  of  the  Minutes  of  either 
House.  I  will  take  the  earliest  Opportunity  of  communicating 
to  the  Auditor,  your  Desire  of  having  your  Account  made  out, 
contained  in  your  Letter  with  the  Memorandums  respecting  it, 
and  to  the  Legislature  when  they  meet,  your  acknowledgment. 
The  Sense  you  entertain  of  the  Provission  they  have  made  for 
their  Delegates — 'this  will,  however,  be  done  with  a  degree  of 
Caution  as  considering  the  Depreciation  of  our  Money  I  much 
doubt  its  being  Competent. 

Sensible  of  the  necessity  of  having  our  public  accounts  ad- 
justed &  settled,  I  earnestly  recommended  to  the  Legislature  at 
the  opening  of  the  present  Session  that  the  proper  Measures 
shoud  be  taken  for  this  Purpose  &  they  accordingly  appointed  a 
Committee  to  Examine  &  prepare  the  Accounts,  who  are  now 
imployed  in  that  Service  &  I  have  some  Reason  to  hope  at  their 
next  Meeting,  they  will  adopt  some  proper  &  more  permanent 
Mode  for  conducting  this  Business. 

Some  short  Time  since  I  received  the  Letters  of  the  Committee 
of  Congress  for  superintending  the  Commissary  &  Quarter  Mas- 
ter's Department  (of  which  I  observe  you  are  one)  of  the  llth 
Ultimo,  inclosing  a  Copy  of  their  Appointment.  This  I  request, 
you  will  be  pleased  to  signify  to  your  Colleagues  &  assure  the 
Committee  that  the  Matters  recommended  shall  be  faithfully 
attended  to.  At  the  same  Time  please  to  observe  that  as  the 
acquiring  a  Knowledge  of  the  Resources  of  the  State  is  a  Meas- 
ure, which  (at  the  Instance  of  his  Excellency  Genl.  Washington) 


404  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

was  submitted  to  the  Legislature  at  their  last  Meeting  and  yet 
remains  under  their  Consideration,  I  cannot  therefore  with  Pro- 
priety enter  on  the  Execution  of  that  Business  till  I  have  their 
Authority.  I  am  happy,  however,  that  this  little  Delay  cannot 
be  attended  with  any  ill  Consequences,  as  the  Commissary's  by 
two  Acts  of  this  State,  the  one>  passed  in  April  last  &  the  other 
the  present  Session  have  it  in  their  Power  to  secure  for  the  Use 
of  the  Army  all  the  Flour,  Grain  &  Forrage  in  the  State  saving 
only  a  Competentcy  for  Consumption  of  the  Inhabitants  &  their 
Stock. 

I  entertain  a  good  Oppinion  of  the  Gentlemen  at  the  Head  of 
the  Commissaries  &  Quarter  Master's  Departments;  but  there 
are  undoubtedly  many  Abuses  practised  by  their  Deputies  which 
call  for  Salutary  Laws  &  ^Regulations  [to]  prevent  &  correct. 
The  Allowance  made  them  for  their  Services  being  by  Commis- 
sion on  the  Cash  they  expend,  affords  them  the  strongest  Temp- 
tation to  enhance  the  Prices  of  the  Articles  they  Purchase,  a 
Sin  with  which  they  are  charged  in  every  Quarter  of  the  Coun- 
try. This  Practice  tends  greatly  to  increase  the  public  Expence, 
creates  an  artificial  Scarcity,  &  what  is  still  worse,  affects  the 
Credit  of  our  Money  which  is  already  so  reduced  as  to  occassion 
apprehensions  of  the  most  alarming  Nature.  Another  very  Cap- 
ital Abuse  arises  from  the  Deputies  being  concerned  in  Trade. 
They  have  Agents  informally  appointed  in  every  Part  of  the 
State,  who  Purchase  up  large  Quantities  of  Flour  &  Grain,  of 
which  no  Kegular  Keturns,  &  of  Course  no  immediate  Entries, 
are  made  in  the  Commissary  Book.  If  the  Articles  purchased 
by  these  Agents  rise,  as  Flour  did  this  year  in  one  Month  from 
£3-4-  to  £8-10-,  they  are  converted  to  the  Purposes  of  Trade  & 
sold  for  the  Benefit  of  the  Parties  concerned.  If  <they  continue 
the  same  or  fall,  they  are  delivered  into  the  public  Magazine  & 
the  Purchasser  of  Course  intitled  to  his  Commissions.  This  is 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  405 

a  safe  Trade  by  which  I  believe  many  of  them  have  this  year 
alone  made  enormous  sums  of  Money,  while  the  army  is  starving 
for  want  of  bread.  You  will  readily  perceive  that  positive 
Evidence  of  these  Abuses  is  not  easilly  procured.  I  hope,  never- 
theless, to  be  able  to  furnish  you  with  such  strong  Presumptive 
Evidence  of  these  Facts  as  may  be  of  public  Service.  In  the 

Mean  Time  I  am,  Sir,  Your  Most  Obed't  Serv't 

[G.  0.] 
[To  Gouverneur  Morris.] 


[No.  1993.] 

Proposition  to  Negotiate  an  Exchange  of  a  British  Officer  and  an 
American  Quartermaster. 

Dear  Sir,  Coll.  Hay  proposes  endeavouring  to  negociate  an 
Exchange,  between  one  of  his  Quarter  masters  a  prisoner  in  New 
York,  and  Lieut.  Drummond  of  the  British  army,  Provided  it 
meets  with  your  approbation;  he  is  the  Person  mentiond  to  me 
in  Coll.  Gordon's  letter,  of  whom  I  Spoke  to  you.  Should  you 
not  have  any  objections  to  the  Exchange  it  will  be  of  Infinite 
Service  to  a  young  man  in  Distress,  and  much  oblidge  D'r  Sir 

Your  Excellency's  Most  Obed't  Serv't 

John  Tayler. 
Albany  18th  Dec'r  1778. 

Gov'r  Clinton. 


[No.  1994.] 
John  Jay  Asks  for  all  the  Maps  and  Papers  in  the  Vermont  Case. 

Philadelphia  19th  Dec'r  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  It  would  give  me  Pleasure  if  the  Business  of  Con- 
gress did  not  engross  so  much  of  my  Time,  as  that  I  might  daily 
devote  an  Hour  or  two  to  my  Friends.  Unfortunately  however 
for  me,  and  I  may  add  for  the  Public,  so  it  is,  that  altho  the 
greater  Part  of  our  Time  is  spent  in  Council,  our  Dispatch  is 
not  proportionate  to  the  Exigency  of  our  affairs,  and  we  experi- 


406  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

ence  the  Inconvenience  of  those  Delays  which  invariably  attend 
the  Deliberations  of  public  assemblies,  assemblies  in  which  men 
do  not  always  speake  to  inform  themselves  or  others. 

I  am  happy,  however,  to  inform  you  that  the  principal  object 
of  my  appointment  will  probably  be  obtained  and  I  have  some 
Reason  to  flatter  myself  that  New  York  will  be  the  better  for  my 
coming  here.  Time  however  is  necessary  to  prepare  for  the  In- 
troduction of  the  Business.  To  precipitate  might  be  to  ruin  it, 
and  tho  I  am  extremely  desirous  of  returning  as  soon  as  possible, 
my  Inclinations  shall  yield  to  the  public  good. 

The  maps  &  Papers  relative  to  our  Boundaries,,  which  if  I  re- 
member right,  are  in  the  Hands  of  Mr.  R.  Yates,  together  with 
Copies  of  all  such  Letters  to  Congress  &c.  as  respect  Vermont, 
ought  to  be  sent  us  without  Delay  by  some  trusty  messenger. 
I  wish  to  appear  with  our  whole  Strength.  My  Respects  to  Mrs. 

Clinton.     I  am,  dear  Sir,  your  Friend  &  Serv't 

John  Jay. 
His  Excellency  Gov'r  Clinton. 


[No.  1995.] 
John  Nicoll  Writes  in  Regard  to  Timber. 

New  Windsor  Dec'r  ye  21th  1778. 

D'r  Governor,  By  Capt.  Bedlow,  I  send  you  the  accounts  Long 
due  to  the  Neady  People  of  this  Place,  which  Capt.  Machin  Had 
in  his  hands  &  wass  to  have  Rec'd  the  money,  But  Did  Not, 
Returning  of  them  to  me  when  he  joined  His  Redgm't.  As  youre 
Excellency  is  No  Stranger  to  the  Destruction  made  in  this  Neigh- 
bourhod,  By  taking  all  of  the  Best  of  the  Timber  for  the  obstruc- 
tion of  the  River,  &c.  for  which  Not  one  farthing  hass  ever  Been 
Paid,  Neither  Hass  the  Timber  ever  Been  Prised,  Beg  youre  Ex- 
cellency to  appoint  such  Honest  men  for  that  Business  as  are 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  407 

Proper  judges  &  freeholders  in  oure  Country,  &  have  had  No 
Timber  Cut  of  theire  Lands,  Foure  of  their  Number  I  just  take  the 
Liberty  of  mentioning  Mr.  Cornwill  Sands,  Amos  Mills,  Samuel 
Arthor,  &  Joseph  Wood,  None  of  which  have  suffered,  by  having 
any  Timber  Cut,  Beg  as  it  is  in  youre  Excellency's  Power  that 
you  would  have  justice  Done,  I  should  have  waited  on  you  but 
it  is  Not  in  my  Power,  ourely  called  on,  all  this  Part  filled  with 
sick  soldiers,  &  my  self  Not  well,  I  give  Mrs.  Clinton  &  youre  self 
much  joy  for  our  young  Governor.  My  family  is  in  Common 
Helth;  my  wife  joines  me  in  Love  to  youre  self  Mrs.  Clinton  Mrs. 
Topper  &  family,  &  am  youre  Excellency's  Very  Humble  Serv't 

John  Nicoll. 

To 'George  Clinton  Esqr.  Governor  of  the  State  of  New  York 
&c.  &c.  at  Poughkeepsy. 


GOVERNOR  CLINTON'S  SUGGESTIONS. 

Pokepsie  Dec'r  29"  1778. 

Sir,  I  have  rec'd  your  Letter  of  the  21st  Inst.  with  accounts 
for  work  done  at  the  Frizes.  The  Command  of  that  whole  De- 
partment being  vested  in  Genl.  Putnam  previous  to  your  appoint- 
m't,  he  is  of  Course  the  proper  Person  to  grant  warrants  for  the 
sums  due  on  Debts  contracted  &  Expenditures  made  in  the  Busi- 
ness since  the  Time  of  your  being  employed.  You  have  already 
received  some  Money  in  Consequence  of  Genl.  Putnam's  warr't 
to  discharge  those  accts.  &  I  was  in  Hopes  that  you  had  taken 
Care  to  have  repaid  yourself  what  you  had  expended;  whatever 
remains  due  must  doubtless  be  drawn  in  the  same  way.  Genl. 
Putnam  is  now  at  Reading  near  W.  Chester  in  the  State  of  Con- 
necticut. 

A  large  Quantity  of  Timber,  the  Property  of  diff't  Persons,  has 
(I  am  sensible)  been  used  in  the  works  without  a  previous  ap- 


408  TDBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

praizement.  This  should  have  been  made  either  by  the  Quarter 
Mr.  Genl.  or  yourself.  As  it  has  not  been  done,  if  you  will  draw 
up  a  Representation  of  the  Matter,  I  will  lay  it  before  the  Legis- 
lature at  their  next  sitting,  who  will  probably  adopt  some  proper 
method  for  satisfying  the  owners  of  the  Timber.  Mrs.  Clinton 

joins  in  Compliments  to  Mrs.  Nicoll  with  Sir,  &c. 

[G.  0.] 
[To  John  Nicoll.] 


[No.  1996.] 

Jacob  Cuyler  Writes  to  Governor  Clinton  in  Regard  to  Commissary 

Abuses. 

Albany  December  21st  1778. 

Sir,  Inclosed  I  transmit  your  Excellency  the  appointments  of 
sundry  Persons  for  the  Execution  of  a  Certain  Law  of  the  Lagis- 
lature  Passed  on  the  31st  of  October  last. 

Col.  Lush  will  deliver  you  this  letter,  who  has  been  kind  enough 
to  promise  me  to  Return  the  Inclosed  as  soon  as  your  Excellency 
has  Confirmed  the  same.  It  is  necessary  this  should  be  done  as 
soon  as  Posible.  Notwithstanding  the  law,  I  am  informed  many 
persons  are  so  lost  to  the  wellfare  of  their  Country,  that 'they  are 
Endeavouring  to  Ingross  all  the  new  Crops,  many  of  whom  I  am 
told  are  buying  for  hard  money.  If  the  Evil  is  not  soon  Prevent 
the  Consequences  must  be  fatal.  I  am  with  respect  your  Excel- 
lencies most  Obdt.  serv't 

Jacob  Cuyler,  D.  C.  G.  P. 
His  Excellency  George  Clinton. 


THE  GOVERNOR'S  REPLY. 

D'r  Sir,  I  am  directed  by  his  Excellency  to  acknowlege  the 
Receipt  of  your  Letters  of  the  21st  &  28th*  Inst.  and  agreable 
to  Promise  I  now  return  your  several  appointments  approved  of. 

'See  page  429. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  409 

I  mentioned  to  his  Excellency  the  Case  of  Marignon  and  he 
is  of  opinion  that  as  the  permit  was  granted  and  the  Flour  pur- 
chased for  the  special  Purpose  of  supplying  the  French  Fleet  to 
which  use  it  cannot  now  be  applied  it  ought  not  to  be  removed 
out  of  the  state  if  wanted  by  the  army.  If  it  is  taken  however 
it  will  be  proper  to  pay  Monsieur  Marignon  the  Purchase  money 
&  his  reasonable  Expences.  His  Excellency  nevertheless  will  not 
pretend  to  give  any  orders  respecting  it  but  leaves  you  to  act 
agreable  to  what  you  may  conceive  to  be  your  Duty  on  this 
occasion. 

With  my  best  Respects  to  Mrs.  Cuyler  &  Family  I  am  Sir  Yours 

&c. 

G.  C. 
Dec'r  30  1778. 

[To  Jacob  Cuyler.] 


[No.  1997.] 
Oliver  DeLancey  AsTcs  Permission  to  Visit  His  Mother. 

Poughkeepsie  Dec'r  23d  1778. 

S'r,  The  bearer  Mr.  Oliver  Delancey,  was  sent  up  from  the 
Enemy's  Lines  by  our  army  early  last  Spring  &  has  been  kept 
as  a  Prisoner  on  Parole  ever  since.  He  now  applies  for  permis- 
sion to  go  down  to  Westchester  to  return  again,  on  a  visit  to  his 
mother,  who  he  says  is  sick.  I  inclose  you  a  Letter  &  other 
Papers  from  Genl.  Parsons*  on  the  Subject  &  beg  leave  to  sub- 
mit the  expediency  of  granting  Mr.  Delancey's  request  to  your 

Determination.    I  am  £c. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Major  Genl.  McDougall. 

•Letter  and  paper  not  found.— STATE  HISTORIAN. 


410 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


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PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


411 


412 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


This  return  difers  a  litell  from  the  furst  on  beter  information 
the  Keturn  of  the  Contenentall  Troupes  I  Keceived  from  the 
adjetent. 


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30 

COLONEL  HARPER'S  LETTER. 

Sir:  I  send  you  enclosed  a  leter  from  Walter  Butler  which  he 
sent  in  by  one  of  the  priseners  that  he  sent  back.  I  see  it  with 
1  other  to  Mrs.  Wall.  I  thought  Mager  Whiting  hade  forwarded 
them  till  this  instant  that  the  inclosed  came  to  hand;  the  other 
J  understand  is  in  the  hand  of  the  man  that  broght  it.  I  shall 
send  for  it  as  sune  as  posable,  and  forward  it  to  you,  as  I  consave 
the  exchange  of  Inhabitints,  is  more  properly  your  provence  then 
Oenarell  Schilers  [Schuyler]  but  your  Exselency  is  best  Judg 
of  that  mater,  and  I  am  shuer  you  will  do  every  thing  in  your 
power  to  releave  our  distresed  frinds  from  wors  then  Divels. 

Sir,  you  will  see  by  the  Return  the  number  &  Quality  of  the 
Priseners,  Butler  Epects  a  number  equal  to  those  he  has  sent 
back,  but  I  must  Inform  you  that  a  considarable  part  of  them 
are  Toryes,  or  strongly  suspected,  and  such  as  oght  to  be  sent 
back  to  him  agane. 

But,  Sir,  as  wee  have  sent  away  considarable  numbers  of  thare 
women  &  childering  already,  and  severall  of  note  amongest  them, 
parhaps  thay  oght  to  be  considered  as  exchanged,  but  if  that 
shuld  not  be  thoght  proper  wee  have  yat  anugh  to  exchange  for 
more  than  I  hope  will  ever  fall  in  to  thare  Barbours  hands. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  413 

Sir,  Mrs.  Moore  is  my  sister  and  Duty  and  natuer  binds  me  to 
intret  hur  exchange  and  hur  three  daghters,  whoo  are  all  women 
grone,  for  whome  my  hart  trembels,  Least  thay  wors  then  Brutes 
shul  treat  them  with  wors  then  Death. 

Liekwise  Mr  Cannen  &  his  daghter,  Coin.  Campble's  wife  and 
hur  for  small  childring. 

I  was  informed  by  several  of  the  prisenners  that  Butler  sade 
he  would  keepe  Mrs.  Campble  &  Mrs.  Moore  &  thare  fihildering 
till  Mrs.  Butler,  Mrs.  Wall,  hur  nese  and  his  other  frinds  are  ex- 
changed for  them. 

I  would,  tharefore,  pray  that  Mrs.  Butler,  Mrs.  Wall,  Mrs. 
Strachan,  Mrs.  Clement,  Mrs.  Harkemer  &  as  many  of  thier  fam- 
ilies, as  will  be  eaquell  to  Mrs.  More  and  hur  3  childering  and 
Mrs.  Campble  and  hur  4  Childring,  may  be  exchanged  for  them ; 
and,  thare  is  a  old  Scotch  man  at  Johns  Town,  McDonald,  father 
to  Colaghe,  whoo  might  be  exchanged  for  Mr.  Cannon,  and  thare 
is  Ephram  Marsh  &  Hector  Sutherland,  &  a  number  of  other 
Toryes  in  Albany  Gall  [gaol]  whoo  might  be  exchanged  for  the 
other  men,  as  the  Kamseyes  &  Hendurson;  and  for  the  Ms.  Ram- 
seys  &  the  other  women,  thar  is  Mrs.  McGrear,  Mrs.  Crafort,  4 
Mrs.  McDonalds,  Mrs.  Picken  with  thar  famelys,  and  Mrs. 
Hufee  and  a  grate  number  more,  if  nead  be,  &,  Sir,  as  wee 
are  informed  that  Brant  &  Butler  are  yat  in  our  nibourhud  at 
Scenaveses,  which  doth  not  exsead  25  miles  from  Chery  Valy; 
if  your  Exselancy  shuld  think  proper  to  treat  with  them  on  ane 
exchange,  I  think  the  leters  may  be  convayed  with  out  any  grat 
difucalty;  and  if  it  ware  sune  dun,  I  do  not  doubt  but  it  might 
prevent  the  prisoners  being  sent  to  Neagaro  [Niagara]  as  I  am 
fully  of  opinion  that  thay  are  yat  at  Chenanggo  and  Chughnut 
and  the  other  Inden  towns  on  the  Siscohanno.  Since  the  set- 


414  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

ellment  caled  Coile  was  destroyed,  which  hapend  a  fue  days 
after  Chery  Valy,  the  popel  on  the  uper  parts  of  the  Mohock 
River,  are  moveing  of  very  fast  &  the  report  of  Brant  &  Butler 
lying  so  near  at  hand  has  struck  the  popell  with  such  Teror  that 
in  a  short  time  if  thare  is  not  a  very  Considarable  Boddy  of 
trupes  sent,  I  doubt  if  thar  is  left  a  smoking  hous  above  Sco- 
nackendy. 

And  as  for  our  molittie  [militia]  thay  are  becum  so  youslee, 
that  it  is  ondly  puting  the  Cuntry  to  cost  to  call  them  out  on 
duty  two  days  after  Cheryvaly  was  distred.  Coin.  Kuck  [Klock] 
arived  thare,  thogh  not  exsading  twenty  fills  distant  warmed 
himselfe,  and  turned  about,  marched  back  without  afording  the 
distressed  inhabitents  the  least  asistence  or  releafe,  even  to  bury 
the  Ded  or  to  colect  the  small  remanes  of  thier  Catell  or  goods; 
returning  to  the  Mohock  River  he  met  with  Coin.  Fisher,  who 
procaded  to  the  Fort  &  thogh  at  that  very  time  the  priseners 
arived,  which  the  enemy  sent  back,  and  informed  us  that  Brant 
&  Butler  did  propose  to  send  back  the  rest  of  the  women  and 
Childering  the  next  day;  the  wether  being  very  bad  and  the  dis- 
tressed popell  intreating  that  he  would  send  out  a  party  to  meet 
them,  if  thay  shuld  be  dismised  and  helpe  them  back,  and  like- 
wise to  help  colect  the  Dead  and  bury  them,  and  to  colect  the 
small  remanes  of  thier  property,  but  thay  culd  not  be  prevaled 
one  so  much  as  one  man,  and  wee  had  much  ado  to  gate  the 
wagons  that  came  with  them,  to  carry  of  sum  of  the  most  dis- 
tresed  popell  that  ever  les  behald,  with  out  fode,  without  cloth- 
ing, without  even  a  shilter  to  cover  them  from  the  wether,  which 
at  that  time  was  very  distresing;  and  had  not  the  Contenental 
trupes  ben  much  moor  humane  then  our  nibours,  thare  must  un- 
doubtedly many  of  the  Distresed  have  perished. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  415 

Sir,  it  is  with  regrate,  I  give  you  such  information,  but  I 
think  I  am  in  duty  bound  to  tel  you  the  sitawation  that  wee  are 
in,  and  hope  you  may  devise  sum  way  to  secuer  the  small  part 
of  this  cuntry  yate  in  our  hands;  it  is  truly  shocking  to  see  the 
destructtion  of  grane  &  catell  &  the  distres  of  women  &  Chil- 
dering  in  thease  parts,  and  the  dradfull  apprehensions  that  the 
popell  are  under.  I  am,  Sir,  your  most  obadint  and  Humble 

Sarvent 

William  Harper. 
Mohock  Destrict  Tryon  County  2  De'r  1778. 

To  his  Exselancy  Gorge  Clinton. 


GOVERNOR  CLINTON  PROMISES  TO  Do  ALL  IN  His  POWER. 

Poughkeepsie  Dec'r  23d  1778. 

Sir,  I  this  Day  rec'd  your  Letter  of  the  2d  Inst.  with  that  of 
Walter  Butler*  enclosed.  I  feel  most  sensibly  for  the  Sufferings 
of  the  unfortunate  Inhabitants  of  Cherry  Valley  &  particularly 
for  those  who  are  in  the  hands  of  a  Savage  Enemy.  As  my  Resi- 
dence renders  it  impracticable  for  me  to  execute  the  Business,  I 
have  requested  of  Genl.  Schuyler  (to  whom  I  have  sent  Butler's 
Letter)  in  conjunction  with  my  brother  Genl.  Clinton,  to  take 
such  steps  as  may  be  most  likely  to  bring  ab't  an  Exchange  of  our 
Cherry  Valley  friends,  &  as  I  have  referred  the  matter  altogether 
to  them,  I  doubt  not  that  they  will  do  every  Thing  in  their 
Power  to  effect  the  desired  Exchange.  Be  assured,  Sir,  that  I 
shall  upon  every  Occasion  contribute  all  in  my  Power  for  the 
Protection  &  Comfort  of  the  Inhabitants  on  the  frontiers  of  this 
State.  I  am  with  great  Respect  &  Esteem,  S'r,  yours  &c. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Wm.  Harper,  Esqr.  Tryon  County. 

*Not  found. 


416  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

THE  GOVERNOR  WRITES  TO  THE  ALBANY  COMMISSIONERS. 

Poughkeepsie  Dec'r  23d  1778. 

Gent.,  In  consequence  of  an  application  in  behalf  of  the  un- 
fortunate Inhabitants  of  Cherry  Valley  who  are  Captives  with 
the  Enemy,  I  have  requested  Genl.  Schuyler  in  conjunction  with 
Genl.  Clinton,  to  take  such  measures  as  will  be  likely  to  effect 
an  Exchange;  and  as  you  are  best  acquainted  with  the  Charac- 
ters of  'such  as  it  would  be  most  proper  to  offer  in  exchange,  I 
have  to  request  of  you  to  give  your  Aid  in  this  necessary  Busi- 
ness. I  am  &c. 

Geo  Clinton. 
Commiss'rs  for  detect'g  Conspiracies  &c.  Albany. 


ALSO  TO  JAMES  CLINTON. 

Poughkeepsie  Dec'r  23d  '78. 

D'r  Sir,  The  enclosed  is  a  Copy  of  an  open  Letter  transmitted 
to  me  by  Mr.  Wm.  Harper.  I  have  forwarded  the  original  to 
Genl.  Schuyler  &  have  requested  of  him  in  conjunction  with  your- 
self to  take  such  steps  as  you  shall  judge  most  likely  to  effect 
an  Exchange  of  the  Prisoners  taken  by  the  Enemy  at  Cherry 
Valley.  I  beg  therefore  that  you  will  as  soon  as  possible  wait 
on  the  Genl.  for  his  advice  &  Assistance  in  this  Business.  I  have 
also  addressed  a-  Letter  to  the  Commissioners  in  Albany  to  afford 
you  every  aid  in  their  Power  as  from  the  nature  of  their  office 
they  may  be  able  to  point  out  the  proper  Objects  to  be  offered 

in  exchange.     I  am  &c. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Genl.  Jas.  Clinton. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  417 

AND  TO  GENERAL  SCHUYLER. 

Poughkeepsie  Dec'r  23d  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  I  this  Day  rec'd  the  enclosed  Paper  in  a  Letter  from 
Mr.  Wm.  Harper  of  Tryon  County.  The  Reason  he  offers  for 
sending  it  to  me  is,  that  it  respects  the  Exchange  of  State  Pris- 
oners which  he  supposed  properly  to  lie  with  me.  I  am  anxiously 
concerned  for  an  Exchange  of  those  unhappy  sufferers  who  are 
in  the  hands  of  the  Savages.  I  have  (taken  the  Liberty  to  Re- 
quest that  you  will  be  pleased  in  conjunction  with  my  Brother 
(to  whom  I  have  also  written  on  the  occasion)  to  take  such  meas- 
ures as  you  shall  think  most  likely  to  effect  this  desirable  end. 
Whatever  you  may  determine  on  will  meet  my  ready  concurrence. 
I  would  not  wish  however  to  have  offered  in  exchange  any  who 
stand  indicted  for  Crimes  in  the  Courts  of  Justice.  I  enclose 
you  an  extract  from  Mr  Harper's  Letter  to  me  on  this  Subject. 

I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
The  hon'ble  Major  Genl.  Schuyler. 


[No.  2002.] 
THE  ONEIDAS  THREATENED. 

Colonel  Van  Dyck  Reports  the  Result  of  an  Indian  Conference — Fort 
Schuyler  on  Short  Allowance. 

Fort  Schuyler,  Decem'r  23d  1778. 

D'r  General,*  On  Saturday  Last  I  was  Informed  that  Peter 
Johnson  (an  Indian  belonging  to  the  Six  Nations)  was  at  Oneidas, 
Endeavouring  to  Perswade  that  friendly  tribe  to  forsake  our 
Interest  &  Join  the  Infernal  Enimies  of  these  states.  I  Imedi- 
ately  Detached  on  Officer  with  a  Party  of  men  with  orders  to 
Proceed  to  Oneida  &  if  Possible  to  make  him  a  Prisoner  &  Con- 

•See  page  437. 

27 


418  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

vey  him  to  this  place,  also  to  Enquire  more  Particularly  into  his 
Business;  the  party  Returned  the  Next  Evening  &  Reported  that 
he  was  gone  before  they  arrived  at  the  Castle,  that  the  Chiefs 
of  the  Oneidas  would  be  here  the  Next  Day,  Yesterday  they 
Came  in  and  after  I  had  opened  the  matter  they  made  a  speech 
which  I  have  Inclosed  for  your  Information. 

A  Party  of  about  seventeen  Indians  who  have  fled  from 
Ochquago  have  made  application  to  me  for  Provisions;  they  say 
Genl.  Schuyler  has  Promised  they  should  Draw  Provisions  at 
this  place.  I  have  put  them  off  untill  I  have  your  Directions  in 
what  manner  to  proceed  with  them. 

The  garrison  is  Reduced  to  15  Days  allowance  of  Salt  Pro- 
visions; the  fresh  Beef  is  gone  and  as  the  Indians  are  more  or 
Less  Daily  at  the  garrison,  they  take  of  considerable  Quantities. 
I,  therefore,  Request  a  euply  may  be  forwarded  to  this  place  as 

soon  as  Possible.    I  am  &c. 

Cornelius  Van  Dyck. 
[To  Gen.  James  Clinton.] 

Fort  Schuyler  Decem'r  23d  1778. 

Priest  Peter  Informs  that  a  few  Days  since,  an  Indian  known 
by  the  name  of  William  Johnson,  was  at  Oneida;  he  Profesed  to 
be  sent  by  the  Quiyogas  with  a  message  in  writing  to  the  Onei- 
das, which  was  further  Confirmed  by  Eight  strings  of  black  wam- 
pum Painted  with  vermillion. 

In  the  message,  the  Quiyogas  mentioned  to  the  Oneidas  the 
near  Connection  and  Intimate  friendship  which  for  a  Long  time 
had  subsisted  between  their  Tribes,  and  also  the  Relation  which 
the  Oneidas  stood  in  to  the  Six  Nations  as  head  of  the  Confed- 
eracy. They  Expresed  their  sorrow  that  the  Oneidas  had  separ- 
ated themselves  from  the  Confederacy  and  Joined  its  Enemies, 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  419 

by  which  means  they  had  Exposed  themselves  to  the  severe  Re- 
sentment of  the  other  tribes,  but  that  they,  (the  Quiyogas)  had 
hitherto  Protected  them  from  Insult.  That  the  Conduct  of  the 
Oneidas  in  Carrying  Information  to  the  Americans  of  all  the 
measures  of  the  Six  Nations  had  proved  them  to  be  so  Notor- 
iously Disaffected  to  the  Confederacy  that  it  •  was  neither  their 
Interest  nor  Indeed  in  their  Power  to  protect  them  any  Longer. 
They  Desired  the  Oneidas  to  Reflect  on  the  Consequences  of  their 
Seperation  &  to, Reunite  with  their  antient  friends  &  allies  in  a 
vigorous  opposition  against  the  Common  Enemy  of  the  Con- 
federacy. But,  if  they  would  not  be  Perswaded  to  take  an  active 
part  against  the  Common  Enemy,  they  hope  that  they  would  at 
Least  Strictly  Observe  those  Solem  promises  of  Neutrality  which 
they  had  Repeatedly  made  to  the  Six  Nations.  At  the  same  time 
they  asured  them,  that  if  they  would  not  Comply  with  either  of 
those  Requests,  that  they  should  not  see  another  spring  in  peace, 
but  that  this  winter  should  Determine  their  fate. 

The  Oneidas  Replyed,  that  the  affair  was  of  great  Importance 
and  must  be  Deliberated  upon  by  the  whole  tribe;  that  Several 
of  their  people  were  not  Returned  from  Hunting  and  that  an 
answer  must  be  Defered  untill  their  arrival. 

Joseph,  a  French  man,  Informs  that  an  Onondago  Indian  told 
him  that  the  Bateauxs  with  Provisions  Designed  for  this  post 
had  not  been  able  to  Reach  this  in  the  fall,  &  Consequently  a 
Large  Quantity  of  Provisions  had  been  stored  upon  the  Mohawk 
River,  which  the  Six  Nations  had  Determined  to  Possess  them- 
selves of  this  winter,  and  also  that  they  had  Resolved  Intirely  to 
Cut  of  the  Communication  between  this  and  the  Settlement  be- 
low, that  their  people  were  gone  to  Niagara  but  as  soon  as  they 
Returned  they  should  undertake  the  Enterprize. 


420  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

GOVERNOR  CLINTON'S  KEPLY. 

[January  —  1779.] 

Dear  Sir,  I  have  rec'd  your  Letter  of  the  30th  Ult.  inclos'g  the 
accounts  from  Fort  Schuyler  of  the  Indians  Conference,  which  I 
presume  you  have  also  forwarded  to  his  Excellency  Genl.  Wash- 
ington &  Congress,  if  you  have  not  I  think  it  will  yet  be  proper 
to  do  it. 

Some  Regulations  will  probably  be  made  by  the  Legislature 
(who  are  to  meet  by  their  own  adjournment  next  Tuesday)  for 
supplying  with  Provisions  the  distressed  Inhabitants  of  Cherry 
Valley.  In  the  mean  Time  I  think  you  cannot  incur  Censure  for 
having  relieved  them  &  I  am  perswaded  the  State  will  repay  the 
Continent,  if  insisted  on,  rather  than  that  you  shoud  be  in  the 

least  Injured.     I  am  &c. 

[G.  0.] 
[To  Gen.  James  Clinton.] 

[No.  2003.] 
BREACHES  OF  THE  SARATOGA  COVENANT. 

Affidavits  of  John  Martin  and  Lemiiel  Roberts  Demonstrating  the 
Truth  of  the  Charges  Against  tJie  British. 

Albany,  Dec'r  24th  1778. 

Sir,  I  do  myself  the  Honor  to  inclose  you  the  Affidavits  of  Mar- 
tin &  Roberts  two  persons  who  have  been  prisoners  in  Canada. 

Mr.  Taylor,  who  is  at  present  out  of  Town,  hinted  to  me,  last 
Week,  that  from  some  Conversation  that  had  passed  between 
your  Excellency  and  him,  he  had  Reason  to  conclude  that  the 
Necessity  of  collecting  any  further  Testimony  respecting  the 
Saratoga  Conventionists  was  superceded.  If  I  am  rightly  in- 
formed several  other  persons  residing  on  the  Grants  are  capable 
of  corroborating  the  material  parts  of  Roberts'  Information,  and 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  421 

altho'  Measures  have  long  since  been  taken  to  induce  them  to 
come  down,  they  have  hitherto  proved  ineffectual. 

Should  you,  Sir,  be  of  opinion  that  it  would  tend  to  promote 
the  Views  of  Congress  Mr.  Swart  and  myself  will  repair  to  that 
part  of  the  Country  for  the  purpose  of  taking  their  Depositions. 

We  should  have  done  this  before,  but  several  of  the  persons 
returned  from  Canada  being  hunting  remote  from  their  Habita- 
tions we  thought  best  to  defer  it  till  we  should  receive  Intimation 
of  their  Return.  This  will  probably  be  in  a  few  Days.  We  shall 
wait  your  Excellency's  Directions  on  the  occasion.  I  am  very 
respectfully  Your  Excellency's  most  obedient  Servant 

J.  Lansing  Jun'r. 
His  Excellency  Grov'r  Clinton. 


DEPOSITION  OP  JOHN  MARTIN. 

Albany  County  ss.  John  Martin  of  Schenectady  in1  the  County  of  Albany  and  State  of 
New  York  being  duly  sworn  on  the  holy  Evangelists  of  Almighty  God,  deposeth  and 
saith,  that  he  was  taken  prisoner  by  a  party  of  Seneca  Indians  on  the  second  Day  of 
August  in;  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy  seven,  and  was 
by  the  said  Indians  carried  to  the  Seneca  Country.  That  this  Deponent  In  attempting  to 
miake  his  Escape  from  the  said  Indians  was  retaken  by  a  party  of  Rangers  in  the 
British  Service  and  carried  by  them  to  Quebec  by  the  way  of  Niagara  and  Montreal. 
That  this  Deponent  remained  in  the  province  of  Quebec  as  a  prisoner  from  the  seven- 
teenth Day  of  December  in  the  year  above  mentioned,  to  the  twenty  seventh  Day  of 
May  last,  on  which  last  mentioned  Day  he  embarked  on  Board  the  ship.  Maria  for  Hali- 
fax, from  whence  he  was  sent  by  a  Flag  Ship  to  Boston  in  the  State  of  Massachusetts 
Bay.  That  during  this  Deponents  Captivity  as  aforesaid,  in  the  province  of  Quebec,  as 
well  as  while  he  was  on  Board  the  said  Ship  Maria,  he  had  frequent  opportunities  of 
conversing  with  the  Inhabitants  of  the  said  province  and  the  Mariners  of  the  said  Ship. 
That  this  Deponent  has  repeatedly  heard  during  the  Time  aforesaid,  from  several  of  the 
said  Inhabitants  &  Mariners,  that  the  Canadians  and  others  who  had  been  in  the  Ser- 
vice of  the  King  of  Great  Britain  previous  to  the  Convention  made  at  Saratoga,  between 
Generals  Gates  and  Burgoyne  &  had,  in  Consequence  of  that  Convention,  beeru  oer- 
mitted  to  return  to  Canada,  had  generally  taken  up  Arms  against  the  United  States  of 
America  after  their  Return  to  Canada  and  subsequent  to  the  said  Convention,  and  far- 
ther this  Deponent  saith  not. 

John  Martin. 

Sworn  to  before  me  this  XlVth  Day  of  Nov'r  MDCCLXXVIII. 

Chris'r  Yates  Justice  of  the  Peace. 


'     DEPOSITION  OP  LEMUEL.  ROBERDS. 

Albany  County  ss.  Lemuel  Roberts  of  Bennington,  in  the  State  of  New  York,  Farmer, 
being  duly  sworn  on,  the  holy  Evangelists  of  Almighty  God,  deposeth  and  saith,  that  this 
Deponent  was  on  the  twenty  ninth  Day  of  January  last  taken  prisoner  by  a  Detachment 
of  McLean's  Regiment  of  Emigrants  near  Missisque  Bay  and  carried  under  different 
Escorts,  to  the  City  of  Quebec.  That  upon  this  Deponent's  Arrival  at  Quebec,  he  was 
confined  in  the  provoost  Guard,  where  he  remained  two  Days.  That  he  was  then 
removed  to  the  Island  of  Orleans.  That  this  Deponent  after  having  been  detained 


422  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

about  ten  or  twelve  Days,  effected  an  Escape  from  the  said  Islanfl,  and  was  retaken, 
near  Point-aux-Tremble  by  a  certain  Qr.  Master  Wooster  and  five  Canadians,  who  this 
Deponent  was  informed  by  them  were  detached  from  Point-aux-Tremble  by  Captain. 
Ephraim  Jones,  for  the  purpose  of  intercepting  this  Deponent  and  those  who  accom- 
panied him.  That  this  Deponent  was  also-  informed  that  the  said  Wooster  was  one  of 
the  persons  who  were  permitted  to  return  to  Canada,  in  Consequence  of  the  Convention 
of  Saratoga  made  between  Generals  Gates  &  Burgoyne.  That  upon  this  Deponent's  being 
retaken  as  aforesaid  he  was  carried  to  Point-aux-Tremble  at  which  place  he  was 
Informed  that  the  sa:d  Ephraim  Jones  commanded.  That  this  Deponent  with  Samuel 
Rice  and  James  Hill,  two  other  prisoners  who  had  accompanied  him  in  attempting  his 
Escape  were  brought  before  the  said  Ephraim  Jones,  who  after  insulting  this  Deponent 
with  much  abusive  Language,  directed  him,  together  with  the  other  prisoners,  to  be 
conveyed  to  Quebec.  That  the  said  Wooster  and  the  Canadians  who  took  this  Deponent 
&  the  others  guarded  them  to  that  place  accompanied  by  the  said  Ephraim  Jones.  That 
upon  this  Deponent's  Arrival  at  Quebec  he  was  examined  by  the  Lieutenant  Governor  of 
Quebec,  in  the  presence  of  the  said  Ephraim  Jones.  That  the  said  Lieutenant  Governor 
after  examining  this  Deponent  respecting  the  Situation  of  American  Affairs,  remanded 
him  to  the  provoost  Guard,  where  this  Deponent  and  the  other  prisoners  taken  as  afore- 
said, were  confined  three  Weeks.  That  this  Deponent  was  well  acquainted  with  the  said 
Ephraim  Jones,  previous  to  the  Commencement  of  the  present  War.  That  this  Deoo- 
nent  saw  and  conversed  with  the  said  Ephraim  Jones  at  Saratoga,  at  the  Time  of  the 
Convention  aforesaid  and  accompanied  him  as  part  of  a  Guard  to  the  said  Convention- 
lets  as  far  as  the  Half-Way  Brook  on  their  Way  to  the  province  of  Quebec.  That  this 
Deponent  some  Time  in  or  about  the  Month  of  June  last,  was  carried  om  Board  the 
Transport  Ship  Maria,  then  lying  in  the  River  St.  Lawrence  opposite  to  the  Town  of 
Quebec.  That  this  Deponent  in  attempting  another  Escape  was  taken  by  sorne  of  the 
St.  Francois  Indians,  and  by  them  carried  to  Montreal.  That  from  the  latter  place 
shortly  after  his  Arrival  he  found  Means  to  get  out  of  the  provoost-Guard,  where  he- 
was  confined,  and  eloped  to  Castleton.  That  while  this  Deponent  was  at  Montreal  a 
certain  Dunham  Jones,  who  this  Deponent  was  informed  and  believes,  had  also  been 
included  in  the  said  Convention  and  who  acted  as  Lieutenant  in  Jessifp's  Corps  com- 
mitted one  of  the  Soldiers  of  the  said  Regiment  to  the  Guard,  and  that  the  said  Dunham 
Jones,  told  the  said  Soldier  in  this  Deponent's  Hearing  that  he  would  be  obliged  to  join 
and  do  Duty  with  his  Regiment  at  Sorrel,  which  the  said  Dunham  Jones  said  composed 
part  of  the  Garrison  o«f  that  place.  That  in  or  about  the  Month  of  August  last  this 
Deponent,  while  he  was  detained  on  Board  of  the  Transport  Ship  Maria,  observing  a 
Number  of  Boats  filled  with  Men  going  up  the  River  St.  Lawrence,  enquired  of  the 
Mariners  on  Board  the  said  Vessel  who  they  were  and  for  what  place  destined.  That 
upon  such  Enquiry  this  Deponent  was  informed  by  the  said  Mariners  that  the  Men  in 
the  Boats  were  part  of  the  Saratoga  Conventionists,  who  were  ordered  to  join  the 
Forces  stationed  above  that  place  and  take  Arms  against  the  Rebels,  by  which  this 
Deponent  understood  they  meant  the  Inhabitants  of  the  United  States. 

That  during  this  Deponent's  Confinement  at  Montreal,  a  certain  Mr.  Jones,  who  acted 
In  the  Capacity  of  provoost  Marshal  at  that  place,  acquainted  this  Deponent  that  as 
the  Convention  had  been  violated  by  the  Americans,  the  Governor  of  Canada  had  issued 
a  proclamation  directing  the  Conventionists  who  had  returned  to  the  province  of 
Quebec,  in  Conformity  to  the  said  Convention,  to  join  their  respective  Corps  &  to  do 
Duty  therewith  against  the  United  States.  That  this  Deponent  frequently  heard  his 
Guards  mention,  during  his  Captivity  that  the  Troops  who  were  permitted  to  go  to 
Canada  by  the  said  Convention  had  subsequent  to  it,  taken  Arms  under  pretence  of  the 
said  Convention  being  infracted  by  the  said  States. 

Lemuel  Roberds. 

Sworn  before  me  the  24th  Day  of  Dec'r  1778. 
Saml.  Stringer  Justice. 


GOVERNOR  CLINTON'S  VIEWS.  ' 

Sir,  I  have  rec'd  your  Letter  of  the  24"  Ult.  with  the  Inclosures,. 
and  think  the  Enemy's  Infraction  of  the  Convention  of  Saragh- 
toga  so  sufficiently  supported  as  to  the  particular  Facts  contained 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  423 

in  those  affidavits,  as  to  render  it  unnecessary  to  incur  the  Ex- 
pence  of  a  Journey  to  the  Grants  to  take  the  Depositions  of  Per- 
sons residing  there,  further  to  corrobate  the  Testimony  already 
obtained.  If  the  Persons  you  allude  to,  however,  should  come 
down  to  Albany,  as  may  probably  be  the  Case,  you  will  then 
receive  their  Information  and  transmit  it  me  or  perhaps  a  Gentle- 
man on  the  spot  may  be  employed  able  to  perform  this  Service. 
I  wrote  to  Mr.  Tayler  lately  on  this  subject,  previous  to  the 
Receipt  of  your  Letter  and  would,  therefore,  have  you  consult 
with  him  as  to  the  most  proper  measures  to  be  pursued  in  the 

further  Execution  of  this  Business.     I  am  &c. 

[G.  0.] 
7  Jan'y  1779,  Pokepsie, 

[To  J.  Lansing  Jr.] 


[No.  2004.] 

New  Hampshire  Asks  for  the  Laws  of  New  York  Relative  to 
Confiscated  Property. 

State  of  New  Hampshire  Exeter  Decem'r  24th  1778. 

Sir,  I  am  desired  by  the  Legislature  of  this  State  to  transmit 
to  your  State  an  Act  passed  here  for  preventing  the  return  to  this 
State  of  certain  persons  therein  named,  and  of  others  who  have 
left  or  shall  leave  this  State  or  either  of  the  United  States  of 
America,  and  have  joined  or  shall  join  the  Enemies  thereof  which 
I  accordingly  inclose;  and  am  to  desire  the  favor  of  you  to  trans- 
mit to  the  Assembly  of  this  State  a  List  of  all  persons  who  have 
left  your  State  and  joined  the  Enemies  of  the  United  States,  in 
order  that  such  persons  may  be  prevented  from  residing  in  this 
State. 

I  shall  esteem  it  a  particular  favor,  Sir,  to  be  informed  what 
measures  have  been  taken  in  your  State  respecting  the  confiscat- 


424  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

ing  sequestering  or  securing  the  Estates  of  Absentees  or  persons 
who  have  joined  the  Enemy.  As  these  are  matters  of  consider- 
able importance  and  what  may  be  the  most  proper  methods  of 
proceeding  therein  is  now  in  contemplation  here,  it  will  be  very 
acceptable  to  know  what  has  been  done  in  other  States,  therefore 
desire  the  favor  that  your  Secretary  would  send  me  Copies  of 
such  Acts  or  Resolves  as  have  passed  in  your  State  relative  to 
these  matters. 

I  have  the  Honor  to  be  with  the  highest  sentiments  or  Respect 

Your  most  Obedient  hum'e  Servant 

Meshech  Weare. 
Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  2005.] 

Governor  Clinton,  the  Long  Island  Whigs  and  Captain  Scudder. 

Poukeepsie  25th  Dec'r  1778. 

Sir,  I  am  favoured  with  your  Letter  of  the  22d  Inst.  by  Capt. 
Scudder.  I  have  always  believed  that  the  Whiggs  on  Long  Is- 
land suffered  indiscriminately  with  the  Torries  from  the  Parties, 
who  have  from  Time  to  Time  been  on  the  Island,  owing  to  the 
Villainy  of  some  &  the  Indiscretion  of  other  of  them.  From  a 
Conviction  of  this  I  have  not  in  any  Instance  gave  my  Authority 
to  any  of  these  Parties.  You  may  rest  assured,  Sir,  that  nothing 
will  be  done  which  may  in  the  least  interfere  with  the  orders  of 
the  Commander  in  Chief,  but  on  the  contrary,  you  will  meet  with 
every  Aid  in  carrying  them  into  Execution.  Capt.  Scudder,  I 
have  Reason  to  believe,  is  a  brave  honnest  Man,  his  Commission 
authorizes  him  to  cruise  on  the  Sound  only  &  I  doubt  not,  but  he 
will  meet  with  every  Incouragem't  from  you  which  can  be  granted 
consistent  with  the  good  of  the  public  Service.  I  am,  Sir,  Your 

most  Obed't  &  most  H.  Serv't 

[G.  C.] 
Genl.  Putnam. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  425 

[No.  2006.] 
BILLETING  TROOPS  ON  THE  GOVERNOR. 

Captain  Nicoll  Admits  Making  an  Error — Commissary  Stores 
to  6e  Forwarded  to  PougJikeepsie. 

New  Burgh,  Decem'r  26,  1778. 

Dear  Governor,  I  have  forwarded  your  Express  as  soon  as  it 
came  to  hand;  Deliver'd  the  Letter  to  Capt.  Nichols  myself  last 
Night  at  New  Windsor,  talked  to  him  of  the  Impropriety  of 
Billotting  troops  on  your  house;  he  gave  me  to  understand  he 
had  done  wrong  &  promis'd  to  Remove  them  this  Day  or  to  mor- 
row. Our  Post  was  altogather  destitute  of  forage  the  17th  inst; 
was  oblig'd  as  formerly  to  turn  forage  m'r  &  Comm'y,  or  lose  all 
the  Cattle  at  the  post;  therefore,  set  out  with  all  the  Teams  at 
the  post  said  Day  to  do  myEndeav'r  to  keep  them  alive  &the  Night 
before  sent  for  Mr.  Harris  &  Explain'd  our  situation  for  teams; 
Desir'd  him  to  have  y'r  Stores  Carried  to  the  Creek  the  17th  inst. 
&  at  the  same  time  Called  Capt.  Holdron,  Supt.  of  the  ferry,  & 
gave  him  orders  in  writing  before  Mr.  Harris,  to  attend  at  the 
Creek  by  the  mill  at  12  O'Clock;  said  Day  himself  with  a  perriau- 
ger  &  his  hands  see  the  Stores  put  safe  &  Carefully  on  Board,  & 
Immediately  proceed  to  Poughkeepsie  &  see  them  Deliver'd  safe 
to  your  Excellency. 

By  getting  forage  &  Vending  part  of  our  Oxen  did  not  Return 
'till  Tuesday  the  22d  inst.  &  on  my  Return  found  the  perriauger 
at  the  Continental  Dock  with  the  Stores  on  board  &  also  met  with 
Mr.  Harris  at  the  Post,  when  I  immediatly  Called  on  Capt.  Hold- 
ron &  Examin'd  them  both,  the  Reasons  why  the  Stores  had  not 
been  sent  as  Order'd,  when  they  both  gave  me  to  understand 
they  could  not  take  the  Vessel  up  the  Creek  on  acco't  of  the  tide 
being  too  high,  the  Vessels  being  then  froze  at  the  Dock;  gave 


426  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

particular  Charge  of  y'r  Cider  to  Capt.  Holdron  &  the  hogs  not 
being  kill'd,  sent  them  back  to  Mr.  Harris  in  which  situation  they 
now  Remain.  Yesterday  I  sent  to  Col.  Hay,  inform'd  him  of  the 
Quantity  &  kind  of  Stores  you  had  here;  Requested  of  him  to 
know  whether  or  not  it  was  in  his  power  to  send  them  to  you 
Immediatly  (as  you  much  wanted  them)  if  I  sent  them  across 
to  Fishkill  Landing.  I  Receiv'd  his  answer  last  Night;  &  he  in- 
forms me  they  shall  be  sent  on  as  soon  as  he  hears  of  their 
arrival;  shall  send  them  as  Quick  as  this  Storm  clears  up  &  at 
the  same  time  send  an  Express  to  Inform  him — if  it  was  possible 
for  me  to  learn  from  you,  whether  or  not  you  wou'd  have  the 
Hogs  kill'd  here,  I  should  be  glad,  as  I  am  of  Opinion  they  will 
Die  on  the  way.  If  I  dont  hear  from  you  in  2  or  3  Days  &  the 
weather  Continues  severe,  I  will  order  them  to  be  kill'd  here  & 
sent  on.  My  best  Respects  to  the  family  and  am,  D'r  Gov'r  Your 

most  Obt.  hum :  ser't 

And'w  Taylor  D.  Q.  M.  G. 

P.  S.    Am  happy  to  learn  by  Thomas  that  I   shall  have  the 
pleasure  of  seeing  you  here  soon. 
[To  G.  C.] 

[No.  2007.] 

Samuel  Frame's  Wife  Intercedes  for  Him — Colonel  Cawtvne  Asks  to 
be  Relieved  from  Frontier  Dwty. 

Marbletown,  18th  Dec'r  1778. 

Sir,  The  Wife  of  Samuel  Frame  who  is  prisoner  at  Pough- 
keepsie  desired  the  Favour  of  me,  to  inform  your  Excellency, 
that  she  humbly  begs  he  might  be  permitted  to  come  Home  a 
few  Weeks ;  that  the  Severity  of  the  season  as  well  as  the  present 
Condition  she  now  labours  under  were  very  distressing  to  her. 
*  *  *  and  no  Person  to  assist  her  she  saye.  I  told  her  I  had 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE.  CLINTON.  427 

been  informed  that  her  Brother  Orr  had  been  employed  in  carry- 
ing Letters  from  New  York  to  the  Indians  and  Tories  back  of  us, 
which  if  true,  I  had  great  Keason  to  believe  her  husband  to  have 
been  privy  to  it;  That  such  Conduct  forbid  me  to  have  any  Con- 
cern for  him,  whatever  my  feelings  for  her  Distresses  might  be. 
Whether  Frame  is  guilty  of  any  Crime  save  Disaffection  to  the 
Country  the  Commissioners  probably  will  know.  The  Distresses 
of  her  and  her  Family  induce  me  thus  far  to  interceed,  if  your  Ex- 
cellency should  think  it  adviseable.  To  permit  hie  coming  Home 
will  relieve  the  Distresses  of  his  Family  tho'  proscribed  to  ever  so 
narrow  Limits.  I  should  be  glad  to  have  your  Directions  con- 
cerning the  Hides  in  the  Hands  of  my  Commissary.  I  can  get 
them  tanned  for  Shares  as  Customary,  or  exchange  Part  of  them 
for  tanned  Leather.  If  your  Excellency  will  please  to  direct  what 
must  be  done  with  them  I  shall  Endeavour  ito  get  it  done  im- 
mediately. I  hope  your  Excellency  will  discharge  me  from  (that 
troublesome  Task)  the  Frontier  Service,  as  I  imagine  the  Dangers 
are  over  for  this  Season,  especially  in  this  Quarter  of  Sir  your 

most  Hum'e  Ser't 

John  Cantine. 
Oeo.  Clinton. 


GOVERNOR  CLINTON'S  EEPLY. 

Poughkeepsie  Dec'r  26ith  1778. 

S'r,  I  have  rec'd  your  Letter  of  the  18th  Inst.  &  will  consult 
the  Commiss'rs  on  the  propriety  of  permitting  Frame  to  come  into 
your  neighbourhood. 

The  Legislature  passed  an  act  to  authorize  Peter  T.  Curtenius, 
Esq.  to  demand  &  receive  from  any  Person  all  such  articles  be- 
long'g  to  the  State  as  were  necessary  for  the  Use  of  the  5  Bat- 
talions raised  under  the  Direction  thereof;  he  is  of  course  the 


428  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

proper  Person  to  deliver  the  Hides  to,  for  the  purpose  of  getting 
Tanned  or  exchanged  for  Leather  or  Shoes. 

Previous  to  the  rec't  of  your  Letter  I  had  written  my  Senti- 
ments to  Colo.  Cortlandt  &  yourself  respect'g  the  Dismission  of 
such  parts  of  the  militia  as  should  be  deemed  unnecessary  to  con- 
tinue in  Service  on  the  Frontiers.  I  am  &c. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Colo.  Cantine. 


[No.  6414.]* 
A.  Family  Letter  from  Mrs.  James  Clinton. 

December  26th  1778. 

D'r  Husband ;  This  is  the  first  opertunity  I  have  had  to  write  to 
you  Since  you  felt  home.  I  have  Recieved  But  one  letter  from  you 
Dated  November  28th,  Thank  God  I  have  had  my  health  as  well 
as  Common;  we  have  had  a  good  Deal  of  Sickness  Since  you  left 
home,  But  Blessed  Be  God,  we  are  all  alive;  your  mother  has 
Been  poorly  for  Some  time;  David  has  Done  no  work  Since;  the 
too  men  you  left  here  Behaves  very  well;  my  Dear  I  long  to  hear 
from  you,  But  would  much  Rather  See  you.  I  expect  you  will 
Come  home  Soon;  your  Children  are  all  well  and  Desires  to  Be 
Rememberd  to  you;  my  love  to  Brother  Thomas,  Capt.  Gregg, 
George  Dinieton.  Mrs.  Dinniston  is  well  and  lusty.  Mrs.  Wilson 
and  family  are  well;  we  hope  to  See  you  all  Soon.  My  Dear  I  have 
many  things  more  to  write,  But  must  Conclude  with  my  love  to 
you,  in  hopes  to  See  you  Soon.  Little  Ca/ty  is  a  fine  Child;  your 
Brother  is  well ;  your  mother,  Genny  and  all  the  family  Joines  me 
in  love  to  you.  From  your  loveing  and  affactionat  wife. 

Mary  Clinton. 

*  From  Manuscript  Volume  XXIV  Clinton  papers. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  429 

If  you  Can  get  Sugar  there,  Bring  me  Some;  there  is  none  here; 
your  Cloath  will  be  Ready  when  you  Come;  you  mest  get  lineing 
and  'trimings. 
[To  Gen.  James  Clinton.] 


[No.  2008.] 

Commissary  Cuyler  Asks  Permission  to  Transfer  a  Heavy  Supply  of 
Flour  from  Claverack  Landing  to  Albany. 

Albany  28th  Dec'r  1778. 

Sir,  Coll.  Van  Ness  who  purchases  for  me  on  the  East  side  of 
the  River  in  this  County,  informed  me  a  few  days  ago,  that  he 
had  received  intelligence,  that  at  Claverack  Landing  was  lying  a 
large  quantity  of  Flour,  Suppos'd  Eight  hundred  Barrels,  or  more, 
as  he  was  informed  belonging  to  a  French  Gentleman,  who  had 
in  Sept.  or  Oct'r  last  Obtained  your  Excellencies  Licence,  to  Carry 
it  out  of  the  State  for  the  use  of  the  Fleet  then  at  Boston,  this 
was  the  Gentleman  who  was  assisted  in  his  purchases  by  Mr. 
Thomas  Witbeck,  now  an  Inhabitant  of  Great  Barrington. 

I  mentioned  this  matter  to  Colo.  Lush,  and  that  I  had  reason  to 
believe  they  would  soon  remove  it  across  the  line,  that  I  had 
great  Occasion  for  the  Flour,  if  there  was  any  means  to  detain  it, 
I  should  be  glad  to  have  it  purchased  and  removed  to  Albany,  at 
which  place  I  was  directed  to  Form  a  Considerable  Magazine  of 
provisions  but  least  it  might  Slip  his  Memory,  I  have  thought  it 
my  duty  to  inform  your  Excellency  of  this  Matter.  I  am  Your 
Excellencies  most  Obedient  and  humble  serv't 

Jacob  Cuyler  D.  C.  G.  Purchases. 
His  Excellency  George  Clint  Esqr. 


430  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  2009.] 
TO  MAKE  AN  EXAMPLE  OF  MARAUDERS. 

General  MoDougall  Promises  to  Hang  on  the  Public  Roads  all  of 
those  Captured — Cattle  Driven  to  New  York. 

Head  Quarters  Peeks  Kill  Dec'r  28th  1778. 

Sir,  Your  favor  of  the  15th  Instant*  reached  me  at  this  place. 
If  it  had  come  into  my  hand®,  at  Fish  Kills,  I  could  not  have 
gratified  my  inclination  in  visiting  you,  as  the  public  Service 
would  not  permit  it.  I  sincerely  wish  to  see  you,  before  you  are 
confined  by  the  meeting  of  the  Legislature:  If  I  could  leave  this,  I 
should  make  you  a  Visit.  But  these  posts  in  general,  have  been 
so  long  without  any  person,  whose  particular  business  it  was  to 
superintend  the  whole,  that  by  the  wickedness  of  some,  and  the 
negligence  of  others,  things  are  in  a  most  deplorable  Condition; 
add  to  this,  the  alertness  of  the  Cow  and  horse  thieves.  These 
together,  scarce  give  me  time  to  sleep,  but  I  shall  soon  put  some 
of  them  to  an  eternal  one. 

It  is  unquestionable,  that  the  enemy  has  a  plan  of  our  works 
at  West  Point.  Several  Deserters  from  Robinson's  Corps,  assert 
it,  and  that  Serjeant  Williams  of  that  regiment,  who  went  from 
Dutches®  County,  and  frequents  Oswego  near  Fish  Kill  took  it. 
They  say  he  is  now  out,  with  one  Bot  Knox,  of  that  place.  I  wish 
they  could  be  secured.  I 

I  have  had  parties  and  Guides,  in  search  of  them  and  McKeele, 
for  several  days  in  the  mountains  but  in  vain.  I  understand  a 
reward  is  offered  for  the  latter,  by  the  Legislature  of  our  State. 
If  so,  I  wish  for  the  Law  it  may  stimulate  the  parties  to  apprehend 
him  and  others  in  the  like  predicament. 

All  accounts  from  the  Lines  agree  in  two  facts.     That  a  far 

•See  page  387. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  431 

greater  quantity  of  Cattle  has  lately  gone  into  New  York,  than  at 
any  one  time,  since  the  enemy  got  possession  of  that  place:  Drove 
in  by  all  ages  and  Sexes.  And  that  Emmerick  enlists  the  Cow 
Boys,  for  the  express  purpose  of  Spies  and  plunderers,  and  to  give 
them  as  he  imagines,, -protection  by  being  inlisted  in  his  Corps. 
But  a  few  days  will  convince  them,  that  his  promises  will  not 
avail  them.  For  I  am  determined  at  all  hazards,  to  hang  every 
one  of  them,  on  the  public  roads,  that  a  Court  Martial  will  con- 
demn agreeable  to  the  known  Laws  of  Nations,  and  every  Man 
belonging  to  the  enemy,  who  shall  be  found  within  our  Lines, 
not  publickly  in  arms,  with  at  least  a  Sergeant,  Corporal  and 
twelve.  As  to  the  former  Miscreants,  they  forfeit,  their  Lives  by 
all  Law,  Civil  and  Military.  It  is  necessary  to  their  dark  pur- 
poses, to  enquire  particularly  for  my  Guards.  If  the  enemy  in- 
terrogate them  on  their  position,  it  cannot  be  doubted,  but  they 
will  give  them  full  Information.  And  what  is  the  Consequence? 
Why  that  my  guards,  hold  their  Lives  at  the  mercy  of  the  enemy, 
or  they  will  be  butchered  as  Colonel  Baylor's1  Regiment  were? 

I  have  now  a  choice  Collection  of  those  Adventurers.  The 
Court  Martial  sits  to  morrow,  on  them.  Among  others  is  the  in- 
famous Hobby.  I  fear  he  will  lead  the  way,  for  the  dread  ex- 
ample. I  have  now  on  the  Lines,  220  picked  men  of  the  regular 
troops,  stationed  in  four  places,  under  the  Command  of  a  Field 
Officer,  Vizt.  60  at,  or  about  Sing  Sing  Church,  the  like  number 
southeast  of  it,  three  miles,  50  the  same  distance,  on  that  Route, 
and  the  same  number  near  Kings  Street. 

Mr.  Platt  is  gone  down  to  day,  to  examine  their  position,  and 
to  endeavor,  to  get  four  Serjeants  parties,  of  good  men  enlisted, 
as  light  troops,  and  guides,  to  those  to  the  first  of  May,  and  I 
hope  the  friends  of  the  Cause  there  will  countenance  the  measure. 


432  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

This  is  my  present  plan  for  covering  the  Country.  But  I  have  a 
more  efficacious  one,  in  Contemplation,  which  I  shall  communicate 
to  you  in  a  few  days. 

The  Militia  now  on  the  lines  will  be  dismissed  the  first  of 
January.  I  shall  however  want  their  assistance,  in  a  few  days 
in  different  districts,  alternately,  for  their  own  Security.  I  wish, 
therefore,,  for  a  general  order  to  the  commanding  Officers  of  Corps, 
in  West  Chester  County,  to  give  me  all  the  assistance  in  their 
power,  when  I  call  on  them.  I  would  chearfully  consent  to  let  a 
party  of  Jackson's  go  to  Armenia  Precinct,  but  they  could  not 
be  supplied  with  provision,  without  appointing  another  issuing 
Commissary,  and  we  have  too  many  thieves  of  this  order  already. 

Mr.  Bostwick  informed  me  forage  could  easily  be  provided  for 
two  ox  teams  at  Poughkepsie,  and  there  will  be  sufficient  for 
that  small  Regiment.  The  last  time  I  saw  the  D.  B.  Master  at 
Pish  Kill,  I  directed  him  if  any  of  the  troops  must  be  quartered 
in  Houses,  till  their  hutts  were  built,  he  should  put  them  in  those 
South  of  the  Shedes,  which  is  what  you  was  kind  enough  to  hint 
in  your  last. 

I  am  much  obliged  to  you  for  your  intention  to  guard  me  against 
blame.  I  did  not  consider  yours,  as  charging  with  any,  but  as 
the  apprehensions  and  opinions  of  others.  In  a  few  days,  I  shall 
begin  to  erect  a  new  Bridge  over  Croton,  about  a  Mile  from  its 
Mouth,  to  facilitate  my  Communication  with  Sing  Sing,  as  well 
as  to  shorten  the  distance  ten  miles  from  Kings  Ferry,  to  the 
Plains.  This  will  be  of  some  advantage  to  our  State,  as  well  as 
to  the  Public  in  General.  I  am  so  hurried  with  Correspondence, 
that  I  can  only  add,  that  I  am_,  Dear  Sir,  Your  very  humble  Ser- 
vant, 

Alex'r  McDougall. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  433 

P.  S.     If  you  will  favor  me  with  a  visit,  we  can  accommodate 
you,  tolerably  well.     Mrs.  McDougal  desires  her  Compliments  to 
Mrs.  Clinton,  and  please  to  make  mine  to  her. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


[Nos.  2010-2011.] 
AMERICANS  NOT  PAID  FOB  PROVISIONS  SUPPLIED. 

Robert  Boyd,  Jr.,  Utters  Several  Complamts,  one  Against  General 
Riedesel — Governor  Clinton's  Reply. 

New  Windsor,  25th  Decem'r  1778. 

May  it  please  your  Excell'y:  Notwithstanding  the  repeated 
promises  made  by  Capt.  Tappen  to  me  that  he  would  adjust  his 
acc'ts  with  the  Commissary  Genl.  in  order  that  those  persons  who 
has  money  due  and  as  yet  retain'd  on  his  acc't  might  be  enabled 
to  recive  satisfaction  he  has  broke  through  them  all,  and  I  am 
reduced  to  the  necessity  of  beliveing  him  a  Man  intirely  void  of 
any  regard  to  his  word. 

I  think  it  extreamly  hard  to  be  perpetually  dunn'd  on  acc't  of 
the  public  for  that  I  had  no  Intrest  in,  save  in  common  with  other 
subjects,  therfore,  beg  your  Excellency  wou'd  devise  some  mode 
by  which  I  may  be  clear'd  of  it,  or  the  people  receive  their  money. 

0 

I  am  inform'd  that  Resolves  of  Congress  have  been  passed  for 
the  payment  of  sums  of  Money  that  could  not  be  legaly  paid  thro' 
the  orderly  channel ;  if  so,  I  can  see  no  reason  why  it  can't  be  done 
in  the  present  Instance;  therefore,  wou'd  you  be  pleased  to  ex- 
amine the  vouchers,  and  in  doing  that,  wou'd  think  proper  to  give 
me  testimonials  of  your  approbation  of  the  acc't,  either  to  Geiil. 
Washington,  or  Congress,  or  both.  J  would  make  a  tryal  to  procure 
28  » 


434  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Ilie  People  their  money  without  the  assistance  of  Mr.  Taj-pen. 
Col.  Bedlow  will  narrate  the  particular®  relative  to  your  Hogs 
&  Cyder;  therefore,  I'll  say  nothing  about  them  least.  I  shou'd  dip 
niy  pen  in  gall. 

There  is  a  certain  Hessian  Genl.  belonging  to  the  Convention 
Troops,  who  camion  to  Fish  [Kill]  above  two  weeks  ago,  together 
with  his  wife,  three  Children,  and  a  large  retinue  of  servants,  in 
order  to  follow  the  Troops;  the  reasons  of  his  delay  I  do  not  know; 
btit  after  staying  more  than  a  week  at  Col.  Hausbrock's,  he 
wanted  to  engage  his  winter  Quarters  there,  which  being  refused 
he  set  out  yesterday  to  go  over  the  Walkill,  with  his  whole  Family 
to  engage  winter  Quarters  among  the  High  Butchers;  from  what 
I  have  been  inform'd  concerning  this  Gentleman'®  conversation, 
since  in  this  neighborhood,  I  think  him  a  dangerous  Man,  and 
its  oweing  to  my  strong  feelings  for  my  Country,  that  induces 
me  to  give  your  E&cell'y  this  information ;  if  impertinent  I  know 
you'll  pardon,  when  you  consider  the  principle  that  excites  it. 

Our  kind  respects  to  your  Lady  &  mother,  together  with  Miss 
Lydia  and  her  two  young  Misses;  we  wish  you  all  a  happy  new 
year;  while  in  the  Interim  I  am,  with  the  greatest  respect,  your 
Excell'ys  most  obed't  &  very  Hum'e  Servant. 

Robt.  Boyd,  Jun'r. 

His  Excell'y  George  Clinton,  Esq'r.  Governour  of  the  State  of 
New  York. 


The  Governor  Declares  "Hoggs  are  a,  Misschevious  Animal" 

Poukeepsie  29th  Dec'r  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  I  am  this  Moment  favored  with  yours  of  the  25th 
Inst.  by  Capt.  Bedlow.  I  have  never  seen  any  Resolves  of  Con- 
gress for  the  Purpose  alluded  to  in  your  Letter  &  I  have  the  best 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  435 

Reason  to  conclude  if  any  such  existed  I  shoud,  have  been  officially 
notified  of  it  especially  as  it  is  a  Subject  on  which  I  have  more 
than  once  wrote.  I  conceive  myself  extreamly  ill-used  by  the 
Detention  of  the  Money  due  to  my  Neighbours,  for  the  Provission 
they  afforded  us  at  a  Time  when  out  Little  Army  coud  not  have 
existed  without  their  aid,  &  I  feel  for  you,  who  being  on  the  Spot 
must  be  greatly  embarrassed  by  their  Repeated  Applications  for 
Payment.  Both  these  Considerations  will  incline  me  to  take 
every  Measure  in  my  Power  to  Effect  a  Settlement  of  these  old 
accounts.  That  which  appears  most  likely  to  be  attended  with 
Success,  is  an  Application  to  Genl.  Washington  &  I  have,  there- 
fore, addressed  a  Letter  to  him  on  this  Subject,  as  well  on  the 
affair  of  Genl.  Reidazel,  which  I  have  given  to  Capt.  Bedlow  to 
forward,  &  for  your  Satisfaction,  inclose  you  a  Copy  which,  when 
you  have  read  you  will  please  to  destroy. 

I  am  so  accustomed  to  the  ingratitude  from  those  I  have  served, 
as  not  to  be  in  the  least  surprized  at  it,  to  experience  it  from 
those  from  whom  I  might  perhaps  formerly  have  expected  better. 
Hoggs  are  a  Misschevious  animal.  I 

When  I  last  had  the  Pleasure  of  seeing  you,  I  ment'd  to  you 
my  Intentions  of  selling  my  Farm  at  N.  Windsor,  if  an  Oppor- 
tunity offered.  Every  account  I  receive  from  your  Neighbourhood 
convince  me  it  is  my  Interest  to  do  it.  I  shall,  therefore,  take  the 
first  good  Opportunity.  The  Price  of  the  Mill,  I  will  fix  at  what 
you  mentioned,  to  wit  £1000,  for  the  half  &  conclude  you  will  be 

sattisfied.     I  am  with  &c 

[G.  0.] 
[To  Robt.  Boyd  Jr.] 


436  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

GOVERNOR  CLINTON  SUGGESTS  TO  WASHINGTON  THE  REMOVAL  OP 
GENERAL  RIEDEISEL  TO  SOME  OTHER  PLACE — BILLS  FOR  COM- 
MISSARY SUPPLIES  SHOULD  BE  PAID. 

Pokepsie  29th  Dec'r  1778. 

D'r  Sir,  After  the  Loss  of  the  Forts  in  the  Highlands  it  be- 
came necessary  to  detach  a  Part  of  the  army  on  the  West  Side  of 
the  river  which  joined  by  a  Part  of  the  militia  were  under  my 
immediate  command,  the  River  being  the  Bounds  between  the 
differ't  purchasing  Comm'rs,  none  could  be  found  to  supply  the 
Troops;  in  consequence  we  were  reduced  to  the  Necessity  of  tak- 
ing from  the  Inhabitants  the  necessary  supply  of  Flour  &  Cattle, 
wh'ch  were  del'd  to  the  issuing  Com'rs,  &  who  passed  their  Rec'ts 

» 

to  the  owners;  the  same  Measures  were  taken  by  the  Qu'r  M'rs 
to  obtain  Forage.  Diff't  applications  have  been  made  to  have 
those  acc'ts  paid  off  but  hitherto  without  Effect.  The  purchas'g 
Commissaries  upon  the  new  Establish't  in  this  departm't,  being 
appointed  since  that  Time,  esteem  it  improper  to  discharge  Debts 
contracted  previous  to  their  com'g  into  office,  and  those  who  have 
resigned  or  have  been  displaced,  will  give  no  Satisfaction  to  the 
Claimants.  I  have  been  much  embarrassed  by  repeated  applica- 
tions from  the  Persons  to  whom  the  Money  is  due,  &  wrote  more 
than  once  to  Congress  on  the  Occasion  with  no  Effect.  I  am, 
therefore,  obliged  to  apply  to  your  Excel'y  and  if  no  other  method 
can  be  adopted  for  the  Settlem't  of  those  acc'ts,  to  request  that 
you  would  be  pleased  to  lay  them  before  Congress  &  urge  their 
order  for  Paym't. 

I  am  just  informed  that  Genl.  Rheidesel  is  now  at  the  W'allkill, 
a  Settlement  about  14  Miles  to  the  West  of  New  Windsor,  &  pro- 
poses taking  up  his  winter  Qu'rs  in  that  vicinity  in  a  Part  of  it 
peopled  principally  by  his  own  Countrymen.  This  Gentleman's 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  437 

Conduct  &  Conversation  on  his  march,  has  been  very  exception- 
able, if  I  am  rightly  informed,  &  as  there  are  already  too  many 
disaffected  Persons  in  that  Neighbourhood,  their  Number  will 
probably  be  increased  if  a  Person  lately  so  high  in  Command  in 
the  British  service  (who  will  consequently  carry  with  him  a 
dangerous  Influence)  is  permitted  to  remain  among  them.  I  sub- 
mit, therefore,  the  Propriety  of  ordering  him  to  join  his  Corps, 
or  of  remov'g  him  to  some  Place  where  he  will  have  less  Oppor- 
tunity to  do  Mischief.  I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Gen.  Washington.] 


[No.  2012.] 
SUBORDINATE  JAMES  TO  COMMANDER  GEORGE. 

Exchange  of  the  Cherry  Valley  Prisoners — Scarcity  of  Ammunition 
in  the  Albany  Department. 

Albany  Decem'r  30th  1778. 

Dear  Sir,  Your  favour  of  the  23d  Instant*  Respecting  the  Ex- 
change of  the  Prisoners  taken  by  the  Enemy  at  Cherry  Valley  has 
this  Day  Come  ito  hand,  upon  which  I  Imediately  waited  on  Genl. 
Schuyler  who  Informed  me  he  had  Received  a  Letter  from  you 
on  the  same  head;  we  propose  to  meet  about  it  tomorrow  morn- 
ing. I  send  you  Inclosed  a  Coppy  of  a  Letter  which  I  Received 
yesterday  from  Fort  Schuylerf  by  which  you  will  see  that  the 
Enemy  are  very  Industrious  in  Trying  to  Perswade  the  Oneidas 
to  take  up  arms  against  us.  Genl.  Schuyler  advised  me  to  order 
the  17  Ochquago  Indians  small  quantities  of  Provisions  at  a 
time  as  they  have  Joined  the  Oneidas,  which  I  have  Done.  I  have 
Likewise  ordered  a  Large  Suply  of  Provisions  to  Fort  Schuyler, 
borne  of  which  must  have  arrived  before  this  time. 


*See  page  410. 
tSee  page  417. 


438  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

I  have  been  obliged  to  order  the  Distressed  Inhabitants  of 
Cherry  Valley  another  Weeks  Provisions,  or  at  Least  some  part 
of  them,  as  I  Could  not  Bear  to  hear  their  Complaints  without 
Relieveing  them;  they  are  Realy  in  a  Distressed  Condition  with- 
out Provisions  or  Cloaths. 

This  Department  is  almost  without  Powder  and  Ball.  I  have 
wrote  to  his  Excellency  about  it,  but  if  there  should  be  Occasion 
to  Call  out  the  Millitia  before  any  arrived,  I  could  not  Suply  them. 
Perhaps  you  Could  order  some  up  from  below  for  the  present.  I 
am  with  Respect  and  Esteem,  Sir,  Your  most  Obedient  Ser't 

James  Clinton. 
My  Compliments  to  your  family. 

[To  G.  C.] 


[No.  2013.] 
TRIBULATIONS  OF  A  BRIGADIER. 

General  HcDougall  to  Governor  Clinton — Lieutenant-Colonel 
Weissenfels  Resigns. 

Peeks  Kill,  31st  Dec'r  1778. 

My  dear  Sir,  Altho  I  am  exceedingly  hurried  with  Correspond- 
ence, and  other  business  I  cannot  finish  this  evening's  work,  with- 
out writing  you  a  flying  scrawl,  on  thoughts  which  have  occurred 
to  me,  and  ommited  in  my  former  Letters.  When  the  Legislature 
meets  if  you  find  Jackson's  regt.  incommodes  them,  I  will  remove 
it.  But  I  don't  wish  they  should  know  this.  Since  I  came  here 
31  deserters  from  the  Enemy  have  come  in  to  this  Post  only,  be- 
side what  may  have  gone  to  those  on  the  Sound.  As  my  Guards 
are  now  farther  advanced  I  think,  it  will  greatly  increase.  Pro- 
vission  is  certainly  Scarce  with  the  Enemy,  bread  Especially. 
This  renders  it  necessary  I  should  take  the  most  decisive  measure 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  439 

with  the  Robers  and  Cow  thieves,  as  it  will  tend  to  increase  the 
Dejection  of  the  British,  all  those  who  are  not  in  that  wicked 
predicament. 

I  have  long  considered  it  as  a  loss  and  Missf  ortune  ito  this  State, 
that  the  Good  Mechanicks,  and  weavers  who  come  from  the 
Enemy  have  been  sent  out  of  it  to  their  neighbours.  I  have, 
therefore,  given  passes  lately  to  those  of  this  Character  to  work, 
at  five  miles  distance  No.  and  N.  E.  from  the  Fish  Kill  to  New  . 
Milford.  For  the  future  I  shall  confine  them  to  Col.  Moorhouse's 
and  order  them  to  call  on  you  to  report  their  place  of  abode;  and 
one  of  the  Gentlemen  of  your  Family  can  take  a  memorandum  of 
it,  and  give  them  in  charge  to  the  officer  of  the  Militia  of  the  dis- 
trict, until  you  signify  your  disapprobation  of  my  Plan.  At  pres- 
ent they  can  do  ue  no  injury  from  the  strength  of  the  Posts,  and 
they  may  give  great  aid  to  the  State  in  weaving  &c.  shoe  makers, 
Especially,  I  shall  direct  to  you,  As  I  conclude  Major  Hatfield  or 
Mr.  Anthony  con  employ  them  to  great  advantage  to  the  Public 
at  Large.  It  is  unhappy^  for  this  State  in  one  point  of  view,  that 
the  Grand  Army  continued  in  it  so  long;  to  consume  the  Forage, 
but  it  will  however  enable  it  from  the  great  price  of  Produce  to 
pay  Taxes.  A  good  Market  for  staple  is  alway  an  advantage  to 
any  Country  if  they  improve  it.  But  it  must  take  a  streak  of  Fat 
and  one  of  Lean.  I  fear  I  shall  be  obliged  to  press  the  Teams  of 
the  good  people  or  disband  the  Army.  Two  hundred  of  General 
Putnam's  men  flew  to  their  Arms  owing  to  a  want  of  Provission, 
viz,  flour  for  five  days.  How  it  has  ended  I  have  not  Learnt. 
Nixon's  Brigade  has  not  a  week  in  store ;  and  none  conies  from  the 
Southard.  A  great  part  of  the  Works  from  thence  now  with  it, 
and  West  Point,  is  unfit  for  use  and  Condemned.  I  intended 
whenever  they  were  Hutted,  which  will  be  in  a  few  days,  to  ad- 


440  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  .CLINTON. 

vance  it  to  Croton  River,  to  be  ready  to  cover  the  country;  and 
in  case  they  were  overpowered  to  fall  Back  into  the  mountains. 
Learnard's  to  come  down  to  Nixon's  Cantonment.  But  I  am  at 
my  witts  ends  to  know  how  to  subsist  them  in  this  advantagious 
Poseion. 

Lieut.  Col.  Weisenfels  was  with  me  to  day.  He  informs  me  Col. 
H.  B.  Livingston  has  resigned  and  he  seems  feafull,  Justice  will 
not  be  done  to  him;  as  he  has  been  twice  or  thrice  superceed  in 
the  New- York  line.  He  is  now  the  oldest  Lieut.  Col.  in  it,  on 
every  construction,  that  can  be  rasd ;  and  by  the  Late  Resolves  of 
Congress  Confirming  the  opinion  of  a  full  Board  of  General  offi- 
cers at  the  Plains.  I  hope,  therefore,  he  will  [not]  have  any 
future  cause  of  Complaint.  From  what  I  know  of  him,  the  three 
last  campaigns,  he  may  be  considered  as  one  of  the  best  and 
most  attentive  officers  in  the  line  of  the  State,  adieu,  yrs. 

Alex'r  McDougall. 

[TOG. c.j  :  *: 


[No.  2014.] 

Petition  from  Claverack  that  Richard  Esselstyne  be  Commissioned 
as  a  Justice  of  the  Peace.* 


[No.  2015.] 

Blank  Permit  for  Mrs.  McFarren  and  Her  Daughter  to  Pass  to 

New  York. 


Permission  is  hereby  given  to  Mrs.  McFarren  and  her  Daughter 
Miss  McArthur,  with  their  Effects  consisting  of  wearing  apparel 
Bedding  &  Houshold  Furniture  with  provisions  for  their  Pas- 
sage &  a  negro  Girl,  to  pass  to  the  City  of  New  York  (in  return 

•Omitted.—  STATE  HISTORIAN. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  441 

for  Mrs.  Mitchel  &  Effects)  in  the  Sloop with  a  Flag 

under  the  Direction  of  Mr.  Kobert  North. 


[No.  2016.] 

Memorandum  of  Articles  to  be  Brought  from  New  York  City  for  the 

Misses  Farger. 


Memorandum  of  Sundrys  wanted  from  New  York  for  Alida 
Ann,  and  Elisabeth  Farger  —  submitted  to  the  consideration  of 
his  Excellency  Govener  Clinton: 

2  P  linnen  —  2  P  Pocket  handkerchiefs;  2  P  Callicor;  2  P  Cal- 

limanco  with  binding;  1  P  flannel  yellow  1  P  binding;  1  doz.  P 

i 

wemons  cotton  stockings;  Black  Satten  for  3  Hatts  and  cloaks 
with  trimming;  1  P  Black  India  Taffety  for  aprons  &  handker- 
chiefs; 1  doz.  P  Gloves  —  6  P  Shoes;  1  P  Black  ribbon  —  IP 
white  ribbon;  1  P  muslin  for  aprons  handkerchiefs  and  Caps; 
Gause  Cat  gut  and  trimmings  for  Caps;  1  P'r  pins  500  white  chap- 
pie needles;  some  tape  Sewing  silk  and  thread;  3  p'r  Good  Scis- 
ars,  3  good  pen  knifes;  1  P  Cheecks  3  p'r  Buckells;  2  yds  lawn, 
3  yds.  cambrick,  12  Ibs.  Coffee,  3  Ibs.  Green  Tea,  3  Loafs  Sugar, 
12  Ibs.  chocolate,  6  Ibs.  Bohea  Tea,  6  qure  strong  writing  paper. 
Two  Hundred  pounds  in  money. 


[No.  2017.] 

Instruction   to    Officers    Commanding    on   the   Lines,   Relating   to 

Provisions. 


Coppy  of  a  paragraph  of  the  Instructions  to  the  Officer  Com- 
manding on  the  Lines. 

"If  any  persons  below  the  Lines  who  are  friendly  to  the  public 
cause,  apply  to  carry  down  provisions  for  the  Support  of  their 


442  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Families,  it  is  to  be  granted  only  in  way  and  manner  as  directed 
by  the  late  Proclimation  of  the  Governor,  to  which  you  will 
strictly  in  all  respects  conform." 


[No.  2018.] 
A  Statement  by  Peter  Dubois. 


I  under  Written,  Peter  Dubois,  of  Poughkeepsie  in  Dutches 
County,  do  Certify  that  in  the  latter  end  of  1777,  I  came  to  the 
House  of  Francis  Hegerman  at  New  Hackensack,  where  I  saw 
John  Gee,  a  prisoner,  (taken  when  the  Shipping  was  at  or  Near 
Esopus)  and  was  then  on  his  parrole;  and  after  some  Discourse 
with  said  John  Gee,  I  told  him  my  Brother  Matthew  Dubois,  his 
son  Matthew,  was  likewise  on  parrole  from  New  York,  and  that 
my  Brother  Matthew  Dubois,  together  with  his  son  Matthew,  was 
to  do  their  Endeavor  to  get  Nickles  James,  a  Pilot,  Exchanged 
for  said  Matthew  Dubois,  Jun'r.  And  said  John  Gee  then  told 
me  that  Nickles  James  was  Exchanged  several  weeks  before  he 

left  New  England  as  Witness  my  hand. 

Peter  Dubois. 

The  above  discourse  was  in  the  presence  &  hearing  of  Francis- 
Hegeman  &  Jeremiah  Jones. 


[No.  2019.] 
ANDREW  STEPHENSON'S  DEPOSITION. 

The  Military  Situation  in  Canada  —  Proof  of  the  Violation  of  the 
Saratoga  Convention. 


The  Examination  of  Andrew  Stephenson  on  Oath: 
Who  Saith  that  he  went  from  Skeansborough  the  15th  day  of 
June  last,  for  Crown  Point  &  there  was  taken  on  Board  of  the 
Carelton  an  arm'd  Vesel,  and  after  Examination  by  the  Capt.  of 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  44.5 

S'd  Vesel  about  news  &c.  the  deponent  was  sent  to  St.  Johnsr 
from  which  Place  he  was  sent  to  Montreal  where  Brigadier  Gen- 
eral Powels  Commands,  &  was  there  detaind  by  Capt.  Shere- 
wood,  (formerly  an  Inhabitant  of  Charlotte  County  and  was  In- 
cluded in  the  Capitulation)  &  sent  back  to  St.  Johns  with  the 
View  to  have  him  in  his  Company.  Colonel  French,  the  Com- 
manding officer  at  St.  Johns,  Gave  a  Pass  to  the  deponent  to  go- 
to Quebeck  as  he  said  it  was  agreeable  to  Genl.  orders. 

The  deponent  further  Saith,  that  there  is  Eight  vesels  of  war 
on  Lake  Champlain,  besides  Gun  boats  Contain'g  no  Troops  but 
Sailors  only.  That  there  is  about  60  men  at  Point  Ufair,  about 
500  men  at  St.  Johns,  500  at  Island  [Isle  aux  Noix]  Orr  Called 
the  Emigrant  Keigt.  Commanded  by  Col.  McLean  (who  is  now 
gone  to  England  with  Gov'r  Carlton)  that  the  33d  Reigt.  is  at 
Chambelee  [Chambly]  Consisting  of  about  500  men,  according 
as  was  Reported  to  him,  &  that  there  was  1100  at  Montreal  which- 
he  heard  was  going  to  the  West  Indias  also  a  few  Hessians  at 
St.  Denness,  some  at  Sorrell,  Some  at  the  3  Rivers,  &  at  Quebeck 
there  is  a  Reigt.  of  Hessians  and  one  of  British  Troops  besides 
1500  Volunteers  —  that  he  Seen  Sir  John  Johnson  at  Quebeck,. 
that  Gov'r  Carlton  took  Shiping  for  England,  while  the  deponent 
was  there  about  the  begining  of  July — that  General  Haldiman 
had  Some  days  before  the  deponent's  arival  Came  in  &  Took  on 
him  the  administration  of  the  Govrnment;  that  600  Hessian* 
arived  about  the  Same  Time  and  are  Scatterd  among  the  dif- 
ferent Reigts.  in  Canida.  That  it  is  the  General  talk  there,  that 
the  Country  had. broke  the  Capitulation,  whereby  all  the  Volun- 
tiers  are  allowed  to  Take  up  arms  tho  Included  in  the  Capitula- 
tion— that  he  did  not  See  any  of  them  Bearing  arms,  but  was 
Certainly  Inform'd  they  did — that  Such  allowance  was  Pub- 


444  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

lished  in  their  News  Papers — that  500  Indians  as  he  was  In- 
form'd  ware  at  Montreal,  Some  of  whome  he  Saw  &  was  In- 
form'd  they  ware  going  as  a  Gaurd  to  a  body  of  Troops  about 
150  miles  to  the  west,  to  a  Place  Called  Bucks  Island,  at  which 
Place  it  was  Suposed  they  ware  going  to  build  a  Fort  &  Some 
Vesels  on  Lake  Ontario  as  th^y  had  a  Number  of  Sailors  arti- 
ficers &c.  with  them  &  as  they  ware  under  aprehentsions  of  an 
attack  from  the  United  States  army  that  way. 

The  deponent  further  Saith,  he  was  Induced  to  go  to  Canida 
because  of  a  Report  of  Indians  Comeing  down  &  went  with  the 
Sole  View  to  Prevent  the  distruction  of  his  Famaly  &  the  In- 
habitants which  he  offers  to  Prove,  but  when  he  went  up  he  was 
not  Permitted  to  Return  as  soon  as  he  Expected.  That  mdny  of 
the  People  who  went  to  Canida  Last  Year  would  be  anxious  to 
Return  and  Seem  to  be  under  aprehensions  of  a  French  war. 
That  Major  Skean  told  him  to  take  his  Compliments  to  all  the 
People  of  his  accquaintance  who  had  taken  Protection  last  year 
&  tell  them  to  make  it  up  with  the  Country  as  well  as  Possable. 

The  deponent  further  Saith  that  when  he  Received  a  Pass 
from  Genl.  Powels  to  Return,  he  advised  the  deponent  to  wait 
the  Opertunity  of  a  Scout  which  would  go  out  about  a  week  or 
ten  days  after,  which  he  declin'd  this  was  the  26th  of  July  Last. 

And,  further,  that  when  the  deponent  was  at  St.  Johns  on  his 
Return  from  Quebeck,  he  hapned  to  be  in  Company  with  the 
aforementioned  Capt.  Sherwood,  who  Inform'd  him  that  a  Flag 
from  Genl.  Stark  at  Albany,  had  arived  at  Crown  Point  to  the 
Comodore,  desireing  an  Exchange  of  Prisoners  &  that  Sherwood 
had  Sent  a  Letter  to  Col.  Peters  Requesting  that  Prisoners  they 
now  had  might  be  Exchanged  for  Major  "French  and  other 
worthy  Gentlemen"  as  he  Termd  them,  as  they  sufferd  Great 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  445 

Hardship  by  Imprisonment  &  severe  usuage.  That  Colonel  Pet- 
ers should  accquaint  the  Governor  thereof  &  if  there  was  not 
Prisioners  that  he  (viz.  Sherwood)  would  go  out  &  Catch  Some  if 
he  was  Permitted. 

A  True  Copy  of  the  Original  Taken  &  Sworn  to  before  the 
Commissioners. 

[No.  2020.] 

Dr.  John  Bard  Expresses  His  Gratitude  to  Governor  Clinton  for  a 
Display  of  Friendship. 


Sir,  Mr.  Barns  did  me  the  Favour  of  a  Visit  a  few  days  ago, 
and  in  the  office  of  "la,  Friend  acquainted  me  with  a  circumstance 
which  I  own  has  given  me  some  shagreen.  Mr.  Barns  did  not 
Expressly  mention  your  Excellency's  name,  But  gave  me,  not- 
withstanding, plainly  to  understand,  it  was  from  your  Excellency 
he  had  his  Information,  which  was,  That  in  the  confession  of 
some  person,  my  name  was  mentioned  to  my  Disadvantage,  That 
the  person  was  not  now  in  being;  and  that  your  Excellency  had 
put  a  stop  to  it,  and  in  such  a  manner  has  made  me  a  debtor  to 
your  Excellency's  good  will.  It  is  Painfull,  Sir,  to  a  mind,  con- 
sious  of  its  own  Integrity,  to  be  obliged  to  defend  its  self,  against 
false  and  groundless  aspertion. 

Every  part  of  the  above  relations  is  altogether  mysterious  and 
unintelegable  to  me.  There  is  no  part  of  my  conduct,  which  I 
would  not  wish  to  submitt  to  your  Excellency's  knowledg,  con- 
fident of  a  Justifycation  at  the  Barr  of  Justic  and  candor.  That 
Innosense,  Sir,  has  not  allways  proved  a  protection  from  In- 
juriees,  Especially  in  Times  like  these,  has  been  the  Just  com- 
plaint of  all  ages;  and  tho  I  dispise  the  Efforts  of  Illiberal,  and 
unmeritted  slander,  I  confess  myself,  not  Indifferent  to  your  Ex- 


446  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

celencey's  and  the  Publick's  good  opinion,  which  I  hope  I  need 
not  assure  you  I  have  never  Justly  Forfitted. 

From  a  Just  and  Humble  sense  of  iny  own  Political  abilities, 
and  a  natural  aversion  I  have,  to  mix  in  the  Busie,  Buselling, 
world;  I  have  chose,  and  it  is  my  unalterable  determination  ever 
to  remain,  in  a  Private  station.  I  did  once,  and  only  once  in  my 
Life,  contrary  to  my  desire,  concent  to  a  Nomination  for  a  pub- 
lick  Imployment.  At  the  Election  I  was  set  aside,  &  while  I  re- 
joyced  at  my  rejection,  I  Experienced,  and  Laught,  at  the  In- 
dustry, and  Political  Craft,  which  was  Imployd  for  that  purpose; 
and  which  on  Former  occasions,  I  often  observd,  had  distroyd  the 
peace,  and  Injured  the  Interest  of  my  Best  Friends  in  New  York. 
Since  that  time,  my  Farm  and  Profession,  have  wholly  Imployd 
me,  and  I  hope  not  altogether  uselessly;  from  the  Exercise  of 
these,  I  Possess  that  Tranquility,  which  I  could  not  Enjoy  in  any 
v  other  sphere.  My  amusements  are  drawn  from  Private  and  social 
Life;  and  in  these  pleaseing  moments,  I  shall  always  feel  an  ad- 
ditional pleasure  in  Governor  Clinton's  company  and  be  Happy 
at  all  times  to  give  your  Excellency  Every  Testimony  of  my  re- 
spect and  Friendship.  I  am  with  the  greatest  Esteem  Your  Ex- 

celencey's  most  obedient  &  most  Humble  Serv't 

John  Bard.* 
{To  G.  C.] 

[No.  2021.] 
Volunteer  Company  in  Charlotte  County. 


A  List  of  The  Associate  Company  In  Charlotte  County  State  of 
New  York: 

Alex'r  McNitt  Capt;  Alex'r  Simson  1st  Lieut;  Ebenezer  Clark, 
Moses  Martin,  Ebenezer  Russel,  John  McCollister,  John  Rowan, 

*See  Volume  II,  pages  522-523. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  447 

John  Barnes,  John  Nisbett,  James  McNeesh,  Lews  Williams, 
James  Thomson,  James  Hamilton,  Richard  Hoy,  William  Bell, 
Andrew  McLackry,  Daniel  Mattison,  David  Tomb,  William  Mc- 
Cay,  William  Moncrief,  David  Hanna,  Robert  Armstrong,  Robert 
Lyttle,  John  McCarter,  William  Crookshanks,  George  Crook- 
shanks,  Joseph  Cooper,  Josiah  Parish,  Robert  Getty,  Alex'r 
Gamble,  Ezra  Terrill,  William  Boyd,  John  Foster,  James  Ramage, 
David  Hoptkins,  Robert  Hoptkins,  Stephen  Rowan,  Walter  Bell, 
John  Beatty,  John  Gray,  James  Rodger,  James  Stephenson,  Pat- 
rick Wilson,  Joseph  Welsh,  John  Lyttel,  Andrew  Lyttel,  Edward 
Savage,  John  Miller,  John  Moore,  Hamilton  McCollister,  Samuel 
Williams,  Charles  Hutchan,  Lenord  Webb,  Norman  McLeod. 

It  is  the  Desire  of  This  Company  to  have  the  Capts.  and  1st 
Lieuts.  Commissions  as  soon  as  possable;  this  Company  its  Ex- 
pected will  Be  Much  larger,  which  is  the  reason  we  have  as  yet 
recommended  but  one  lieut. 

WTe  want  about  30  Guns;  most  of  us  is  able  and  willing  to  pay 
for  them  but  Cannot  be  Supplid  here. 

This  to  His  Excellency,  The  Governor. 

I  do  Certify  that  the  above  persons  was  the  Choice  of  the  Com- 
pany for  officers  in  my  presence. 

Alex'r  Webster. 

To  His  Excellency  George  Clinton,  Governor  of  the  State  of  New 
York. 


[No.  2022.] 

Petition  in  Behalf  of  Francis  De  Boe  who  was  Convicted  of  Stealing 
a  Sleigh  and  a  Span  of  Horses.* 


*  Omitted.— STATE  HISTORIAN. 


448  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  2023.] 
A  Memorandum  Concerning  Brant. 


Martin  Van  .Alstyn  Jacob  Miller  and  Jacob  Merkle  went  to 
Adarn  Young  in  order  to  correspond  with  S'd  Adam  Young;  So 
they  Send  to  John  Clauss  and  John  Shell  and  Henry  Merkel  to 
Joseph  Brand,  and  left  Henry  Merkel  by  Brand  in  order  to  get  in- 
telligence wheter  Joseph  Brand  iShould  come  up  with  his  party 
or  they  Should  go  down,  iSo  they  got  notice  to  be  ready  upon  a 
minutes  warning. 


[No.  2024.] 
A  BRUTAL  ATTACK  ON  ROBERT  MORRIS. 

Arthur  Lee  Acting  in  a  Spirit  of  Revenge  Questions  the  Management 
of  Our  Finances  ~by  the  European  Agents. 


*Mr.  Morris's  negociations  as  superintendents  of  Finances. 
His  Accounts  of  Pay  to  the  Army  will  show  that  the  Army  was 
not  fairly  treated. 

The  Manner  in  which  the  Bills  of  Exchange  are   carried   out 

•This  document,  No.  2024,  has  been  placed  in  a  wrong  position  by  Mr.  Clinton,  the 
editor  of  the  MSS. 

The  attack  on  Robert  Morris  in  Congress  was  inspired  by  Arthur  Lee.  May  24,  1782, 
Robert  Morris  sent  a  report  to  Congress  on  the  condition  of  the  finances.  This  was  fol- 
lowed by  a  motion,  inspired  by  Lee,  and  hostile  to  Morris,  for  the  appointment  of  a 
committee  to  inquire  into  the  authority  under  which  the  appropriations  of  the  loans 
and  subsidies  in  Europe  had  been  consummated.  The  proposition  was  beaten,  and  Mr. 
Morris  was  merely  called  upon  to  report  the  general  purposes  to  which  those  resources 
had  been  applied. 

Morris,  toward  the  end  of  May,  wrote  a  long  letter  in  which  he  refuted  in  detail  each 
of  the  charges  that  were  made  against  him. 

In  June,  every  influential  member  of  Congress  realized  that  Morris'  enemies  were  pur- 
suing him  with  malice,  and  a  malignancy  that  threatened  him  with  harm.  Madison 
wrote  to  Edmund  Randolph: 

"  I  am  persuaded  that  he  (Morris)  accepted  his  office  from  motives  which  are  honor- 
able and  patriotic.  I  have  seem  no  proofs  of  malfeasance;  I  have  heard  of  many  charges 
which  were  palpably  erroneous;  I  have  known  others  somewhat  suspicious  vanish  on 
examination;  every  member  in  Congress  must  be  sensible  of  the  benefit  which  has 
accrued  to  the  public  from  his  administration.  No  intelligent  man  out  of  Congress  can 
be  altogether  insensible  of  it.  The  Court  of  France  has  testified  its  satisfaction  at  his 
appointment  which  I  really  believe  lessened  its  repugnance  to  lend  us  money."  —  STATE 
HISTORIAN. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  449 

makes  the  Sum  in  Dollars  much  less  than  it  ought  to  be.  The 
am't  drawn  for  is  about  10  Millions  of  Livres  the  Difference  be- 
tween 5  5  to  the  Dollar  &  5  8  at  which  Rale  they  are  carried  out 
is  3  Lires  making  about  80,000  Dollars. 

The  Breaking  of  the  Contract  with  Sands  Livingston  &  Co. 
cost  the  United  States  60,000  Doll'rs  advanced  Price  on  the  Ra- 
tion. Sands  Livingston  &  Co.  have  obtained  a  Reward  in.  their 
favor  for  40,000  Doll'rs  the  whole  Loss  is  100,000  Doll'rs.  That 
there  was  Money  enough  in  the  Treasury  to  support  the  Contract. 

The  Paying  of  about  200,000  Doll'rs  to  Bingham  &  Ross,  both, 
in  all  probability,  Partners  of  Morris,  when  the  Army  was  in  the 
extremest  Want,  was  a  Misapplication  of  the  public  Money. 

Documents  may  be  shown  for  the  above. 

Mr.  Morris's  Negociation  of  Tobacco  sent  into  New  York.  The 
United  States  were  to  have  rec'd  all  the  advantages  of  this 
Measure,  but  as  yet  they  have  rec'd  none.  The  amount  so  sent 
in  can  be  ascertained. 

Mr.  Morris's  Negociations  as  one  of  the  secret  Committee  of 
Commerce  are  more  important.  In  his  various  Contracts  &  Con- 
nections he  was  personally  interested  in  more  than  half  the  Sum 
drawn  out  of  the  Treasury  by  the  secret  Committee  which  was 
about  two  Millions  of  Dollars. 

That  after  this  Sum  had  been  drawn  out  the  secret  Com'e  was 
dissolved  &  another  Committee  by  the  Name  of  the  Commercial 
Committee  was  appointed.  That  Mr.  Morris  kept  all  the  Books 
&  Papers  of  the  secret  Committee.  That  he  rec'd  in  General  all 
the  Letters  &  Correspondencies  of  our  various  commercial  Agents. 
That  he  never  gave  regular  Information  to  any  Body.  That  the 
accounts  have  been  kept  concealed.  That  no  regular  Adjust- 
ments have  ever  been  made.  That  the  Deficiencies  in  account 
29 


450  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

ing  for  the  Money  appear  astonishingly  great,  that  many  of  the 
pretended  adjustments  are  made  originally  in  the  Hand  writing 
of  K.  Morris  both  as  to  accounts  wherein  he  is  personally  in- 
terested as  well  as  where  he  is  not. 

That  these  accounts  do  not  only  extend  to  the  Monies  drawn 
out  of  the  Treasury  of  the  United  States,  but  to  all  the  Sums 
obtained  in  France  &  expended  there  for  cloathing  Warlike 
Stores  &ca.  That  the  Persons  employed  in  this  Business  in. 
Europe  were  under  the  Direction  of  &  corresponded  only  with  the 
secret  Comm'e.  That  it  appears  in  general  that  the  Letters  were 
rec'd  by  K.  Morris,  because  they  are  endorsed  on  the  Back  in  his 
hand  writing. 

ThattheseAccountsextendto  the  immenseSums  paid  for  freight 
Disbursements  on  Vessels,  Loss  of  Vessels  &  Cargoes,  purchasing 
of  Vessels  Accounts  of  purchases  or  Cargoes  in  this  Country  for 
Exportation,  accounts  of  Sales  of  the  same  accounts  of  Cargoes 
purchased  in  Europe,  Their  arrival  &  Disposition,  all  which  ac- 
counts required  the  most  acurate  attention  to  Business,  regular 
Books  &  proper  adjustment  at  the  Time.  The  Want  of  which, 
has  left  the  Business  in  such  a  Situation  at  this  late  Period,  that 
it  is  nearly  impossible  to  Adjust  them  otherwise  than  upon 
Principles  of  Probability  &  Conjecture. 

That  the  Monies  rec'd  by  Mr.  Morris  on  Contract  &  otherwise 
amounting  to  about  one  Million  of  Dollars,  the  accounts  of  them 
remain  yet  to  be  adjusted,  &  the  Vouchers  produced  in  Support 
of  those  accounts  are  not  such  in  general  as  can  be  admitted  at 
the  Treasury. 

That  Mr.  Morris  being  placed  in  a  Situation  of  the  highest  Con- 
fidence &  Trust,  has  altogether  failed  in  the  Execution  of  that 
Trust.  That  by  Reason  of  his  private  extensive  Engagements  he 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  451 

lias  always  been  interested  in  keeping  concealed  the  public  ac- 
counts. That  it  is  almost  impossible  to  suppose  that  a  Man  thus 
situated  could  act  fairly  &  uprightly  for  the  public.  That  he  has 
not,  an  Inspection  of  these  particular  accounts  will  readily  show. 

The  accounts  that  fell  into  the  Department  of  this  Committee 
were  as  follows:  I 

John  Langdon — Portsmouth  New  Hampshire 

John  Bradford — Boston 

D.  Tillinghast 


,  Rhode  Island 
N.  &  J.  Brown 

N.  Shaw  &  T.  Mumford — Connecticut 

P.  Livingston,  J.  Alsop  &  F.  Lewis — N.  York 

A.  Livingston  &  Turnbull 

Willing,  Morris  &  Co. — John  Ross,  B.  McClereghan,  Geo.  Meade 
&  Co,  &  several  others  in  Philadelphia. 

Silas  &  Barnabas  Deane,  Connecticut 

Livingston  Lewis  Alsop  Morris  &  Deane 

Stephen  Steward  &  Richard  Carson,  Maryland 

Braxton,  Jett,  Harrison  &ca.,  Virginia 

Hews  &  Smith,  Edenton  N.  Carolina 

A.  Gillon,  Clarkson  &  Dorsius,  Livingston  &  Clarkson,  South 
^Carolina 

'Gwinett,  Wereat  Georgia 

O.  Pollock,  New  Orleans 

W.  Bingham,  Martinque 

S.  Ceronie,  Cape  Francois 

Beaumarchais,  Paris 

John  Ross  in  Europe 

Schwighausen,  Nantes 

Jon'a  Williams,  Nantes. 


452  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

In  short  all  the  Monies  laid  out  in  Europe  for  account  of  the 
United  States  amounting  to  near  ten  Millions  of  Livres  in  the- 
year  1778.  If  we  suppose  at  a  moderate  Computation  that  four 
Millions  of  Dollars  worth  of  Articles  arrived,  original  Cost  they 
would  be  worth  16  Millions  of  Specie  Dollars  in  this  Country. 

The  Fact  ie  we  can  scarcely  form  any  Idea  of  the  Value  of  the' 
Property  that  fell  under  the  Direction  of  the  secret  Committee.. 
The  Amount  of  Money  drawn  out  of  the  Treasury  by  no  Means 
shews  this.  If  we  examine  o'ne  Branch  of  the  Exports  of  the 
United  States  which  is  Tobacco,  we  find  it  was  current  at  100'.. 
Livres  the  hundred.  That  25  pr  cent  Insurance  &  25  pr  cent 
freight  would  have  carried  it  safely  there.  That  if  we  suppose 
the  Price  of  Tobacco  upon  an  average  at  3  DolFrs  Specie  pr 
hundred.  The  State  of  Virginia  &  Maryland  could  have  fur- 
nished annually  50,000  Hhds.  which  would  have  cost  here  one 
Million  &  an  half  of  Dollars  &  would  have  neated  in  France  25. 
Millions  of  Livres. 

We  find  that  the  Committee  in  many  Instances  gave  one  half 
for  freight  &  insured  themselves  which  took  off  f  &  for  what 
would  bring  100  in  France  they  rec'd  generally  something  less 
than  25  Livres,  so  alluring  was  this  Trade  to  private  Speculators 
that  the  public  never  was  able  to  get  any  advantage  fromr 
but  on  the  contrary  lost  much  Money  by  it.  Vessels  &  Cargoes 
laid  for  years  till  they  were  rotten  or  taken  by  the  Enemy  because 
they  could  not  get  out. 

As  there  were  no  Limits  to  the  Power  of  this  Committee  over 
the  Treasury  of  the  United  States,  so  they  had  it  more  in  their 
Power  to  good  or  harm  than  any  other  Body  of  Men  in  the  United 
States.  The  Produce  of  this  Country  fit  for  Exportation  was 
plentiful,  the  Means  of  conveying  it  were  not  wanted.  The  Money 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  453 

for  a  long  Time  answered  as  well  as  Specie  afterwards  it  would 
purchase  without  Difficulty  tho  at  an  enhanced  Price.  The 
Farmers  General  wanted  all  the  Tobacco  we  could  send.  We 
wanted  in  Return  Arms  Ammunition  Cannon  Cloathing  &ca,  we 
wanted  annually  as  follows — 

10,000  Stand  of  Arms  a  30  300,000 

50  P's  Cannon — say  100,000 

50  Tons  of  Gun  Powder—  100,000 

:30,000  Suits  of  Cloaths  a  35 .  jj                     1,050,000 

Tents  riging  for  Vessels  &ca.  1,000,000 


2,550,000 

Insurance  a  25  pr  cent  637,500 

Freight  at  25  pr  cent  637,500 


3,825,000 

20,000  Hhds.  Tobacco  a  4  Doll'rs  including  Commission  &ca. 
pr  ct  amount  to  800,000  Dollars 
20,000  Hhds.  of  Tobacco  in  France  at  100 

per  hundred  amount  to ,  20,000,000 

Deduct  for  freight  &  Insurance  10,000,000 


10,000,000 
Deduct  for  Commissions  2,000,000 


8,000,000 

Thus  it  appears  that  the  Funds  would  have  exceeded  more  that 
one  half  what  was  wanted.  That  the  Prices  of  Tobacco  were 
•such  or  nearly  that,  &  that  the  Farmers  General  were  desirous  of 
•contracting  we  shall  be  able  fully  to  show. 

Instead  of  being  supplied  with  these  articles  thro  this  channel. 
In  one  Department  vizt.  that  of  the  Commissary  of  military 


454  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

stores  we  find  8,000,000  Dollars  expended.  In  the  ('loathing- 
Department  it  is  impossible  to  say  how  much.  The  Army  was- 
always  said  to  be  naked.  And  yet  the  United  States  &  Individual 
States  could  not  have  expended  less  than  a  Million  Doll'rs  an- 
nually for  this  Object.  I  believe  very  little  ever  reached  them 
thro  the  Channel  of  the  secret  Comm'e.  Considering  the  very 
advantageous  Situation  in  which  this  Committee  was  placed,  I 
believe  we  might  trace  our  greatest  Misfortunes  in  Money  Matter* 
to  them.  That  if  they  were  not  guilty  of  actual  Frauds,  they 
were  of  such  gross  Omission  in  Duty,  as  to  render  the  salutary 
Intentions  of  Congress  worse  than  nugatory.  Their  extensive 
connections  with  Characters  that  no  prudent  Merchant  would 
have  trusted.  Their  not  only  Inattention  to  settle  acc'ts  but  ap- 
parent aversion  to  it  implies  that  they  some  of  them  were  too- 
deeply  interested. 

The  characters  that  appear  to  be  principally  concerned  are  R. 
Morris,  Silas  Deane,  Benjamin  Franklin,  Francis  Lewis  &ca.  with 

their  various  Connections. 

\ 

I  have  stated  before  that  20,000  Hhds.  Tobacco  was  all  that  was- 
necessary  to  have  been  exported  annually  to  have  procured  every 
Thing  that  we  wanted  in  Europe  &  to  have  carried  us  thro  the 
War  &  finished  it  without  leaving  us  a  farthing  in  Debt  to  that 
Country,  instead  of  which  we  now  owe  to  France  34  Millions  of 
Livres  &  8  Millions  florins  about  1C  Millions  of  Livres.  These 
immense  Debts  might  have  been  avoided.  And  that  they  were 
not  may  with  great  Justice  be  imputed  to  Morris,  Franklin  & 
Deane,  all  of  whom  were  of  the  secret  Committee.  It  may  be  re- 
marked that  Mr.  Morris  at  the  Head  of  the  secret  Committee 
with  the  Treasury  of  the  United  States  at  his  Command,  could 
not,  or  would  not  execute  a  Contract,  nor  even  try  to  obtain  it  for 


.PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  455 

the  United  States,  with  the  Farmers  General  of  France,  altho 
urged  to  it,  &  whose  particular  Line  of  Duty  it  was  to  do  it,  yet 
single  &  alone  he  enters  into  a  Contract  with  them  to  supply 
20,000  Hhds.  annually  &  has  endeavored  to  encrease  the  annual 
am't  to  10,000  Hhds.  more.  Mr.  Morris  after  the  year  1776  knew 
all  the  Advantages  of  a  Tobacco  Contract.  His  Brother  had  let 
him  fully  into  the  Knowledge  of  it.  This  seems  to  account  for 
the  strange  Contract  made  on  acc't  of  the  United  States  with  the 
Farmers  Genl.  putting  the  Tobacco  rather  under  half  its  current 
Value.  It  seems  to  be  evident  thait  it  was  intended  that  the 
United  States  should  have  no  advantage  in  the  Tobacco  Trade  & 
this  in  fact  happened.  They  lost  a  great  Deal  of  Money  by  it. 


[No.  2025.] 
Proposals  for  Goods  to  be  Delivered  at  Southold,  L.  I. 


We  whose  names  are  hereunto  subscribed  do  jointly  engage  to 
&  with  such  persons,  as  shall  furnish  &  deliver  to  our  order  at 
Southold  on  Long  Island  the  merchandize  mentioned  in  the  fol- 
lowing List,  or  any  part  thereof;  that  we  will  pay  for  the  same,  at 
or  before  the  Expiration  of  six  months  from  the  Termination  of 
the  present  war  between  the  United  States  of  America  and  Great 
Brittain;  that  we  will  allow  forty  pr  Cent  advance  upon  the  prime 
cost  of  the  Goods  in  New  York,  and  that  we  will  pay  an  annual 
Interest  of  Seven  p  Cent  from  the  Time  the  Goods  shall  be  ready 
to  be  delivered  untill  the  Principal  shall  be  paid. 

Signed  :(-         -)  (-         -) 

7000  yds  Coarse  woollens;  400  Do  fine  Blue  Cloath;  200  Do  Do 
Scarlet,  200  Do  Do  white  at  12  /  Ster  p  yd.  prime  Cost;  350  pair 


456  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

fine  woosted  Hose  350  Do  Linnen  a  36  /  p  Doz;  10,000  yds.  Good 
Dowlas  a  1  0;  2500  Do  Do  Linnen  a  1/9  to  2/  0;  100  Do  Cam- 
brick;  6  Gross  Shirt  Buttons;  201b  Sewing  Thread;  15  Double 
Gross  Double  Gilt  plain  Buttons;  201b  Scotch  Sewing  Thread; 
200  Beaver  Hats;  20  Doz.  Kilmernack  Cape;  20  Doz.  Silk  Hand- 
kerchiefs. 

The  above  prises  are  intended  to  be  about  the  sterling  cost  in 

the  year  1774. 

Copy. 

Mr.  (—  — )  is  desired  to  procure  any  Sum  of  money  not  ex- 
ceeding Ten  Thousand  Pounds  New  York  Currancy,  for  which  the 
best  Security  in  the  State  of  New  York  will  be  given  with  an  In- 
terest at  7  p  Cent  pr  annum. 

Signed  ( )  (-—    -) 

Dated 

Mr. 


MANUSCRIPT  VOL    VII. 


[No.  2026.] 
WALTER  BUTLER  SCORED. 

James  Clinton  Expresses  His  Sentiments  in  the  Matter  of  Exchanging 
Butler's  Mother  and  Her  Family. 

Albany  Jan'y  1st  1779. 

Sir,  A  letter  dated  the  12th  of  November  last  signed  by  you 
and  directed  to  Genl.  Schuyler,  and  which  was  delivered  to  John 
Campbell,  is  come  to  hand;  as  its  Contents  related  to  Persons 
who  were  Citizens  of  the  State,  with  which  the  Military  dont  in- 
terfere, the  Letter  was  not  delivered  to  Brig'r  Genl.  Hand,  who 
then  commanded  in  this  department,  but  transmitted  to  His  Ex- 
cellency Governor  Clinton,  that  his  Pleasure  might  be  known  on 
its  Contents.  He  has  authorized  me  to  make  the  Exchange  you 
request.  I  am  at  a  loss  to  know  where  to  direct  to  you,  but  also 
to  what  part  of  the  Country  the  Unhappy  Prisoners  taken  from 
this  State  have  been  carried.  I  therefore  send  the  Bearers  John 
Campbell  and  Newkirk,  with  a  Flagg  to  carry  this  Letter  to  any 
place,  where  they  may  learn  you  are  or  any  other  officer  who  can 
effect  the  Exchange  in  your  Absence. 

Should  the  Prisoners  be  in  any  of  the  Indian  Villages,  and  in  a 
Condition  to  be  moved,  you  will  please  to  send  them  to  the  near- 
est of  our  Settlements  or  if  you  do  not  chuse  to  do  that,  I  will 
send  proper  Persons  to  treat  and  receive  them  at  any  place  you 
may  appoint. 


458  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

I  am  not  informed  if  Mrs.  Butler,  her  Famely  and  such  others 
as  will  be  given  in  exchange  for  those  whom  you  have  in  Cap- 
tivity and  those  you  have  suffered  to  return  as  mentioned  in  your 
Letter,  woud  chuse  -to  move  at  this  inclement  Season;  if  they  do, 
they  shall  be  sent,  if  not,  they  may  remain  untill  Spring,  and  then 
may  either  go  to  Oswega  or  Canada  at  their  Option. 

Shoud  the  Prisoners  taken  at  Cherry  Valley,  or  any  others  be- 
longing to  this  State  be  at  Niagara,  it  will  be  impossible  for 
them  to  return  untill  Spring,  and  then  I  request  that  they  may 
be  sent  to  Oswego  or  Fort  Schuyler,  and  that  you  will  send 
notice  of  your  determination,  that  Provision  may  be  made  ac- 
cordingly. 

Do  not  flatter  yourself,  Sir,  that  your  Father's  Family  have 
been  detained  on  acc't  of  any  Consequence  they  were  supposed 
to  be  of,  or  that  it  is  determined  they  shoud  be  exchanged,  in  con- 
sideration of  the  Threat  contained  in  your  Letter.  I  shoud  hope 
for  the  honor  of  sivilised  nations,  &  the  sake  of  human  nature, 
that  the  British  Officers  had  exerted  themselves  in  restraining  the 
Barbarities  of  the  Savages;  but  it  is  difficult  even  for  the  most 
disinterested  mind  to  believe  it,  as  numerous  Instances  of  Bar- 
barities having  been  perpetrated  where  Savages  were  not  present, 
or  if  they  were,  the  British  force  was  sufficient  to  have  restrained 
them,  had  their  been  a  real  desire  so  to  do. 

The  enormous  murders  committed  at  Wyoming  and  Cherry 
Valley,  wou'd  clearly  have  justified  a  retaliation,  and  that  your 
Mother  did  not  fall  a  Sacrifice  to  the  Eeeentment  of  the  Survivors 
of  those  families  who  were  so  barbarously  masacred,  is  owing  to 
the  humane  Principles,  which  the  Conduct  of  their  Enemies,  in- 
duces a  belief  that  they  are  utter  Strangers  to. 

The  Flagg  will  carry  their  arms  with  them,  that  they  may  fur- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  459 

nish  themselves  with  Provisions,  shoud  what  they  set  out  with 
be  expended  before  they  reach  any  place  where  they  can  be  sup- 
plied. 

As  Captain  Butler  may  be  absent  I  inclose  a  Copy  of  his  Letter 
to  Genl.  Schuyler. 

-Copy.  James  Clinton. 

To  Captain  Walter  Butler  or  any  other  British  officer  to  whom  it 

may  be  handed. 


[No.  2027.] 

•General  Parsons'  Complaint  Concerning  ihe  Restriction  on  Flour. 

G[reenw]*ioh  2nd  Ja'y  1779. 

D'r  Sir,  I  have  this  moment  arriv'd  here  to  give  some  orders 
respecting  the  Guards  in  this  Quarter;  and  to  my  Surprize  I  find 
the  Bedford  Junto  Still  refuse  to  Suffer  Flower  to  come  on  to 
this  Post — are  we  to  be  sacrificed?  or  is  there  a  fix'd  Design  to 
Sacrifice  the  officers  commanding  in  this  Division?  The  Troops 
must  be  withdrawn  unless  some  measures  can  be  taken  to  furnish 
Flower  here  without  such  constant  Interruptions  as  we  have  ex- 
perienced in  this  Quarter;  I  know  your  Excellency  incapable  of 
being  acceesery  to  these  Purposes;  but  I  beleive  there  never  was 
so  many  artifices  made  use  of  to  render  it  impossible  [to]*  keep 
our  Guards  &  do  our  Duty.  I  beg  your  Excellency's  Interposi- 
tion &  that  such  orders  may  be  given  as  will  prevent  this  Evil. 

I  rec'd  your  Excellency's  answer  respecting  Scudder.  I  be- 
leive him  brave  &  tho't  him  honest;  but  must  beg  your  particular 
Direction  in  his  matter.  Y'r  Obed't  h'e  Serv. 

Saml.  H.  Parsons. 
To  His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton,  Poughkeepsie. 

*MSS.  torn. 


460  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON*. 

[No.  2028.] 
TROUBLES  OF  DR.  JAMES  FALLON. 

He  Believes  the  Time  has   Come  to  Fix  the  Limit  Between  the 
Qualified  Whig  and  the  Unqualified  Tory. 

Quaker-hill  Hosp'l  Jan'y  3:  1779. 

May  it  please  y'r  Excellency,  as  an  officer  of  the  Continental 
army,  ordered  to  this  disagreeable  Hill  for  the  superintendance 
of  a  number  of  very  sick  Soldiers  left  behind — as  an  officer  and 
as  a  citizen,  sworn  to  communicate  every  thing  I  apprehend, 
either  in  Individuals  or  confederate  bodies,  that  may  incline  to 
infringe  the  Law  of  allegiance,  or  obstruct  the  civil  &  military 
measures  we  are,  under  God,  so  prosperously  pursuing — as  a 
man  zealous  both  in  my  official  duty  and  public  fidelity,  entrusted 
with  the  lives  of  men,  and  looked  up  to  for  medical  aid,  natural 
food  and  military  protection,  by  the  poor,  helpless  soldiery  spec- 
ially committed  to  me,  in  this  place,  for  the  above  purposes;  as 
all  such,  I  say,  I  was  Just  sitting  down,  to  intrude  a  little  on  your 
indulgence  and  politeness,  with  a  representation  of  some,  among 
the  many  grievances  which  this  Hospital  of  mine  hath  suffered 
from,  in  consequence  of  the'  open,  unconcealed,  notorious  anti- 
pathy of  most  of  its  Inhabitants,  called  Quakers,  and  their  pre- 
tended converts  to  every  thing,  that  could  further  our  success — 
when  I  was  favoured  writh  a  letter  from  Mr.  Lush,  an  attorney, 
who,  as  he  informs  me,  may  be  addressed  to  at  y'r  Excellency's 
house — on  this  account,  and  on  account  of  my  present  torture 
from  Hemorrhoidal  pains,  as  also,  and  principally,  on  account  of 
the  close  connexion  between  the  subject  of  his  and  some  parts  of 
that  matter  I  had  previously  in  contemplation  to  communicate  to 
you;  I  trust  to  your  excellency's  indulgence,  if  I  convey  the  whole 
to  you,  and  (in  consideration  of  my  Indisposition)  take  the  liberty 
of  referring  Mr.  Lush  to  your  letter,  for  what  appertains  to  him. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  461 

Mr.  Lush  writes  me:  that  a  certain  Wing  Kelly,  (a  Quaker  of 
this  neighbourhood,)  and  one  of  the  many  lately  given  in  by  Jus- 
tice Sherman  (as  he  himself  told  me)  to  one  of  the  commissioners, 
as  a  strongly  suspected  friend  to  the  Brittish  arms  &  cause;  and 
one,  whose  known  Inimical  disposition  to  our  cause,  as  an  har- 
bourer  of  stragling  and  unfurloughed  soldiers  in  his  house,  for  a 
long  time  to  the  hurt  of  the  army;  as  a  depreciater  of  our  cur- 
rency by  extortion;  as  an  inveigler  of  my  sick  to  work  for  him, 
out  of  my  Hospital;  as  a  man  that  is  known  ever  reluctant  to 
hire  his  Team  for  public  service,  except  it  be  forced  from  him; 
and  finally  as  one,  who,  in  the  mouth  of  every  person  in  this 
neighbourhood,  that  has  sworn,  is  in  the  catalogue  of  suspected 
Tories;  as  one,  I  say,,  who,  under  all  these  characters,  I  was  about 
to  mention,  with  other  suspected  non-jurors  to  you,  (previous  to 
the  receipt  of  Mr.  Lushe's  Letter,)  hath  complained  to  him,  as  an 
attorney  at  Law,  that  under  a  warrant  illegally  issued  by  me,  a 
couple  of  my  soldiers  impressed  his  waggon  and  three  horses,  for 
the  purpose  of  removing  the  very  worst  cases  of  this  Hospital, 
immediately,  for  want  of  proper  medicines  &c.  to  Fishkill  and 
Danbury,  and  at  a  time  when  these  pbor  objects  must  have  per- 
ished, if  not  instantly  removed  to  the  places  they  were  sent  to; 
of  this  I,  as  sovereign  within  my  own  Hospital,,  was  the  sufficient, 
proper  and  only  Judge.  The  inclosed  will  convince  you,  that  the 
impress  made  on  Kelly  &  Irish's  two  waggons  and  teams,  for  the 
above  purpose,  was  not  wanton;  was  on  such  immergency  of  life 
&  death  as  even  the  laws  of  nature  would  sanctify  and  authorise; 
was  really  consonant. to  the  practice  and  long  usage  of  military 
officers,  when  on  seperate  command,  and  in  immergencies  where 
the  civil  power  could  not  aid  them;  but  has  been  never  known  to 
be  brought  in  contest,  by  the  civil  authority,  against  Persons  in 


462  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

my  rank,  (especially  when  the  civil  authority  could  not  supply 
the  public  call),  who  have  the  supreme  guidance  of  men's  disea^ 
lives,  and  wants,  and  who  are  (if  I  may  so  express  it)  generals, 
governors,  Directors,  Quartermasters,  commissaries,  Physicians 
and  Surgeons,  within  their  own  Hospitals. 

Your  Excellency  will,  in  the  detail,  further  find,  that,  notwith- 
standing the  distress  of  some  of  my  patients,  and  notwithstanding 
the  usage  of  Hospitals,  never  contended  'till  now,  (in  favour  of  a 
strongly  suspected  Tory,  and  disqualified  citizen);  I  have,  never- 
theless called  upon  the  civil  power  very  pressingly,  which  when^ 
for  the  want  of  proper  force  and  a  proper  constable,  it  could  not 
supply  me,  Mr.  Sherman,  seeing  the  necessity,  and  I  telling  him 
that  in  similar  distress  of  life  &  death  every  public  officer  must 
be  supposed  to  have  power,  he  bid  me,  as  I  had  a  guard,  and  that 
the  guard  had  no  right  to  receive  his  orders,  to  issue  my  own,  and 
that  he  would  ever  support  the  necessity  and  propriety  of  the 
impress,  and  would  confess  his  cooperation  in't,  in  my  support, 
as  a  civil  magistrate. 

I  am  affraid  that,  by  my  prolixity  (tho'  agonizing  with  pain)  I 
must  trespass  upon  y'r  Excellency's  patience.  I  want,  as  a  mili- 
tary officer,  sworn  to  the  states,  to  give  government  my  Testi- 
mony (as  Quakers  call  it)  of  my  suspicions  against  certain  per- 
sons on  Quaker-hill;  my  verdict  of  applause  in  favour  of  the  four 
whig  Quakers,  and  my  account  of  the  difficulties  this  Hospital 
met  with,  from  all  the  non-jurors  (the  above  four  excepted,)  since 
the  army  went  away;  this  will  give  you  a  clearer  Idea  of  Kelly's 
affair,  and  of  the  insidious,  sly,  religious,  yet  Torified  conduct  of 
these  fellows;  and  consequently  (as  men  who  pretend  a  concience 
in  not  affirming  against  the  Sovereignty  of  our  Enemy,  'till  he 
gives  up  the  claim  himself),  should,  politically  speaking,  receive 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  463 

little  countenance  from  any  true  whig,  especially  against  the 
very  officers  who  oppose  this  enemy,  for  having  leant  on  them,  in 
preference  to  poor  whigs,  and  for  having  adopted  measures  to  do 
their  duty,  tho'  wrong  perhaps  in  the  form,  while  not  against 
the  spirit  of  Law,  and  this  should  ever  be  attended  to.  The 
Kernel  is  never  to  be  thrown  away  for  the  shell.  Formal  pro- 
tection to  such  Hypocrites  confirm  them  in  their  resistance  to  the 
test.  What  need  they  take  it,  while  men  in  power  countenance 
these?  Of  this  they  brag  on  this  Hill,  and  of  their  numerous 
protectors  in  the  different  branches  of  the  Legislature.  We  be- 
come stauking-horses  for  them,  to  shoot  at  our  friends,  from 
under  our  own  bellies.  They  laugh  at  our  humanity,  and  charge 
it  to  our  fear,  and  I  am  of  opinion,  tho'  not  in  universal  accepta- 
tion with  religionist-Politicians:  that  political  evil  shoud,  on  cer- 
tain occasions,  be  born,  that  political  good  may  derive  from  it, 
this  has  been  supported  by  many  great  men,  whose  works  have 
enlarged  the  land-marks  of  Human  knowledge. 

On  my  arrival  here,  a  few  days  previous  to  the  march  of  the 
army,  I  (as  of  the  General  Hospital)  superceded  the  Head-Doctor 
of  the  Flying,  who  held  charge  of  it  before  me — the  Flying  Hospi- 
tal, ever  marching  with  the  army,  carried  all  their  medicines, 
stores,  waggons  &c.  with  them;  leaving  me,  and  a  few  Doctors 
under  me,  a  swad  of  sick,  with  little  or  no  means  to  support  them; 
and  my  Predecessor  gave  me  the  highest  discouragement,  from 
the  disaffection  of  the  Quakers,  and  all  the  half-Quakers  they 
keep  in  tow,  about  me.  I  wanted  flour,  meat,  Hay,  corn,  Teams 
and  waggons,  for  the  purpose  of  drawing  wood,  &c.  to  the  hospi- 
tal, offering  my  money  in  the  name  of  the  public,  but  my  money 
was  not  to  their  taste.  I  wanted  Quarters  for  myself  &  officers; 
but  could  not  get  them,  'till  fairly  extorted — no  man  (bad  as  the 


464  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

weather  was)  would  freely  sell,  or  draw  wrood  or  hire  to  the  sick 
of  the  army,  because  they  were  of  the  army,  and  because  I  would 
not  give  six  for  one  of  the  public  money  put  into  my  hands — the 
sight  of  one  of  my  poor  people's  uniform  would  make  a  Quaker 
gnash  his  teeth;  and  some  of  them  were  abused,  for  going,  per- 
haps, to  buy  a  little  milk  to  their  houses — daily  complaints  came 
in  to  me,  for  Insults,  even  within  the  limits  of  my  Hospital, 
(where  military  law,  as  in  a  camp,  or  Garrison,  is  in  force;)  but 
shewed  no  other  resentment,  than,  perhaps,  a  few  threatning 
words,  politically  calculated  to  terrify. 

I  was  four  days  without  wood  or  waggon — other  supplys  of 
medicines  &  stores  soon  reached  me  from  Danbury — in  this  try- 
ing situation  I  writ  to  Genl.  Green,  [Greene]  as  Q.  M.  G.  to  sup- 
ply the  Hospital  with  two  public  waggons — he  sent  me  word, 
that  the  army  had  scarce  a  supply  for  the  Baggage  then  in  mo- 
tion; but  h^  would  order  an  Impress — the  constable  alluded  to  in 
my  letter,  one  Corbin,  got  the  warrant,  impressed  the  widdow 
Irish  and  one  Akens's  Two  Teams  &  waggons.  Genl.  Green 
marched  of  the  same  day,  and  Corbin  never  informed  me  of  any  ' 
impress  made  for  the  Hospital,  'till  a  month  after.  I  thought, 
that  as  no  waggons  arrived,  according  to  the  General's  promise, 
that  he  must  have  neglected  his  duty  and  me.  Irish  &  Akins 
detained  their  waggons  at  home,  when  they  found  I  was  a 
stranger  to  the  Impress — this  Irish  and  her  sons  are  public 
Tories.  My  charge,  my  officers  and  self  were  all  this  time  (four 
days)  in  sufferance  for  wood  to  cut,  or  waggons  to  draw  it — at 
length  old  Mr.  Russel,  an  excellent  and  open  whig,  tho'  a  Quaker, 
condescended  to  hire  me  his  waggon  &  ox-team — with  this  I  was 
obliged  to  put  up,  under  many  disadvantages,  'till  now,  that  the 
want  of  proper  medicines  for  some  cases,  and  stores  too,  put  me 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  465 

under  the  necessity  of  removing  the  sick  to  a  better  neighbour- 
hood, Danbury  &  Fishkill — to  the  latter  I  am  bound  myself,  to 
take  charge  there,  'till  relieved  from  the  Eastern  department, 
and  I  return  back  to  my  own,  which  is  the  middle;  bad  and  ill 
provided  as  I  was,  out  of  100  sick,  providence  took  but  three  of 
my  people  off  since  I  come  here,  which  was  far  from  the  case  be- 
fore my  arrival;  old  Ferris,  the  Quaker,  pulpiteer  of  this  place, 
old  Russel  and  his  son,  old  Mr.  Chace  and  his  family,  and  Thomas 
Worth  and  his  family,  are  the  only  Quakers  on,  or  about  this 
Hill,  the  public  stand  indebted  to. 

These  firm  men  and  wrhigs  in  the  very  face  of  their  meeting, 
and  would  be  disowned  and  read  out,  for  their  very  overt  Patriot- 
ism, were  it  not  that  the  former  conduct  of  the  rest,  (in  screening 
Robbers,  Tories  out  of  New  York,  as  I  am  told,  Deserters  of  Bur- 
goyne's  and  our  army,  in  holding  private,  treatorous  conventicles, 
treasonable  discources  &c.  &c.)  has  put  them  in  the  power  of  their 
menaced  discovery,  if  ejected,  or  provoked.  These  four  families 
are,  in  my  most  scrouplous  opinion,  such,  as  must  extort  from  me, 
as  a  public  and  zealous  officer,  my  testimony  with  you  in  their 
favour,  perhaps,  at  a  future  day. 

As  to  the  rest,  such  an  old  Merith  the  Father,  and  his  three 
sons,  Benjamin  Akins,  Abraham  Wing,  Wing  Kelly,  Saml.  Wal- 
ker, schoolmaster,  Saml.  Downing,  a  fellow  sheltered  here  among 
them,  who  goes  frequently,  as  I  have  been  led  shrewdly  to  under- 
stand, and  secretly  too  with  messages  from  them,  and  without 
regular  leave,  with  stock,  and  with  horses,  &c.  within  the  enem- 
ies lines.  In  short,  to  exclude  him  from  the  oath,  he  wants  to 
be  rec'd  among  the  Quakers,  and  has  every  mark  of  a  suspected 
man. 

Quaker-hill  has  been  the  Rendevouz  of  such  tory  vagrants — he 
30 


466  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

will  talk  of  furious  whigism,  the  better  to  conceal  himself;  but 
is  a  Pandar,  as  I  leave  to  the  tories  here — he  a  keen,  crafty  fel- 
low, and  already  a  Jesuite,  or  even  a  Quaker  in  cunning.  He 
come  out  of  New-York  and  Long-Island  some  time  ago,  and  goes 
in,  it  is  said,  when  he  pleases.  He  has  no  property  here,  but  is 
sheltered  by  the  Quakers,  is  a  Taylor  by  trade,  and  follows  every 
kind  of  business  in  the  Horse  and  oxen  way — sometimes,  he  will 
purchase  for  us,  the  better  to  gloss  over  his  conduct.  He  looks 
like  a  spy,  and  will,  in  my  opinion,  be  one  day  taken  up  as  such. 

There  is  also  a  Quaker-preacher  (whose  name  I  now  forget) 
lately  arrived  from  Ehode-Island,  and  sheltered  here  among  them. 
He  has  gone  to  Rhode-Island  some  months  ago,  clandestinely  (as 
Mr.  Rusisel  tells  me);  tarried  there  with  friends,  &  no  doubt  with 
his  English  friends  for  some  time,  and  is  Just  returned  with  news 
to  this  holy  flock  on  Quaker-hill,  where  every  body  is  sheltered. 
I  have  myself  ordered  a  guard  to  drag  Deserters  out  of  their 
Houses,  and  took  up  three  Robbers,  who  broke  Jail  near  Poukep- 
siee,  and  were  steering  straight  to,  and  anxiously  enquiring  for 
any  Quaker-house  on  the  Hill.  This  gave  me  to  suspect  them  at 
once.  I  ordered  them  to  be  seized  on,  and  delivered  them  to  an 
officer  and  party  of  men  then  in  pursuit  of  them".  I  now  recollect, 
that  the  above  Preacher's  name  is  Lancaster. 

Having  been  obliged,  (as  I  already  mentioned  to  y'r  Excellency) 
with  old  Mr.  Russel's  waggon  &  Team,  on  the  usual  hire,  I  had 
to  send  my  commissary,  to  look  out  for  wood.  As  I  had  but  one 
waggon,  and  the  place  hilly,  and  the  roads  bad,  and  the  weather 
too  severe  for  the  sick  in  a  large  meeting-house,  I  was  obliged 
to  fall  on  the  nearest,  and  of  course  the  most  convenient  spot  of 
wood  to  the  Hospital.  Old  Merith's  offered  itself.  He  is  a 
smooth,  civil,  sly  man;  but  he  knew  to  say  no;  his  son  forbid  my 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  467 

wood-cutters;  but  the  distress  of  the  sick  was  such,  that  (without 
calling  on  the  civil  power)  I  cut  away,  and  offered  payment  on 
valuation.  In  this,  perhaps,  I  acted  against  form;  but  kept  up 
to  the  law's  spirit,  as  already  noticed.  According  to  the  prin- 
ciples of  Jurisprudence,  every  Law  has  its  Epikia,  or  exception, 
on  immergencies.  This  proves  that  there  are  times,  when  it  will 
be  necessary  for  the  public  good,  that  form  must  give  way  to  the 
law's  spirit,  that  private  must  give  way  to  public  Interest,  and 
that  the  shell  is  often  broken  thorough  for  the  Kernel. 

After  this,  I  had  orders  from  the  army,  to  send  one  of  my 
younger  Doctors,  with  certain  particular  stores  to  Jersey — in  this 
occasion,  the  moment  of  dispatch  was  not  so  pressing,  as  when 
lately  it  was  necessary  for  the  preservation  of  about  14  lives,  im- 
mediately to  cart  them  of  to  Fishkill  and  Danbury.  I  conse- 
quently thought  myself  bound,  to  call  upon  the  civil  power.  I 
applied  to  Mr.  Sherman;  he  instantly  impressed  one  of  the 
younger  Meriths;  but  co'd  not  take  it  without  an  armed  force; 
he  writ  me,  that  from  the  disaffection  of  the  generality  of  the 
Inhabitants  on  Quaker-hill,  he  could  not  raise  force  enough  to 
send  me  the  waggon  &  Team;  and  advised  to  send  my  guard  for 
it,  as  being  already  impressed  for  the  public  service.  I,  forth- 
with dispatched  a  serjant  and  guard,  with  strict  orders  to  behave 
well,  and  they  brought  me  the  waggon  &c.,  thus,  did  my  office 
put  me  under  the  necessity,  either  of  not  doing  my  duty,  or  dis- 
obliging a  parcell  of  envenomed  Tories.  This,  I  fancy,  rouzed  the 
Quakers  (I  then  having  but  few  soldiers  here)  to  try  if  they  could 
not  beat  my  convalescents,  should  the  public  interest  call  upon 
me  for  any  more  waggons.  I  knew  nothing  of  the  combination. 
Irishe's  waggon  and  Team  were  already  impressed  for  this  Hospi- 
tal, by  order  of  the  civil  power,  at  Genl.  Green's  instance;  but 


468  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

not  sent.  It  still  lay  under  the  impress,  not  having  done  the 
business  it  was  impressed  for,  and  not  having  been  discharged 
the  public  service  by  me;  indeed,  as  already  mentioned,  the  con- 
stable or  the  magistrate  who  impressed  it,  never  told  me  a  word 
of  the  matter,  and  Genl.  Green  could  not  inform  me,  he  being  then 
gone.  Kelly  had  also  a  Team  and  waggon  in  prime  order;  and 
both  were  Tories  upon  record,  non-Jurors  to  the  state,  far  from 
being  more  than  ceremonial  Quakers,  and  ever  averse  to  part 
with  their  waggons  for  public  use,  but  by  force.  This  was  evi- 
denced by  Kelly's  conduct,  in  my  presence,  in  refusing  to  hire 
his  horses  a  few  miles,  to  a  Lieutenant,  for  the  purpose  of  trans- 
porting the  Bobbers  I  delivered  up  to  him,  on  a  violent  snowy 
day,  to  one  Draper's  untill,  I  understand,  he  got  beat  into  the 
bargain.  He  is  a  sly, .  plausible,  trifty,  deceitfull  fellow.  He 
affects  to  be  the  Mansfield  of  the  Quakers,  I  am  told,  on  this  Hill. 
He  will  (as  his  character  says)  go  to  Law,  particularly  with  mili- 
tary men  of  our  army,  for  six  pence;  were  he  a  true  Quaker,  or 
a  true  Christian  (not  to  talk  of  his  political  principles)  he  would 
have  lent  his  waggon,  were  he  never  paid,  to  save  the  lives  of  his 
poor  fellow-creatures,  tho'  Enemies,  which  it  carried  to  the  Hospi- 
tal at  Fishkill. 

These  waggons  being  ready,  an  opportunity  offered  for  their 
service.  I  knew  of  no  others,  but  the  waggons  of  poor  whigs, 
which  were  harrassed  while  the  army  was  here;  for  the  whigs 
of  this  neighbourhood  were  ever  ready  to  oblige  the  public. 
Kelly's  &  Irishe's  Teams  and  waggons  were  hitherto  untouched; 
but  the  10  miles  the  former  was  forced  to  drive  his,  for  the  Lieu- 
tenant &  Robbers.  I  was  about  to  dissolve  this  Hospital — neces- 
sity drove  me  to  it;  for  I  had  about  fourteen  very  ill,  and  no 
suitable  medicines  or  stores  for  them — both  were  near  exhausted. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  469 

I  expected  a  supply  from  Danbury;  but  the  weather  prevented 
its  coming.  I  was  without  resource — their  diseases  and  conse- 
quent emaciation  were  such,  as  admitted  no  time  to  be  lost — in 
this  crisis  of  distress  I  sent  the  Inclosed  letter  to  Mr.  Sherman. 
Mr.  Sherman  waited  on  me,  and  having  told  me  that  he  could 
not  supply  me  within  the  time,  he  approved  of  my  procuring 
Kelly's  and  Irishe's  at  all  events,  to  save  the  people's  lives,  and 
assured  me,  that,  as  a  magistrate,  he  would  cover  me  with  the 
civil  power,  if  called  on;  in  the  necessity  I  was  reduced  to,  I 
acted  as  guardedly  as  I  could;  more  I  could  not  do,  nor  less;  as 
Mr.  Sherman  could  not  help  me.  He  had  no  constable  he  could 
depend  on.  I  ever  found  him  a  worthy  man  and  an  obliging 
magistrate.  In  consequence  of  his  approbation,  I  thought  (for  I 
am  no  Lawyer  by  Profession)  that  I  was  fully  invested.  I  had 
'  no  personal  Interest  in  pressing  waggons.  I  acted  officially;  and 
think,  that,  without  such  permission  from  him,  the  necessity 
would  Justify  it,  even  in  a  medical  officer  of  the  continent,  far 
inferior  to  me,  in  my  post.  The  usage  of  military  Hospitals,  in 
the  middle  Department,  sanctifies  this  custom  with  seniors,  both 
senior  Surgeons  and  senior  Physicians  &  Surgeotis. 

The  Inclosed  order  was,  consequently,  given  by  me  to  the 
steward  of  the  Hospital,  a  civil  Lad.  He  very  peacefully  took 
four  of  Kelly's  Horses,  and  a  waggon ;  one  I  sent  back  out  of  pity 
to  a  relation  of  his,  an  old  woman,  who  wanted  to  go  a  Journey. 
The  waggon  directly  set  out  with  the  sick,  to  Fishkill,  and  is 
hourly  expected  to  return.  A  certificate  has  been  sent  to  his 
house  by  my  commissary,  and  he  will  (as  I  always  do)  be  paid 
regularly  for  the  service.  Irishe's  waggon  and  Team  was  im- 
pressed by  the  steward  &  corporal  of  the  guard,  at  the  same  time, 
a  mob,  however  arose,  headed  by  Abraham  Wing  and  Benjamin 


470  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Akins,  with  other  Quakers,  who  made  a  rescue,  and  almost  killed 
the  steward  &  corporal,  the  whole  party  exclaiming  against  them, 
(Wing  in  particular)  as  Rebels.  However,  they  restored  the  Team 
&  waggon  to  me;  and  it  is  gone  with  more  of  the  sickest  sick  to 
Danbury;  and  Irish  too  has  got  a  certificate  from  my  comm'y,  and 
will  be  paid. 

Thus  far  have  I  obtruded  upon  y'r  Excell'ys  patience,  with  a 
letter  as  tedious  and  torturing  to  you,  as  my  pain  is  to  me,  at 
this  moment.  I  had  not  time  to  digest  it,  as  Mr.  Lush  requests 
an  answer  immediately.  Tho',  perhaps,  positive  proof  could  not 
be  easily  produced  against  all  the  people  given  in  here,  as  Tor- 
ies, or  rather  Tories  in  masquerade,  that  is,  of  overt  acts  of  Tory- 
ism; yet  I  am  convinced,  as  is  every  warm  &  sworn  whig  about 
here,  that  they  are,  if  they  dare  manifest  it,  at  heart,  the  very  es- 
sence &  quintessence  of  Tories;  the  Evils  such  men  are  capable 
of,  to  the  state,  are  near,  and  may  be  great.  Immediate  dangers, 
tho'  small,  influence  the  mind  with  greater  force,  than  distant 
tho'  terrible  calamities. 

The  Quakers  in  Pennsylvania,  as  well  as    here,  are    cunning 

* 

enough,  in  political  matters,  to  evade;  but  not  sensible  enough  to 
deceive;  possessed  with  the  highest  confidence  in  their  Jesuitism 
for  craft,  they  behave  with  that  morose  and  sullen  carriage,  which 
is  ever  the  result  of  narrow  manners  and  solitary  thinking;  like 
vipers  which  we  have  cherished  in  our  bosoms,  they  could  never 
have  strength  to  sting  us,  had  we  not,  by  the  foolish  warmth  of 
our  caresses,  given  them  vigour  and  animation.  Would  to  God  I 
had  the  Legislative  and  Executive  powers  of  Pennsylvania,  Mary- 
land, New-Jersey  and  this  state,  (not  to  remove  your  Excellency 
from  the  Post,  which,  confessedly,  you  so  worthily  fill)  intrusted 
to  me,  but  for  six  months;  I  would  (as  in  the  three  southermost 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  471 

states),  or  ship  every  Tory  of,  with  forfeiture  of  property  or  have, 
at  least,  the  allegiance  of  his  tounge,  public  conduct,  and  Arm. 
I  would  not  kill;  but  I  would  closely  shear  of  the  wool;  and  the 
fleece  should  be  divided,  at  a  future  day,  among  the  poor,  dis- 
banded soldiers,  as  an  attonement  for  their  wounds,  heroism  and 
virtue. 

Alas!  poor  Randolph,*  he  is  no  more;  whose  influence  brought 
Virginia  to  give  this  example  to  all  the  states;  and  was  followed 
by  the  two  Carolinas  and  Georgia!  Perhaps  the  loss  of  such  a 
man,  to  this  rising  empire,  was  greater,  than  all  the  profits  accru- 
ing from  the  forfeitures  which  his  policy  brought  to  it;  but  it  is 
the  misfortune  of  Humanity,  that  we  never  value  true  greatness, 
till  after  we  lose  it.  We  are  now  perfectly  sensible  of  our  own 
strength,  and  ought,  at  once,  to  fix  some  conspicuous  limit  be- 
tween the  qualified  citizen,  and  the  unqualified  Tory.'  It  really 
dishartens  Whigs,  to  see  these  vermin  publickly  protected  in 
crawling  on  to  a  level  with  them.  Whatever  may  be  the  reason- 
ings of  some  states  for  this  forbearance  and  passivity,  their  mo- 
tives, I  am  confident,  were  for  the  good  of  the  subject;  but  the 
unanimity  which  the  expulsion  of  all  non-jurors  brought  to  the 
councels  of  the  southern  states,  and  the  flourishing  situation  they 
are  now  arriving  to,  from  their  being  all,  almost,  of  one  Kidney, 
ought  to  instruct  us  here,  to  the  northward,  to  copy  after  them — 
in  a  word,  'the  genius  of  the  times  is  great,  but  irregular.  It  is 
to  be  hoped,  that,  when  we  are  more  accustomed  to  the  great 
act  of  governing  ourselves,  like  forward  children  hushed  to  rest 
by  their  own  importunities,  the  at  present  convulsed  states  will, 
at  last,  settle  into  harmony,  stability  &  order;  as  in  mechanics,  so 
in  Politics;  all  bodies  continue  to  waver,  'till  their  center  of 
gravity  is  supported. 

*Peytoni  Randolph,  the  American  patriot,  an  influential  member  of  the  Virginia  House 
of  Burgesses,  and  president  of  the  first  Continental  Congress. — STATE  HISTORIAN. 


472  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

The  sectary  of  Quakers,  however,  of  all  others,  is  most  in  op- 
position to  civil  Government;  its  religious  principles,  similar  to 
those  of  Jesuits,  sap  the  foundation  of  that  principal  base,  on 
which  the  great  fabric  of  mutual  support,  and  permanent  security, 
as  social,  is  built.  I  was  ever  of  opinion  (laying  aside  their  Tory- 
ism) that  the  ^Quakers,  as  a  religious  people,  ought  not  to  be 
tolerated  in  those  states;  because  their  religion  forbids  personal 
service,  taxes,  and  even  defensive  war.  No  constitution  should 
tolerate  any  religion,  that  holds  it  as  an  essential  tenet,  that  the 
constitution  is  not  to  be  defended,  nor  some  of  its  laws  obeyed. 
Could  it  tolerate  such  a  religion,  it  would  be  a  Felo  de  se.  It  is 
the  property  of  this  religion  ever  almost  to  contract  the  sphere  of 
the  human  understanding.  It  is  its  spirit,  like  Popery,  ever  to 
favour  arbitrary  power,  and  its  reproach  to  make  Hypocrites. 

Should  your  Excellency  be  of  opinion,  after  reading  the  in- 
closed papers,  and  this  too  prolix  letter,  that  even  in  my  circum- 
stances of  distress,  and  tho'  in  support  of  public  duty,  I  did  any 
thing  amiss,  that  injures  Kelly  or  the  state,  I  shall  give  either 
that  satisfaction  you  recommend;  but,  if  I  then  acted  wrong,  when 
I  had  no  alternative,  but  either  to  let  14  men  perish,  or  strain  a 
point,  with  the  magistrate's  approbation,  to  send  them  of  in 
Kelly's  and  Irishe's  waggons,  to  save  their  lives;  I  must  confess, 
that  I  should  never  attend  the  sick  of  the  army  again  in  this  state, 
where  laws  co'd  exist  to  exalt  a  Tory  over  a  medical  officer  of 
Bank,  in  the  necessary  discharge  of  his  duty,  and  in  the  crisis 
of  peril  to  the  lives  of  men.  I  remain,  with  distinguished  respect 
and  esteem  Y'r  Excellency's  most  obedient  and  most  humble 
Serv't 

James  Fallen  Senior  Phys'n  &  Surgeon  of  the  Genl.  Hospitals. 
His  Excell'y  Gov'r  Clinton. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  473 

[No.  2029.] 
•Governor  Clinton  on  the  Abuses  in  the  Purchase  and  Sale  of  Flour. 

Janu'y  4,  1779  Pokeepsie. 

Dear  Sir,*  I  have  just  received  your  Letter  of  the  18"  ult.  with 
Its  Inclosure  and  will  cause  the  Inquiry  you  request  to  be  made. 
I  have  to  observe  however  that  it  will  be  difficult  to  ascertain 
whether  Mr.  Hazard  belonged  to  your  Department  at  the  Time  of 
the  Purchase  of  the  Flour  from  Colo.  Freer.  The  Deputies  &  as- 
sistants make  a  Practice  of  informally  appointing  agents  who  pur- 
chase in  different  Parts  of  the  Country  large  Parcels  of  Flour  of 
which  no  immediate  Keturns  are  made  and  of  Course  they  have 
an  opportunity  either  of  applying  it  to  the  Purposes  of  Trade  or 
throwing  it  into  the  public  Magazines  as  best  suits  their  Interest 
and  I  have  good  Reason  to  believe  that  considerable  Quantities 
of  Flour  which  were  contracted  for,  for  your  Department  were 
converted  to  private  emolument  on  the  sudden  rise  of  Flour  in  the 
Eastern  states  last  summer.  Hazard  is  Brother  in  Law  to  the 
Schencks  and  I  believe  was  employed  to  purchase  for  them.  I 
know  he  afterwards  understock  to  procure  Flo>ur  for  the  French 
Fleet  by  which  he  was  laid  under  strong  Temptations  and  if  he 
has  not  sinned  he  has  a  larger  share  of  virtue  than  I  believe  him 

to  be  possessed  of.    I  am  &c.- 

[G.  C.] 


[No.  2030.] 

Colonel   Udny  Hay  Asks  for  Instructions  in  the  Matter   of 
Transporting  Flour  for  Public  Use. 

Fish  Kill  7th  Jan.  1779. 

Sir,  I  some  time  agoe  desired  Mr.  John  Else  to  load  some  Teams 
which  came  for  corn  with  as  much  flour  as  they  could  take  above 
1he  quantity  of  corn  I  coud  then  spare;  in  consequence  of  which 

*The  identity  of  the  person  to  whom  this  letter  was  written  is  not  disclosed  by  the 
MSS.,  but  a  reference  to  document  2088  indicates  that  Jeremiah  Wadsworth,  Commissary 
Ceneral  of  Purchases,  was  the  person  addressed. — STATE  HISTORIAN. 


474  i  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

he  sent  seven  barrells  as  will  appear  by  'the  duplicate  receipt 
transmitted  herewith. 

This  flour  is  since  seizd  (and  remains  in  the  hands  of  Mr.  James 
Reed  Amenia  Precinct)  under  pretence  there  was  no  permitt  with 
it. 

Must  beg  the  favour  of  your  Excellency  to  inform  what  method 
is  necessary  to  take  for  the  recover}'  of  this,  and  at  same  time  to 
prevent  public  flour  going  to  public  officers  and  designd  for  public 
use  being  stopt  in  future,  for  it  is  certainly  impossible  to  apply 
for  a  permitt  every  time  we  have  occasion  to  send  flour  to  the 
eastward.  I  have  the  Honour  to  be  Your  Excellencies  most  obed't 

&  very  humble  ser. 

Udny  Hay. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton  Poughkeepsy. 


[No.  2031.] 

Destitute  Inhabitants  of  Cobleskill  Appeal  to  General  James  Clinton 

for  Assistance. 

Schoharie  Jan'y  7th  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  We  the  Inhabitants  of  Cobus  kill  being  burnt  and 
destroyed  Last  Summer  by  the  Indians,  are  Reduced  to  the  most 
Severe  Sufferings.  We  are  destitute  of  Cloathing,  Provisions, 
and  Every  Neceissary  to  Support  our  Destressed  Families.  The 
greater  part  of  our  Service  has  been  taken  up  the  season  past, 
in  guarding  the  Frontiers  of  this  place,  and  in  that  time  Drew 
Provision  from  the  Continent,  but  now  we  are  unable  to  purchase 
one  Individual,  and  without  assistance  undoubtedly  our  Famaliea 
must  Experience  the  most  Extraordinary  Severities  for  Neces- 
saries of  Life;  by  a  Letter  from  Genl.  Ten  Broeck  Directed  to  Coll. 
Wempple  in  Schanectida,  we  had  a  Promise  of  assistance;  he 
wrote  thus;  "the  Inhabitants  of  Cobus  kill  who  have  Been  des- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  475 

troyed  and  have  Fled  to  Schoharie  must  be  Supplied  with  pro- 
vision, But  as  Genl.  Starks  Conceives  that  this  ought  to  be  Done 
by  the  State,  I  Shall  Kepresent  their  Case  to  his  Excellency,  the 
Governor,  and  must  in  the  Mean  time,  Request  you  to  Employ 
some  Person  or  Persons  to  Supply  them  and  keep  a  Regular  ac- 
count of  the  same." 

This  Letter  was  Dated  at  Albany,  the  Sixth  Day  of  June  Last, 
but  Never  Came  to  hand  till  this  Day;  neither  have  we  Received 
any  advantage  thereby — and  as  no  person  in  Civill  authority  ap- 
pears to  Represent  our  deplored  Situation  in  order  for  Relief,  we 
know  of  no  other  Method  than  to  Implore  your  Gracious  assist- 
ance if  Possible  to  Succour  and  Relieve  a  Distressed  People. 

If  your  honour  Can  Prescribe  or  Direct  any  way  or  means  for 
help,  that  we  may  obtain  some  Relief,  under  our  present  Dificul- 
ties,  we,  your  Petitioners,  are  under  Every  Necessary  obligation 
to  Return  you,  our  Most  Sincere  and  hearty  thanks  through  Life,. 
Flattering  ourselves  that  if  your  honour  Pleases  to  notice  or 
Inspect  in  our  Behalf,  it  will  Redound  much  to  the  advantage 
of  your  Deetressed  Petitioners,  as  your  Influence  will  be  great 
with  Every  person  in  power.  We  understand  that  the  Legislative 
Body  is  to  Set  this  month  and  a  small  Detail  of  our  Curcum- 
stances  from  your  honour  might  have  great  weight  with  them. 
In  the  mean  time  hoping  to  Receive  some  present  assistance  from 
your  goodness,  otherwise  we  undoubtedly  Suffer.  Sir,  with  all 
Due  Respect,  we  are  your  humble  Servants 

Adam  Schefer,  Jost  Schefer,  George  Werner,  Niccles  Werner, 
Lorence  Lawyer,  Anna  —    — ,  Widdow,  Gorg  -       — ,  Willem 
Sneyter,  Johannes  Freimeyer,  George   Schill,  Johannes  Couchr 
Jun. 
To  James  Clinton  B.  Genl. 


476  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  2032.] 

Colonel  Malcom  Petitions  for  the  Pardon  of  Sergeant  John  Ryan 
Under  Sentence  of  Death  for  Robbery. 

Goshen,  Jan.  8,  1779. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency,  I  presume  to  sollicite  your 
Excellency's  Clemency  to  John  Ryan,*  a  serjeant  in  my  Regiment 
under  sentence  for  Robbery,  although  I  have  nothing  to  plead 
in  his  behalf  but  his  youth  (being  but  nineteen  years  of  age)  and 
his  former  good  behaviour  in  the  Regiment.  The  Soldier  who 
was  concernd  with  this  unhappy  fellow  in  the  Robbery,  was  shot 
Dead  by  our  party  &  from  both  their  former  characters  I  have 
reason  to  believe  that  he  was  the  principal,  at  least  that  he 
seduced  Ryan  to  Committ  the  Crime. 

To  give  some  countenance  to  my  request  for  the  life  of  this 
poor  fellow,  I  beg  leave  to  inform  your  Excellency  that  Ryan  was 
one  of  the  Guard  which  I  sent  to  protect  the  Inhabitants  about 
the  Clove,  of  whom  a  very  bad  character  was  given  to  the  soldiers. 
That  this  Robbery  never  would  have  been  discoverd  if  I  had  not 
taken  much  trouble  to  trace  the  affair,  and  at  my  own  Expence 
sent  a  man  to  Jersey  to  bring  back  the  man  who  was  robbed, 
•collected  the  party  &  took  every  method  to  discover  the  offender 
who  was  sent  to  Goshen  &  deliverd  to  the  civil  Law.  All  of  which 
your  Excellency  knows  might  have  been  omitted  &  the  crime 
nnnotticed.  For  these  reasons  on  account  of  the  man's  youth  & 
good  behaviour  and  as  one  life  hath  already  been  sacrific'd  for  the 
offence,  I  most  Humbly  &  earnestly  beseech  your  Excellency  to 
spare  the  life  of  this  unhappy  man,  a  favor  which  will  be  grate- 
fully acknowledged  by  the  Corps  and  by  your  Excellency's  most 

Devoted  &  very  Hble.  Serv't. 

W.  Malcom. 

•See  page  497;  also  Volume  II,  pages  684-685. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  477 

If  there  had  been  time  a  proper  Petition  we'd  have  been  pre- 
sented signed  by  all  the  officers,  but  your  Excellency  may  consider 
this  as  if  that  had  been  done.     The  Court  I  hope  will  recommerid 
the  man  as  an  object  of  mercy  on  account  of  his  Youth. 
[To  G.  C.] 


[No.  2033.] 

Philip  Schuyler  Advocates  the  Selection  of  Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer 
as  Surveyor  General. 

Albany  January  9th  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  Mr.  Jeremiah  Van  Renselaer  has  Intreated  me  to  men- 
tion to  youre  Excellency  that  he  wishes  the  office  of  Surveyor 
General.  I  have  formerly  had  occassion  to  enquire  Into  his 
abilities  as  a  Surveyor,  and  found  him  well  skilled  in  the  Therie 
part  and  as  he  has  been  much  Engaged  In  the  business  I  have 
no  doubt  that  he  equally  well  versed  In  the  practical.  If  you  have 
not  any  other  gentleman  In  view  for  that  office  I  shall  be  much 
obliged  to  you  for  your  Interest  In  his  favor.  I  am  D'r  Sir  with 
Great  respect  and  Esteem  Your  Excellency's  most  Obedient  Hum- 
ble Servant 

Ph.  Schuyl-er. 
His  Excellency  Gov.  Clinton  &c. 

[No.  2034.] 
ABRAHAM  YATES  DECRIES  CORRUPTION. 

Flour    Smuggled    to    the    Eastward — Helpless    Condition    of    the- 

Frontiers. 

Albany  9th  January  1779. 

Sir,  I  Sit  Down  in  anxciaty  and  Concern,  in  Order  to  Communi- 
cate to  you  the  Distresses  the  Country  is  in,  and  likely  to  Increase. 
It  Even  gives  me  pain  to  Burthen  you  with  the  Information,  when 


478  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

I  am  persuaded  you  would,  but  that  it  is  not  in  your  power  to 
rectify  it,  the  Corruption  in  the  traders  Joined  by  the  Tories  the 
Quarter  masters  &  Commisaries  is  So  great  and  Evil  Doers  So 
many  that  they  keep  Each  other  in  Countenance.  I  am  afraid 
Congress  have  Even  Some  in  their  Body  that  have  a  Share  in  the 
Corruption  of  the  times. 

The  flower,  I  am  Informed,  is  yet  Smuggled  to  the  Eastward 
by  thousands  of  Barrels.  Here  (in  Albany)  I  see  Every  day  the 
Sleighs  that  used  to  come  in  Loaded  with  grain,  Carrying  the 
Flower  out  of  this  City  up  into  Tryon,  that  County  having  not 
Sufficient  to  Supply  the  few  Troops  that  are  among  them;  the 
Inhabitants  of  that  County  under  apprehensions  of  a  visit  from 
the  Enemy,  and  nothing  incourages  them  to  'Stay  on  their  places 
then  that  they  are  made  to  believe,  that  Soon  in  the  Spring  an 
Expedition  will  be  Carried  on  to  the  westward;  and  I  have  my 
Fears  that  the  Campain  will  open  with  the  Destruction  of  part 
of  that  County  or  Schoharry,  and,  God  Knows  where  it  will  End; 
must  it  not  very  Soon  Create  a  famine?  It  makes  my  heart 
bleed  to  know  that  it  has  been  in  our  Power  to  ward  of  an  Indian 
war  for  at  Least  Some  Time  Longer,  when  I  apprehend  we  have 
gone  Kashly  into  it. 

That  the  Indian  affairs  have  Been  mismanaged  is  more  obvious 
Sit  this  Day  then  heretofore,  and  whether  our  Diligates  or  (as 
they  tell  me)  the  New  England  Diligates  were  the  occasion  of  it, 
will  make  no  Difference  When  the  Country  is  Laid  waste.  They 
acted  both  against  better  Information.  It  was  the  opinion  of 
Mr.  Kirkland  and  Dean  (I  have  it  from  the  mouth  of  the  former) 
as  well  as  the  Oneides  that  a  board  of  Commissioners  Should 
be  appointed  (out  of  people  that  Could  speak  the  Indian  Lan- 
guage and  had  some  Influence  among  them)  upon  the  Same  plan 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  479 

that  the  Indian  affairs  had  been  managed  Before  Sir  William 
[Johnson]  had  the  Superintending  of  them.  Some  Gentl'n  from 
New  England  might  have  been  added  and  if  the  New  England 
Diligates  meant  no  more  I  think  they  were  right.  'This  plan  I  am 
perswaded  might  have  kept  off  the  Indian  War,  at  Least  the 
Last,  if  not  also  the  future  Season — and  I  am  afraid  the  measures 
we  have  persued  the  Last  year  (it  is  Said  by  orders  of  Congress) 
has  Even  Precipitated  matters  upon  the  Present  plan.  For  it  is 
Said,  that  the  Indians  have  been  made  to  understand  that  as 
Soon  as  Ever  we  got  rid  of  the  Enemy  on  the  Sea  Coast,  we 
were  to  fall  on  them  and  Either  Knock  them  in  the  Head  or 
lay  waste  their  towns;  or  unnecessary  Information  and  a  very 
Impolitick  one. 

Could  Ever  the  King  of  England  have  been  more  Effectually 
Served?  was  it  not  acknowledging  what  the  ministerial  Emis- 
saries had  been  Laboring  (tjo  little  or  no  purpose)  from  the 
beginning  of  the  Contreversy.  Was  it  not  like  the  man  whose 
hands  were  tied  by  his  Enemy,  Calling  out  that  he  would  Kill 
him  as  Soon  as  he  Could  Get  Loose?  was  it  not  the  Intent  of 
the  Indians  to  take  time  by  the  Forelock  and  to  Destroy  our 
Settlements  before  we  were  ready  to  Destroy  theirs  and  to  what 
purpose  Could  it  answer  in  the  Name  of  Wonder  if  we  were  so 
minded  we  Could  not  Suppose  that  they  Would  give  the  like 
warning  to  us?  But  Gentlemen  who  Live  at  a  Distance  often 
talk  over  and  Even  enter  into  measure  the  Impropriety  and  Im- 
policy whereof  would  appear  Clearly  Were  they  to  Live  on  the 
Frontiers;  it  is  Speculating  to  the  one  but  Death  and  Destruction 
to  the  other;  we  are  now  brought  to  this,  we  must  make  Peace 
with  the  Indians  or  Early  in  the  Spring,  Carry  an  army  up  into 
their  Country  and  Destroy  them  or  Else  they  will  Come  Down 


480  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

in  the  Spring  (if  they  wait  so  Long)  and  Destroy  our  Frontiers; 
and  we  must  act  Candadly  with  the  Frontiers;  the  Inhabitants, 
tell  them  we  cannot  (if  that  be  the  Case)  Send  Such  an  army, 
and'  to  Do  for  themselves  as  well  as  they  Can  (where  will  it 
End)  for,  to  Deceive  the  People  and  Suffer  them  to  be  Butcherd 
and  Destroyed,  as  has  been  Done  the  Last  Season  will  be  an 
abomination  to  God;  the  number  already  murdered,  the  Lands 
Laid  waste  is  Shocking. 

This  letter  was  Intended  to  be  sent  at  the  Date  but  missed 
the  Post.  Now  I  Intended  to  bring  it  myself,  but  I  shall  not  be 
Down  till  the  Beginning  of  Next  week,  and  now  so  good'  an 

oppertunity.    I  Remain  your  obt.  Hu.  S't 

Ab'm  Yates,  Jun. 
Gov'r  Clinton. 


Sir  Henry  Clinton  Writes  an  Entertaining  Letter  to  Sir  George 

Germain. 

New  York  January  llth  1779. 
My  Lord, 

I  have  the  honjor  to  transmit  to  your  Lordship  the  heads  of  our 
intelligence  from  the  Rebel  Country  divested  from  the  too  San- 
guine reports  of  the  Zealous  friends  of  His  Majesty's  Govern- 
ment. 

General  Washington's  Army  is  hutted  and  cantooned  for  the 

V 

winter;  The  Troops  of  the  Southern  Colonies  on  the  West  side  of 
the  Hudson's  river,  those  of  the  New  England  Government  on  the 
East  side.  Head  Quarters  are  at  Middlebrook,  and  Washington 
in  person  at  Philadelphia. 

The  Troops  of  Genl.  Burgoyne's  army  are  probably  ere  this 
arrived  at  their  destination  near  the  West  Mountain,  in  the  in- 
terior part  of  Virginia:  as  a  proof  that  we  have  many  friends  in. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  481 

the  Country,  I  will  mention  that  thirty  men  of  these  Troops  were 
conducted  in  a  body  Eighty  Miles  through  the  Rebel  Cantjoon- 
ments  and  brought  Safe  within  our  Posts. 

Party  runs  very  high  amongst  the  Rebel  Leaders,  and  great  dis- 
content is  said  to  prevail  in  the  Army  owing  to  the  depreciation 
of  the  Currency,  which  renders  the  pay  insufficient  to  procure  the 
Common  necessaries  of  Life. 

From  the  Supplies  given  to  the  French,  the  Consumption  and 
waste  of  Provision,  the  neglect  of  Husbandry,  and  the  reluctance 
with  which  the  Farmers  part  with  their  produce  for  paper,  every 
kind  of  Sustenance  is  very  dear:  and  from  intercepted  Letters  of 
their  Commissaries  and  other  Channels  of  intelligence,  we  have 
seen  that  the  Troops  in  Connecticut  are  in  absolute  distress  for 
want  of  bread.  On  the  other  hand  Ships  are  goading  with  Flour 
in  the  Delaware,  destined,  it  is  said,  for  Mons'r  D'Estaing's  Fleet 
at  Martinico. 

Although  no  certain  account  has  been  received,  there  is  reason 
to  give  credit  to  a  report  of  Ool.  Campbell's  Command  having 
landed  at  Savannah  and  the  Country  having  Shewn  themselves 
friendly;  yet  we  perceive  no  movements  in  the  Troops  in  our 
Neighbourhood. 

The  Indians  have  again  visited  the  Frjontier  and  Surprized  at 
Fort  Alden,  near  Cherry  Valley,  part  of  two  Regiments,  thirty 
or  forty  were  killed  and  Sixty  taken  prisoners,  amongst  them  are 
the  names  of  Field  Officers.  Our  accounts  are  from  Rebel  papers 
and  probably  Softened,  we  therefore  imagine  they  have  Suffered 
a  great  deal. 

The  Insurgents  <of  Verdmont  under  Allen,  continue  to  give  um- 
brage to  what  is  called  the  New  York  Governm't. 

Four  Sail  of  victuallers  are  arrived  within  these  fed  days,  a 
31 


482  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Seasonable  relief  to  a  Spirited  Army — which  without  a  Symptom 
of  discontent  has  lived  for  several  days  on  indifferent  Oaten  bread. 

General  Lee  is  wounded  in  a  dual,  but  Slightly. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  My  Lord,  Your  Lordship's  most  obedient 

and  most  humble  Servant, 

H.  Clinton.* 

Right  Honourable  Lord  George  Germain  &c.  &c.  &c. 


[No.  2035.] 
President  Jay  Forwards  Newspapers  to  Governor  Clinton. 

Philadelphia  13  Jan'y  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  Since  my  arrival  here,  I  have  done  myself  the  Pleas- 
ure of  writing  you  several  Letters  which  I  hope  have  reached 
you.  None  of  your  Favors  have  of  yet  come  to  my  Hands.  I 
hope  the  Business  of  the  Legislature  will  not  deprive  you  of 
so  much  Leisure  as  to  leave  none  for  the  gratification  of  your 
Friends. 

I  again  send  you  some  news  Papers,  and  should  indulge  some 
Remarks  on  several  Publications  which  must  appear  interesting 
to  the  Public,  had  I  not  particular  Reasons  for  postponing  them 
to  a  future  opportunity.  Remember  the  Papers.  My  best 
Respects  to  Mrs.  Clinton.  I  am  Dear  Sir  your  most  obt.  Serv't 

John  Jay. 
His  Excellency  Gov'r  Clinton. 


[No.  2036.] 

Destitute  John  Hoehnell  Asks  Leave  to  Return  to  England  via 

New  Yorfc.  ( 

John  Hoehnell  left  Europe  4  years  ago  last  Christmas;  brought 
a  Family  consisting  of  a  wife  and  four  &  left  3  Children  at  Home; 
he  settled  in  the  Manor  of  Rensselaer;  he  got  burn't  down  last 

•Not  in  George  Clinton  collection.    From  the  general  manuscript  collection  in  the 
State  Library .-HSTATE  HISTORIAN. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  483 

spring  and  is  now  in  distress  and  poverty;  he  left  his  affairs 
in  Confusion  at  Home  and  has  a  farm  for  two  lives  in  England; 
requests  that  he  may  have  leave  to  return  home  to  settle  his 
Concerns,  dispose  of  his  Effects  and  Estate,  and  bring  his  Chil- 
dren with  him;  he  suggests  that  going  by  the  way  of  France, 
it  would  be  attended  with  very  great  Expence,  and,  therefore, 
prays  he  may  be  permitted  to  go  directly  to  Great  Brittain  by 
the  way  of  New  York. 
Albany  Jan'y  14,  1778. 


[No.  2037.] 
Raids  Into  WestcJiester — Treatment  of  Deserters  and  Other  Matters. 

Jan'y  14  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  I  have  rec'd  your  Favors  of  the  28  &  31"  ult.  and 
should  have  answered  them  by  your  Expresses  if  I  had  known 
they  were  to  return ;  the  want  of  an  opportunity  since  has  obliged 
me  to  defer  writing  to  you  till  the  present.  I  have  repeated 
accounts  of  the  Enemy's  Incursions  into  W.  Chester  County 
mentioned  in  your  Letters,  and  as  I  am  convinced  the  supplies 
they  draw  in  this  unwarlike  Manner  will  not  only  tend  in  some 
Measure  to  distress  the  Troops  under  your  Command  but  also 
afford  the  Enemy  a  temporary  supply  and  prevent  the  certain 
Effects  of  a  scarcity  of  Provision,  I  shall  with  Pleasure  render 
jou  every  assistance  in  my  Power  to  second  your  Endeavors  in 
preventing  those  dangerous  Practices  in  future.  As  conducive 
to  this  End  I  inclose  you  an  order  on  the  Command'g  officer  of  the 
Militia  of  the  County  to  give  you  such  aid  as  you  may  occasion- 
ally require.  The  men  called  out  on  this  order  I  expect  will 
draw  their  Pay  from  the  Continent  in  the  first  Instance  as  our 
Treasury  is  low  in  Cash. 


484  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

I  approve  of  your  Resolution  of  trying  by  Courts  martial  the 
offenders  you  mention,  being  persuaded  that  exemplary  Punish- 
ment will  be  attended  with  salutary  Effects  &  that  none  will 
be  the  subjects  of  it  but  those  who  are  the  proper  objects  of 
martial  Law. 

As  to  the  Deserters,  the  new  Levies  formerly  Subjects  of  this 
state  should  I  think  have  passes  &  be  directed  to  wait  on  the 
Commissioners  for  detecting  Conspiracies  here,  as  a  step  neces- 
sary to  their  future  Safety.  Your  mode  for  disposing  of  the 
Deserters  belonging  to  the  British  &  Foreign  Corps,  I  esteem 
as  proper  a  one  as  in  our  present  Circumstances  can  be  adopted. 
The  movement  of  your  Troops  to  Croton  River,  is  in  my  opinion, 
such  a  special  occasion  as  will  warrant  your  impress'g  of  Teams 
for  the  Purpose  of  conveying  Provisions  to  your  army  either  pre- 
vious to  their  March  or  after  they  arrive  there.  Thus  will  be 
justified  the  Intention  &  necessity  of  the  movement,  tho  it  might', 
be  improper  in  the  ordinary  Business,  of  supplying  an  army  with 
Fuel  when  in  winter  Quarters. 

The  Legislature  will  convene  at  this  Place  on  Tuesday  next. 
If  after  I  have  laid  the  Business  of  the  Session  before  them  I 
shall  have  Leisure  sufficient,  &  the  Riding  is  good,  I  shall  do 
myself  the  Pleasure  of  paying  you  a  visit. 

If  the  Members  of  the  Assembly  &  Senate  find  themselves  in- 
commoded by  Jackson's  Regiment  I  shall  apprise  you  of  it. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Gen.  McDougall.J 


[No.  2038.] 

President  Jay  to  Governor  Clinton  Relative  to  a  Barn  Burned  by 
Continental  Troops. 

Philadelphia  15th  Jan'y  1779. 

Sir,  Yesterday  your  Letter,  to  His  Excellency  General  Wash- 
ington covering  several  Papers  relative  to  the  burning  a  Barn 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  485 

at  Little  Britain  by  the  Convention  Troops,  was  communicated 
to  Congress  by  a  letter  from  him. 

These  Papers  were  immediately  referred  to  a  Committee,  and 
your  Excellency  may  rely  on  my  taking  the  earliest  opportunity 
of  transmitting  to  you  the  final  Resolutions  of  Congress  on  the 
Subject. 

I  have  the  Honor  to  be  with  great  Respect  &  Esteem,  Your 
Excellency's  Most  Obed't  &  most  Hble.  Serv't 

John  Jay,  President. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  2039.] 
Anonymous  Communication  Concerning  Spies. 

-  January  15th  1779. 

Sir,  You  may  remember  that  some  time  ago,  that  - 
was  sent  to  New  York  as  a  Spy  by  -  -  and  by 

Request,  I  was  knowing  to  the  matter,  and  did  talk  with  you 
on  the  Subject,  as  you  may  remember.  I  now  give  you  the  earl- 
iest intelligence  of  his  Return  by  my  boy,  which  I  send  on  pur- 
pose. I  have  been  in  Company  with  him  this  evening,  and  he 
informs  me,  that  there  is  Men  up  in  the  Country  now,  that  is  em- 
ployed by  Governor  Tryon,  to  set  fire  to  the  Barracks  at  Fish 
Kills,  and  at  the  Highlands,  and  also  at  a  Store  of  arms,  at  some 
place  towards  Fredericksburgli,  and  that  a  large  Bounty  is  bid 
to  any  man  to  kill  you.  He  informs  me  that  he  was  applied  to, 
to  be  one  of  the  men,  and  that  the  men  for  the  above  purpose 
came  up  in  Company  with  him,  and  that  one  of  them  is  now  con- 
cealed on  the  Manor  of  Cortland,  and  that  Ogden's  Jim  and  the 
white  man  that  you  have  in  your  Guard,  came  in  Company  with 
him,  from  the  Bridge,  and  that  he  had  but  just  left  them  when 


486  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

they  were  taken.  He  can  bring  out  a  great  many  tories,  and  one 
particular  who  is  just  going  to  recruit  a  Company.  He  has,  as 
he  tells  me,  brought  a  Letter  for  —  -  and  myself,  within 

eight  miles  of  here,  but  dare  not  bring  it  further,  till  he  see  me, 
which  I  have  directed  him  to  bring  it  this  night.  The  Letter  he 
tells  me,  is  from  —  -  which  I  shall  upon  the  Receipt  of  it, 

shall  send  it  to  you  by  the  first  opportunity  which  I  believe  I 
shall  come  myself,'  if  not  will  send  it.  I  have  had  but  a  short 
Conversation  with  him,  therefore,  shall  refer  you  to  him  for  fur- 
ther Particulars.  You  are  undoubtedly  much  surprized  of  his 
staying  so  long,  but  he  says  he  can  give  sufficient  Reason  for  so 
doing,  for  which  Reason  you  will  be  judge;  He  says  that  it  is 
false  concerning  his  driving  down  Cattle,  that  no  Proof  of  that 
kind  can  come  against  hi'm.  He  is  afraid  to  be  seen  publick  as 
the  people  will  take  him  up  before  he  can  come  to  you.  I  can-t 
give  you  any  thing  particular  more,  but  should  be  glad  you  would 
write  me  particular  by  my  boy  how  to  act  with  him,  as  he  will 
be  with  me  to  morrow  night,  and  any  orders  from  you  he  will 
obey.  I  am  uneasy  about  the  Store  of  Mr.  Leek,  as  I  think  there 
is  provision  in  it,  and  no  guard,  and  I  think  by  his  account,,  that 
the  Stores,  and  Barrack,  and  publick  Building  by  Bribes  seems 
to  be  the  object  for  the  winter.  I  am,  Sir,  with  due  respect  your 
most  obedient  humble  Servant.* 


[No.  2040.] 

Commissary  Knapp  Requests  Governor  Clinton  to  Release  Flour  that 

teas  Seized. 

Greenwich  15th  January  1779. 

Hon.  Sir,  The  authority  in  the  State  of  New  York  who  have 
Ever  kept  me  in  the  dark  till  Lately  for  what  they  Stoped  flour 
I  purchased  and  wanted  to  deliver  to  the  Troops  at  this  post,  they 

*See  page  501. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  487 

Now  say  'twas  because,  Mr.  Colt  had  wrote  Mr.  Leek  that  I  had 
not  orders  from  him  to  purchase,  Since  Last  spring  I  have  not 
pretended  to  purchase  under  him  from  that  time,  but  by  the  Rec't 
from  him,  I  sent  your  Excelency  the  other  day,  pr  Maj'r  Benedict, 
Shewn  that  I  had  from  May  Last,  purchased  by  order  of  Colo. 
Wadsworth,  the  Com'y  Genl.  When  Genl.  Parsons  proposed 
sending  Troops  here,  I  acquainted  him  of  the  Circumstances  of 
the  affair  and  that  I  did  not  Know  but  their  mout  [might]  be 
some  dispute  about  my  supplying  and  Issuing  to  them,  and  their 
being  no  Issuing  Commissary  here  (but  myself  who  was  then 
Issuing  to  Colo.  Enos's  Regiment,)  and  the  Number  of  Troops  so 
small  then  that  'twas  not  worth  while  to  have  one  sent,  on  which 
the  Genl.  Gave  me  a  military  appointment,  to  supply  the  Troops 
at  this  post,  which  I  Send  pr  Bearer  for  your  Exelency's  Satis- 
faction; but  the  Flour,  they  have  stoped  and  condem'd,  and  on 
which  they  taken  and  Condem'd  Teams,  was  flour  I  purchased 
Last  winter,  while  acting  under  Colt  and  bringing  here  for  the 
use  of  the  Troops.  The  Bearer  Brings  a  Letter  from  Genl.  Put- 
nam adressed  to  your  Exelencey  also  one  to  Colo.  Enos,  which 
he  Sends  for  your  Ex'ys  Perusal,  If  some  meathod  cant  be  fell 
upon  immediately  for  Flour  to  come  here,  this  post  must  be  Left. 
I  must  beg  your  Exelency's  Interposition  and  that  the  Flour 
stop'd  by  the  authority  in  your  state  and  the  teams  be  Released. 
I  have  the  Hon'r  to  be  Your  Exelency's  Most  Obed't  and  Verry 

hum'e  Serv't 

Israel  Knapp,  Jun'r. 
His  Exelency  Gov'r  Clinton. 

[No.  2041.] 

Jeremiah  Chapman  Asks  Permission  to  Remove  His  Wheat  from 

New  Yorfc  State. 

To  his  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esqr.    Governor    &    Com- 
mander in  Chief  of  the  State  of  New  York,  &c. 


488  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

The  Memorial  of  Jeremiah  Chapman  of  the  Town  of  Green- 
wich, in  the  State  of  Connecticut,  humbly  sheweth; 

That  about  two  years  ago  your  memorialist  sold  a  small  Farm 
of  Land  he  was  possessed  of  in  s'd  Greenwich,  with  a  design  to 
purchase  a  larger  Farm  in  the  State  of  New  York,  but  having 
been  disappointed  in  purchasing  any  of  the  places  he  had  in  view, 
he  was,  &  still  is  under  the  necessity  of  continuing  his  family  in 
s'd  Town;  but  being  destitute  of  land  therein,  your  Memorialist 
was  obliged  to  work  on  shares  on  a  farm  at  a  place  Called  the 
Cross  Rivers  [Westchester  County]  in  York  State  afores'd,  where 
he  has  raised  as  his  share,  about  fifty  Bushels  of  wheat  which 
still  remains  there  in  Stack.  That  your  Memorialist,  unwilling 
to  do  any  thing  contrary  to  the  embargo  Law  of  your  State  hath 
endeavoured,  by  buying  &  borrowing  among  his  neighbours  to 
procure  bread  for  his  family  'till  lately.  That  he  now  finds  it 
absolutely  impossible  either  to  support  his  Family  or  replace 
what  he  has  so  borrowed  without  your  Excellency's  interposition; 
and  its  an  addition  to  his  distress  that  he  has  not  been  able  to 
sow  any  Grain  this  Season. 

Your  Memorialist,  therefore,  prays  your  Excellency  to  take  his 
distressed  Condition  into  your  wise  Consideration,  and  grant  him 
a  permit  to  transport  his  s'd  wheat  into  this  Town  for  the  pur- 
poses afores'd  or  in  some  other  way  grant  your  Memorialist  re- 
lief in  the  premisses,  and  he  as  in  duty  bound  shall  ever  pray. 
Dated  at  Greenwich  January  15th  1779. 

Jeremiah  Chapman. 

We  hereby  Certify,  that  the  within  named  Jeremiah  Chapman 
is  a  person  well  known  to  us  as  a  Steady  &  firm  friend  to  the 
American  Cause;  and  that  upon  enquiry  we  believe  the  facts  men- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  489 

tioned  in  the  within  memorial  are  truly  stated.  As  witness  our 
hands  in  Greenwich  January  15th  1779. 

John  Mead,  Justice  of  Peace,  David  Wood,  Justice  of  Peace; 
Bezaleel  Brown,  Benjamin  Mead,  jr.,  John  Mackay,  Selectmen  of 
Greenwich. 

To  his  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  2042.] 
Massachusetts  Desires  the  Embargo  Raised. 

State  of  Massachusetts  Bay.  Council  Chamber  Jan'y  16th 
1779. 

S'r,  We  have  wrote  a  Letter  to  Congress  of  this  Date,  praying 
that  they  would  be  pleased  to  recommend  to  the  Southern  States 
a  Suspension  of  the  Embargo,  as  far  as  relates  to  the  Exporta- 
tion of  Grain  to  these  Eastern  States,  We  are  really  in  great 
want  &  have  just  Cause  to  fear  an  alarming  scarcity,  unless  your 
State  should  relieve  us  in  this  Kespect.  Divers  causes  have  Con- 
curred to  produce  this  Scarcity,  a  severe  Drought  &  a  great 
Blight  during  the  Course  of  the  last  Summer,  the  absence  of  our 
Husbandmen  in  the  Time  of  Tillage,  the  Consumption  of  the  Con- 
vention Troops,  more  than  their  Supplys  from  the  British  Com- 
missaries, the  want  of  the  usual  supply  to  our  Seaports,  arising 
from  the  Embargo,  are  among  these  Causes.  We  are  not  contriv- 
ing a  Scheme  of  Profit  to  our  Merchants,  but  are  anxious  for  a 
supply  of  Bread,  at  a  Time  when  the  want  of  it  begins  to  be  felt. 

If  it  is  more  agreeable  to  your  State  to  permit  the  Exporta- 
tion of  it,  by  your  own  merchants,  &  in  your  own  Vessels,  we  shall 
be  thoroughly  Content. 

We  are  not  sollicitous  for  the  mode  of  supply,  if  we  are  but 


490      •  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

supplied.  You  will  excuse  our  Earnestness,  &  believe  us  to  be 
ready  at  all  times  to  reciprocate  acts  of  Benevolence  &  Friend- 
ship with  you. 

In  the  Name  &  behalf  of  the  General  Assembly  I  am  S'r  Y'r 

very  Humble  Serv't 

Jer.  Powell,  Presid't 
Gov'r  Clinton. 


[No.  2043.] 
Commissary  Cuyler  Puts  in  a  Plea  for  the  Army. 

Albany  January  16th  1779. 

Sir,  I  have  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  Excellency's 
letter  of  the  30th  ult.  thro:  Coll:  Lush,  your  secretary,  with  its 
Inclosures.  Your  opinion  with  respect  to  the  Flour  of  Mons'r 
Marignon*  is  very  Just,  but  haveing  at  Present  no  Power  to  take 
It  by  any  authority,  I  have  desired  the  Propriator  thereof  not  to 
have  It  removed.  Whether  he  will  do  It  or  not  is  uncertain.  I 
understand  there  are  several  quantities  of  flour  in  this  County 
under  the  same  Circumstances  as  that  of  Mons'r  Marignon,  the 
whole  of  which  I  have  the  greatest  Reason  to  believe  will  be  sent 
away  as  soon  as  the  sleying  will  admitt;  being  thus  situated  I 
must  Request  your  Excellencey  will  be  Pleased  to  lay  thn  matter 
before  this  Lagislature  that  some  mathod  may  be  speedily 
directed  to  Inable  me  to  Procure  the  said  Flour  for  the  use  of 
the  army,  for  which  purpose,  It  is  Exceedingly  much  wanted.  I 

am  your  Excellencies  most  Obdt. 

Jacob  Cuyler,  D.  C.  G.  P. 
His  Excellency  George  Clinton. 

*  Charles-Rene-Louis,  Viscount  de  Bernard  de  Marigny,  was  born  in  1730,  destined  for 
the  church,  but  ran  away  at  the  age  of  fourteen;  entered  the  Marines  and  in  1778 
became  captain.  He  participated  in  seven  battles  during  the  war  for  independence. 
At  the  naval  battle  at  the  entrance  of  Chesapeake  Bay,  fought  on  the  16th  of  March, 
1781,  he  highly  distinguished  himself.  In  1783  he  became  Viscount,  in  1792  Rear  Admiral 
and  vehemently  opposed  the  blood-curdling  excesses  of  the  Revolution.  He  was  de- 
nounced and  only  the  fall  of  Robespierre  saved  his  life.  He  was  commissioned  Vice 
Admiral  in  1814  by  Louis  XVIII,  and  died  in  1816.  See  page  494.— STATB  HISTORIAN. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  491 

[Nos.  2044-2045.] 
A  MUTINOUS  SPIRIT  REPORTED. 

Barrack  Master  Bannister  Demands  Straw  and  Blankets  for  the 
Troops — Colonel  Jackson's  Comment. 

Fish  Kill  Jan'y  17th  1779. 

Dear  General,  I  received  this  morning  your  favor  of  yesterday, 
am  obliged  to  the  General,  for  the  Care  he  takes  of  us.  This 
Minuit  12  o'Clock  this  day,  I  received  the  inclosed  from  Major 
Bannister,  which  I  am  sorry  to  send,  it  is  the  first  time  I  have  had 
any  Complaint  of  this  Nature.  As  to  the  Barrack  Master,  I  have 
done  all  I  can  with  him.  I  believe  him  to  be  a  dilitory  Man,  and 
that  he  might  have  got  straw,  if  he  had  taken  pains.  I'le  wait 
the  General's  further  orders,  on  the  affair,  and  at  the  same  time, 
do  all  I  can  to  keep  orders.  I  will  send  for  Captain  Brown,  who  is 
at  Poughkepsie,  in  order,  that  he  may  be  at  Peeks  Kill,  on  Wed- 
nesday next,  with  the  Court,  and  evidences  may  be  ready  at  that 
time.  These  from  the  General's  most  humble  Servant 

M.  Jackson  Colonel. 
(Copy) 

To  M.  General  McDougal.* 


MAJOR  BANNISTER'S  COMMUNICATION. 

Sir,  Our  good  Men  that  have  suffered  every  thing,  but  death, 
for  their  country,  patiently,  and  looked  unto  the  Officers  humbly 
petitioning  and  at  last,  with  tears  in  their  eyes,  to  my  knowledge, 
for  the  small  part  of  what  is  due  to  them,  the  necessary  Articles 
of  Straw,  and  Blankets,  which  the  Men  know  can  be  got,  and  they 
cannot  do  without,  have  at  last  determined,  to  seek  Releif  by  des- 
perate Means.  Sir,  by  what  I  have  seen,  and  heard,  we  shall  soon 

•These  two  documents  no  doubt  'belong  to  document  2061,  page  501. 


492  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

hare  no  Soldiers,  unless  those  Articles  are  speedily  supplyed.  I 
beleive  next  Thursday  is  the  longest  term,  that  it  is  possible  to 
persuade  them  to  any  order,  or  duty,  but  to  seek  Redress  by  force 
of  Arms.  This  Sir,  I  represent  as  facts,  and  as  what  must  be 
remydied  to  prevent  Confusion. 

I  am  Sir  in  haste  and  much  Concern  Your  very  humble  Ser- 
vant 

Seth  Bannister,  M.  B. 
Sunday  Morning  Jan'y  17th  1779. 

Comm'dt  Jackson. 
(Copy) 


[No.  2046.] 

POLICY  OF  THE  INDIANS. 

Colonel  Van  Dyck  Reports  the  Result  of  a  Council  Between  the 
Tuscaroras,  Oneidas  and  Onondagas. 

Fort  Schuyler,  Janu'ry  18th  1779. 

Sir,  Last  Evening  two  Oneidas,  and  an  equal  number  of  the 
Tuscaroras  waited  on  me  here,  &  informed,  that  for  two  days  past 
their  Tribes  had  sat  in  Council  &  every  Individual  desired  to  de- 
clare his  final  resolution  as  to  the  part  to  be  taken  in  the  present 
seeming  crisis  of  their  affairs.  At  the  same  time  should  any  chuse 
to  join  the  enemy,  free  liberty  was  given  to  withdraw  from  their 
tribe;  that  the  result  of  their  meeting  was  an  unanimous  resolu- 
tion to  stand  by  each  other  in  defence  of  their  lives  and  Liberty 
against  any  enemy  that  might  be  disposed  to  attack  them.  That 
they  then  proceeded  to  take  into  consideration  the  late  message 
of  the  Quyugas  [Cayugas],  to  which  they  unanimously  agreed  to 
return  the  following  answer,  to  wit,  That  as  they  had  ever  behaved 
themselves  in  a  quiet  peaceable  manner  toward  the  confedracy, 
they  coud  not  conceive  their  conduct  was  reprehencible  by  them. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  493 

They  likewise  put  them  in  mind  of  their  longand  unwearied  efforts 
to  prevent  the  six  nations  involving  themselves  in  the  calamities 
of  war,  and  that  they  had  exerted  themselves  so  far,  as  'by  their  in- 
fluence to  relieve  from  close  confinement  some  of  their  people 
whom  the  fortune  of  war  had  put  in  the  hands  their  enemies.  But 
that  they  now  utterly  dispaired  of  ever  being  able  to  effect  a 
reconciliation  between  the  Confederacy  and  the  United  States 
and  that  the  only  hope  they  now  had  of  them  was  that  some  of 
them  woud  in  time  abandon  the  cause  they  had  imprudently  es- 
poused. That  they  woud  never  violate  their  aliance  with  the 
American  States,  and  tho  they  woud  not  be  the  agressors  or 
wantonly  provoke  any  tribe  to  war,  yet  that  they  should  be  hence- 
forth on  their  guard  against  any  enemy  whatsoever. 

Seven  of  the  principle  Onondaga  Chiefs,  who  have  hitherto 
been  considered  as  neutral,  being  at  the  same  time  at  Oneida,  on 
their  way  to  this  fort,  it  was  determined  to  call  them  in  and  ac- 
quaint them  with  the  above  resolution,  which  was  accordingly 
done,  by  a  large  black  belt  of  wompom.  The  Onondagas  replied 
that  they  were  very  glad  to  hear  the  resolution  which  their  chil- 
dren the  Oneidas  and  Tuscaroras  had  made.  They  observed  that  as 
the  Oneidas  who  were  the  head  of  the  Confederacy  had  committed 
the  Council  fire  &  tree  of  peace  to  their  care,  with  a  charge  to 
guard  them  against  the  approach  of  any  thing  which  might  in- 
jure either,  or  tend  to  interrupt  the  harmony  of  the  confederacy, 
they  had,  therefore,  invariably  pursued  the  path  of  peace,  and  tho' 
they  had  been  desired  by  the  opposite  party  of  their  tribe  to  ex- 
tinguish the  council  fire;  yet  that  they  had  refused,  nor  coud  they 
consistantly  do  it  whilst  the  Oneidas  retained  any  hope  of  ac- 
commodating matters  in  the  six  nations.  But  as  the  heads  of  the 
confederacy  had  now  declared  themselves  so  fully  upon  that 


494  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

subject;  they  now  let  go  their  hold  of  peace,  extinguished  the 
council  fire,  and  sunk  the  tree  of  peace  in  the  earth,  and  were 
determined  to  join  their  children  the  Oneidas  and  Tuscaroras  to 
oppose  any  invader. 

The  Onondogas  have  further  engaged  upon  their  return  home 
to  effect  a  final  seperation  in  their  tribe,  and  insist  that  every  one 
shall  declare  for  one  side  or  the  other.  They  now  join  with  the 
Oneidas  in  requesting  that  Troops  may  be  sent  for  their  pro- 
tection, also  that  a  supply  of  goods  may  be  furnished  at  this 
post  for  a  trade. 

The  Oneidas  seem  to  place  great  confidence  in  the  engagements 
of  the  Onondogas,  and  are  in  high  spirits  to  find  such  a  number  of 
them  so  friendly  disposed.    I  am  with  great  esteem  &c. 
Copy.  Cornelius  V'n  Dyck.* 

To  the  Hon'le  Genl.  [James]  Clinton. 


[No.  2047.] 
FLOUR  FOR  THE  FRENCH  ALLIES. 

Private  Secretary  Ltish  Denies   the   Claim  of  M.   Marigny   that 
Governor  Clinton  has  Detained  an  Invoice  for  the  French  Fleet. 

Great  Barrington  J'y  17  1779. 

Sir,  I  expected  in  vain  the  other  day  to  convince  your  Excel- 
lency that  the  certificate  which  I  laid  before  you  two  or  three 
days  ago  iniplyd  that  Mons.  De  Valnais  *  intended  the  remainder 
of  the  flour  which  I  have  bought  for  the  French  fleet,  for  the  use 
of  a  number  of  sick  and  wounded  men  whom  they  had  left  in 
Boston,  being  unfit  for  the  voyage.  I  could  go  to  Boston  and 
bring  you  a  more  satisfac'tory  certificate  but  I  had  rather  to  be 

*  See  page  628. 

•De  Vallenays,    enlisted   as  volunteer;    brevet   captain   of  cavalry   with   pay   28th   of 
July,  1777. 


ROCHAMBEAU. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  495 

free  from  this  last  trouble  and  expence  of  all  those  that  I  have 
suffered  these  five  months  upon  account  of  this  business.  I  am 
a  stranger  here  and  I  hope  for  all  that  your  Excellency  will  lend 
a  favourable  ear  to  my  representations,  if  they  are  but  reason- 
able. I  would  even  think  that  being  a  well  recommended  subject 
of  a  king  with  whom  you  have  lately  made  a  treaty  of  alliance, 
that  quality  would  give  me  a  title  to  any  favour  and  protection, 
.  which  is  consistent  with  the  duties  of  your  high  employment.  I 
will  try  to  convince  you  that  even,  if  the  flour  is  not  wanted  for 
the  use  aforesaid,  yet  it  would  be  some  injustice  to  keep  it  from 
going  out  of  the  state  of  New  York,  unless  the  com'y  general  of 
the  army  would  allow  me  the  same  advantage  which  my  counter- 
act with  the  French  fleet  could  have  procured  to  me;  for  it  was 
only  upon  the  strength  of  the  said  counteract  together  with  thai: 
of  your  permit,  that  I  ventured  to  lay  out  so  considerable  a  sum 
and  to  run  the  risk  of  all  event,  which  I  would  not  have  certainly 
done,  if  I  had  thougt  that  you  soon  would  take  the  matter  in  an- 
other light.  Of  the  flour  that  I  have  bought  a  part  of  it  went 
down  to  the  French  fleet  and  the  other  could  not  get  to  them  upon 
account  of  the  difficulty  of  the  transportation,  which  part  lays 
consequently  upon  my  own  hands  at  my  own  risk.  Now,  if  your 
Excellency  will  not  allow  me  to  carry  that  remainder  out,  what 
will  be  the  consequence  for  me?  The  comissary  will  make  with 
me  such  agreement  as  he  pleases  and  even  will  be  apt  to  take  the 
advantage  of  me  because  he  knows  that  by  your  late  act,  nobody 
has  a  right  to  buy  but  himself  such  a  large  quantity  of  flour.  Will 
that  be  the  benefit  that  I  had  a  right  to  expect  after  five  months 
of  the  hardest  fatigue  and  the  laying  out  so  considerable  sum  of 
money  and  the  reward  of  having  served  both  my  country  and 
these  states,  since  they  are  so  connected  that  who  serves  one} 


496  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

serves  the  other?  Would  not  that  even  be  apt  to  weaken  the 
trust  that  I  had  upon  your  permit,  and  to-  encroach  upon  one  of 
the  articles  of  the  treaty  of  alliance  which  secures  the  property 
of  a  subject  of  the  king  of  France  in  any  place  of  this  continent? 
I  would  not  give  niy  opinion  upon  that  matter  as  a  rule,  but  if 
your  Excellency  considers  the  matter  in  another  view,  I  beg  of 
your  Excellency  to  write  a  letter  to  the  commissary  general 
whereby  you  advise  him,  if  the  French  consul  should  not  want  the 
flour,  to  take  it  for  the  benefit  of  the  army  under  the  same  con- 
ditions as  the  French  were  to  have  it.  I  think  that  any  other 
agreement  would  be  unjust  and  I  will  represent  besides  to  your 
Excellency  that  I  have  bought  from  Mr.  Jacobus  De  Peyster  in 
Fishkill  hundred  and  fifty  nine  barrels  of  flour  at  the  rate  of  25 
shillings  of  your  money  pr  hundred  and  having  not  that  hard 
money  upon  hands  I  gave  my  obligation  for  it,  expecting  to  be 
repaid  in  the  same  cash  by  the  French.  Now,  I  think  that  if  the 
comissary  pretends  to  have  that  flour,  he  is  to  fulfill  my  engage- 
ments towards  the  said  gentleman,  or  else  give  me  the  liberty  to 
transport  it  whenever  I  will  be  able  to  get  hard  money  for  it 
whereby  I  will  be  able  to  fulfill  my  promise.  I  will  beg  of  your 
Excellency  to  mention  this  last  to  the  comissary  and  to  write  to 
him  as  quick  as  your  business  will  permit.  That  is  the  last  favour 
that  will  beg  of  you,  he  who  remains  of  Your  Excellency  the  most 

obedient  and  respectful  servant 

Charles  De  Matigny. 

To  his  Excellency  Governor  George  Clinton  esquire  Poughkeepsie. 

COLONEL  LUSH'S  REPLY-. 

Jan'y  19"  1779. 

Sir,  I  am  directed  by  his  Excellency  to  inform  you  that  he 
has  not  given  any  orders  to  Mr.  Cuyler*  for  detaining  the  Flour 

•See  page  490. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  497 

purchased  by  you  for  the  use  of  the  French  Fleet.  Mr.  Cuyler 
wrote  to  his  Excellency  on  the  Subject  and  requested  his  Direc- 
tions respecting  it.  I  wrote  to  Mr.  Cuyler  in  answer  to  his  Letter 
by  order  of  the  Governor  that  he  would  not  pretend  to  give  any 
Directions  respecting  it  but  left  Mr.  Cuyler  to  act  agreable  to 
what  he  might  conceive  to  be  his  Duty  on  the  Occasion  but  if 
upon  the  whole  he  should  determine  to  take  it  advised  him  to  pay 
the  Purchase  money  &  reasonable  Expences. 

His  Excellency  conceives  that  he  has  no  controling  Power  over 
Mr.  Cuyler  and  if  any  of  the  Purchases  for  the  use  of  the  French 
Fleet  are  injured  by  the  Gentlemen  in  the  Commissary's  Depart- 
ment under  the  late  act  of  the  Legislature  their  proper  Mode 
for  Redress  will  be  by  applications  to  that  Body.  I  am  &c. 

[Lush.] 
[To  Monsieur  De  Marigny.] 


[No.  2048.] 
CLEMENCY  FOR  CRIMINALS. 

Sheriff  Nicoll  of  Orange  County  Intercedes  for  Prisoners — Governor 

Clinton's  Position. 

Goshen  Janu'r  17th  1779. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency,  I  would  Recommend  to  your 
Mercey  and  Clemency  Amy  Auger  as  a  pure  under  witted  Greater 
and  a  propper  Object  of  mercey.  She  is  to  be  Executed  Next 
Friday  unless  your  Excellency  will  Suspend  the  Execution. 

Also  one  Matthew  Dolson,  Convicted  of  Felony;  what  makes 
In  his  Faver  is,  he  Delivered  himself  up  to  the  Court  when  it 
was  in  his  power  to  kept  out  of  the  the  way  or  gone  to  the  Enemy 
and  was  Convicted  by  his  one  Confession,  and  I  beleve  Hartily 
Repents  of  the  Evel  he  has  Don;  he  has  a  wife  and  one  Child 
a  woman  of  a  good  Character  and  a  very  honast  Family. 
32 


498  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

The  other  is  John  Ryan,*  a  young  Lad  of  Ninteene,  a  Solder  in 
Coll.  Malcom's  Redgt.  a  Hansom  well  behaved  young  Fellow  and 
one  that  Truly  Deserves  mercey  and  I  dout  not  but  your  Excel- 
lency will  to  him  bestow  it!  as  to  Claudius  Smith  and  Jeames 
Gordon  I  shal  Take  pleashure  in  seeing  them  Executed. 

I  have  a  Faver  to  ask  of  your  Excellency,  if  Consistent,  if  you 
should  thinck  propper  to  parden  any  of  the  above,  that  a  Condi- 
tion in  said  pardon  mought  be,  that  he  should  Execute  the  Rest, 
as  it  will  be  Disagreeable  to  me  to  do  it  and  the  Incom  of  my 
Office  will  not  afford  my  paying  any  body  Else.  I  Remain  your 

Excellency  Most  Obediant  Servent 

Isaac  Nicoll. 
To  His  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esquire. 


GOVERNOR  CLINTON'S  REPLY. 

19th  Jan'y  1779. 

D'r  Sir,  In  a  seperate  Letter  which  will  be  delivered  to  you 
by  the  Bearer  you  will  receive  a  Reprieve  for  Amy  Augur,  & 
under  the  present  Cover  you  have  a  like  for  Mathew  Dollson, 
which  I  have  been  induced  to  grant  from  sundry  Facts  laid 
before  me  of  an  extenuating  Nature.  It  will  not  be  in  my  Power 
to  Pardon  either  of  the  Offenders  on  Condition  of  their  being 
Executioners,  but  you  may  make  any  lawful  agreement  with 
either  of  them  you  think  proper,  only  remember  Government  is 
not  to  be  bound  by  any  Promises  you  may  make  them  &  I  know 
you  too  well  to  suppose  you  capable  of  deceiving  them  in  that 
manner.  I  think  from  what  I  learn  it  is  likely  Dolson  will  in  the 
End  receive  a  Pardon  but  of  this  he  ought  not  to  have  the  least 

Intimation  least  it  shoud  not  be  the  case.     I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
Colo.  Nicoll. 

*9ee  page  476. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  499 

• 

[No.  2049.1 
SCARCITY  OF  FLOUR. 

Governor  Clinton  Writes  General  Putnam  and  Suggests  Methods  of 
Regulation  for  Distribution. 

Jan'y  19"  1779  Pokeepsie. 

D'r  Sir,  I  have  received  your  Letter  of  the  12"  Instant*  and 
previous  to  the  Receipt  had  answered  that  of  the  26th  ult.*  by 
what  I  esteemed  a  safe  Conveyance.  I  now  inclose  you  a  Copy 
of  what  I  then  wrote.  It  would  be  needless  to  remind  you  of 
the  Difficulties  which  attended  the  supplying  the  army  in  this 
state  last  summer  and  the  Distresses  which  threatned  them  for 
want  of  Flour  and  that  this  did  not  arise  entirely  from  the 
negligence  of  the  Commissaries  but  in  a  great  measure  from  the 
Exportation  of  vast  Quantities  for  the  Purposes  of  private  Com- 
merce in  which  Practice  some  inferior  agents  who  pretended  to 
be  purchasing  for  the  use  of  the  army  (there  is  the  greatest 
Reason  to  believe)  were  deeply  concerned.  To  prevent  this  I 
determined  to  give  no  Permits  for  the  Exportation  of  Flour  out 
of  the  State  under  the  Embargo  Law  but  to  such  Persons  as 
were  recommended  by  the  Commissary  Genl.  or  his  principal 
Deputy  or  agent,  who  then  became  answerable  for  its  due  ap- 
plication, or  if  it  was  inconvenient  previously  to  obtain  this, 
the  Permission  was  granted  subject  to  that  Condition.  This  was 
the  Case  with  Respect  to  the  Licence  given  Mr.  Knapp  who  I 
did  not  even  know  to  be  a  regularly  appointed  deputy,  and  if 
[he]  had  complied  with  the  Conditions  which  it  was  his  Duty  to 
do,  I  am  persuaded  he  would  not  have  met  with  the  Difficulties 
experienced  by  him  in  attempting  to  remove  the  Flour  purchased 
by  him  in  the  State  for  the  use  of  your  army.  The  last  seizure  of 

*Not  found. 


500  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Flour  at  Bedford  was  made  at  tlie  Instance  of  Commissary  Leake 
which  is  the  more  remarkable  if  it  was  really  intended  for  the 
use  of  the  army.  I  wrote  to  the  Justice  who  acted  on  the  oc- 
casion, but  what  Effect  my  Letter  has  had,  is  yet  unknown  to 
me  and  I  despair  of  its  hav'g  any,  as  I  am  not  invested  by  Law 
with  any  controuling  Power  over  his  Proceedings. 

I  have  the  greatest  Desire  of  giving  that  Part  of  the  army 
which  is  under  your  Command  every  aid  in  my  Power,  and  you 
may  rest  assured  that  all  applications  made  to  me  by  the  Comm'rs 
agreable  to  the  above  Restrictions  will  be  chearfully  attended  to; 
but,  Sir,  it  is  a  Fact  if  I  may  credit  the  Complaints  constantly 
made  to  me  from  every  Quarter  that  Flour  has  become  a  scarce 
article.  Mr.  Cuyler  the  Comm'y  at  Albany  writes  me  that  he 
will  not  be  able  to  lay  in  the  necessary  Magazines  for  that  De- 
partm't.  Genl.  McDougal  acquaints  me  that  he  will  be  obliged 
to  quit  the  Post  he  now  occupies  for  want  of  supplies;  and  you 
also  complain.  Every  method  has  been  tried  by  the  Legislature 
to  supply  the  Troops  with  Flour;  for  this  Purpose  the  Comm'rs 
by  Law  are  empowered  to  seize  all  the  Crops  of  year  1777  & 
the  years  preceding  with  such  as  had  been  purchased  by  Traders 
of  the  present  Crop.  But  all  will  prove  ineffectual  unless  Com- 
merce in  that  article  can  be  stopped;  this  induces  me  to  believe 
it  is  for  the  Interest  of  the  army  to  give  licences  for  Exportation 
under  the  Checks  above  mentioned  &  not  otherwise,  and  I  flatter 
myself  of  your  earliest  assistance  in  opposing  a  Trade  which  if 

countenanced  must  end  in  our  Ruin.     I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Gen.  Putnam.] 

P.  S.  I  have  rec'd  a  Letter  from  Mr.  Knapp  on  the  Subject 
of  the  Seizure  by  Mr.  Leake  but  esteem  it  unnecessary  to  write 
to  him  as  this  Letter  contains  all  I  can  say  in  the  matter. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  501 

[No.  2050.] 

Certificate  and  List  of  Booty  Taken  on  the  Western  Frontier  by  a 

Scouting  Party. 

January  ye  19th  1779. 

These  is  to  Sartify  to  all  Parsons  whom  it  may  Concarn  that 
Jacob  Seman  hath  been  in  the  sarvis  on  the  frontears  in  Com- 
pany with  me,  a  scouting,  By  the  orders  of  Coll.  Newcark  and 
hav  Taken  a  Large  Bootey*  from  the  Enemy  which  was  devided 
between  the  scout  by  me. 

Bezaleel  Tyler,  Capt.,  James  Little,  Esqr.  John  Wood,  Capt., 
John  Little,  Capt.,  David  Horton  und. 

I  callicoe  Gown,  1  cotton  mantle,  1  apron,  1  sheet,  1  pillow 
case,  1  gauze  Handerchief,  1  pr.  worsted  mittans,  I  womans 
Housewife,  4  pewter  spoons,  1  pr.  mens  shoes  &  buckles,  1  paper 
pins,  1  bunch  calimass,  a  pair  sadlebaggs. 


[No.  2051.] 
TRIBULATIONS  OF  A  GENERAL  OFFICER. 

General  McDougall  Writes  at  Length  to  Governor  Clinton — Without 
a  Dollar,  Deserters  and  Troublesome  Militia — His  Plan  for 
Regulating  Commissary  Supplies. 

Head  Quarters  Peekskill  Janr'y  20th  1779. 
My  dear  Sir,  Your  Favor  of  the  3rd  came  duly  to  Hand.  It 
would  long  ere  now  have  been  acknowleged,  but  the  pressing 
public  Business  prevented.  I  have  done  a  great  deal  of  Business 
in  the  Course  of  my  Life;  but  at  no  Period,  have  I  been  so  hard 
pushed.  But  I  thank  God,  I  am  able  to  do  as  much  as  at  any 
Period  of  it.  My  call  on  your  Militia,  in  ordinary  cases,  will  only 
be  on  the  disaffected,  to  handle  the  ax  and  Spade.  If  the  Com- 

*  See  page  519.— STATE  HISTORIAN. 


502  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

mander  in  chief  sends  me  Money,  I  shall  discharge  all  their  De- 
mands. But  you  will  be  surprized  to  be  informed,  that  I  am  left 
here,  without  a  single  Dollar,  and  the  Debts  of  the  grand  army, 
have  gleaned  all  that  was  in  the  Quarter  &  Forage  Departments, 
when  it  left  the  State.  I  have  borrowed  of  my  Neighbours,  as 
far  as  they  could  lend,  to  supply  both  these  Lines;  and  to  pay 
Deserters,  and  now,  if  one  Hundred,  would  save  me,  the  army 
and  State  from  Destruction,  I  cannot  command  it.  The  Com- 
mander in  chief  is  not  uninformed  of  my  condition  in  this  article, 
or  the  general  State  of  the  Post.  I  have  written  him  Line,  on 
Line  on  this  Subject. 

The  Spirit  of  Desertion  still  continues  with  the  Enemy.  Five 
came  up  last  Night.  These  make  thirty  two  since  January.  As 
all  but  those  who  have  a  strong  Desire  for  Pensylvania,  are 
sent  to  you,  your  wants  in  Domesticks  can  be  supplied  at  your 
own  Election. 

My  Left  advanced,  is  rather  exposed,  as  the  Detachments  from 
Major  General  Putnam,  cannot  be  prevailed  upon,  to  quit  the 
Paradise  of  Saw-Pitts,  as  if  all  South  of  it,  was  Tophet.  To 
remedy  this,  I  have  wrote  to  the  General  for  240  of  his  Division 
to  be  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Colonel  Burr,  who  commands 
from  my  Division. 

Your  whig  Militia  below  have  as  great  an  Itch  for  plundering, 
as  the  Cow  Boys;  but  if  they  dont  conform  to  my  Orders,  I  will 
flog  them,  or  give  them  over,  to  the  civil  authority  to  be  prose- 
cuted as  thieves  and  Robbers.  And  if  they  stir  out,  but  with  my 
officers,  I  shall  take  no  Notice  of  them,  if  Sir  Henry  Clinton 
treats  them,  as  I  shall  his  Cow  and  Horse  Thieves.  Many  of 
them  I  know,  are  brave,  and  have  just  Cause  to  be  sore  by  the 
Bobberies  and  plundering  of  the  Tories.  But  if  they  want  Re- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  503 

dress,  they  must  get  Letters  or  Orders  of  Reprisals  from  you,  and 
when  these  are  satisfied  to  cease,  otherwise  all  their  Disorders, 
will  be  placed  to  Colonel  Burr's  account  and  mine,  and  besides 
debauch  the  regular  Troops. 

It  is  unquestionable  the  Enemy  is  hard  pressed  for  Bread.  Thte 
Cork  Fleet  can  bring  but  little  Supply  of  that  Article;  even  if 
they  should  arrive  in  this  extreme  Weather,  which  I  think  from 
my  Knowledge  of  the  Sea,  is  very  problematical.  In  this  Extrem- 
ity, it  would  seem  as  if  our  pretended  whigs  are  cooperating  with 
the  Enemy,  to  put  this  army  and  Major  General  Putnam's,  in  the 
same  deplorable  condition.  The  Particulars  of  these  Machina- 
tions, Time  will  not  permit  to  enumerate.  From  the  Returns  I 
have  had  from  the  several  commissaries,  there  is  no  certainty  of 
Support  for  the  army  on  the  East  Side  of  Hudson's,  more  than 
a  Fortnight,  unless  arbitrary  Measures  are  pursued.  In  this 
State  of  things,  the  army  is  discontented  on  account  of  their  Pay, 
Blankets,  and  other  articles  due  to  them,  a  Specimen  of  which 
you  will  see  in  the  Inclosure  No.  1  and  2.*  There  is  yet  no  public 
Bruite;  but  if  their  general  Court,  does  not  redress  their  Com- 
plaints, God  only  knows  what  the  Consequence  will  be.  They 
have  sent  home  committees  from  the  officers  and  privates,  to 
represent  their  Grievances.  It  is  at  all  Events  my  Duty,  to  pre- 
vent any  cause  of  complaint  on  the  Subject  of  Provision,  and 
«uch  Articles  as  the  Country  can  furnish.  I  am  sensible  the  In- 
habitants near  the  army,  want  their  Straw  but  one  Sleigh  Load 
from  every  respectable  Farmer  will  make  no  great  Difference, 
and  tend  to  quiet  those  poor  Lads,  who  are  very  sore,  reflecting 
on  their  Sufferings  and  the  insufficiency  of  their  Pay. 

May  I  beg  the  Favor  of  you,  to  write  a  circular  Letter  to  the 

*See  page  491  for  the  explanation  of  these  Inclosures. 


504  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Justices,  or  other  Friends  of  the  country,  to  use  their  Influence,, 
to  cause  that  quantity  to  be  brought  into  Fishkill,  or  Pough- 
keepsie,  as  the  snow  now  favors  the  Transportation.  I  find  no 
other  means  will  effect  it.  The  Troops  of  the  whole  Division, 
are  now  doing  the  duty  of  Horses,  in  drawing  wood  and  other 
Necessaries  to  their  respective  Cantonments.  Colonel  Poor's 
Regiment  on  Fatigue  at  Kings  Ferry,  have  been  two  Days  with- 
out flour,  notwithstanding  every  Precaution  in  my  power  was 
taken  to  prevent  it.  Its  too  dangerous  an  Experiment,  to  risque 
such  Suffering  for  the  future,  considering  the  various  Causes  of 
discontent  in  the  army.  No  Flour  is  to  be  expected  from  the 
Southward.  If  the  present  Artifices  of  the  Jobbers  and  Tories  in 
concealing  their  Produce,  are  suffered  to  pass  thro'  the  ordinary 
Course  of  Law,  in  this  County  to  punish  them ;  the  army  will  be 
obliged  to  disband,  or  remove  to  Jersey,  unless  I  act  arbitrary  in 
many  Cases,  where  Necessity  requires  it,  for  the  Preservation  of 
this  State,  and  the  common  Cause.  To  lose  the  flattering  Pros- 
pect, of  weakening  the  Enemy's  Force,  more  by  Desertion,  than 
have  been  taken  in  any  Battle,  since  the  Contest,  without  the 
Loss  of  one  man  of  our  army,  is  not  to  be  dispensed  with;  or  to- 
suffer  the  lower  Part  of  this  State,  to  be  burnt  and  the  Enemy 
to  take  Possession  of  these  Posts,  is  too  humiliating,  to  hesitate 
a  Moment  what  Alternative  I  must  make.  There  is  now  in  this 
County  alone,  Flour  and  Wheat  enough  to  serve  this  army  till 
Spring,  besides  an  ample  Supply  for  the  Inhabitants.  But  it 
cannot  be  procured  by  the  ordinary  Course  of  Law.  Whenever  I 
depart  from  it,  I  shall  always  have  Vouchers  to  satisfy  the  good 
People  of  the  State,  of  the  Necessity;  and  risque  the  Conse- 
quences of  my  Conduct  to  their  Wisdom  and  Discernment. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  505 

If  I  had  not  sent  Parties  to  the  Mills  east  of  this,  the  Division 
In  twenty  Days  would  be  disbanded  for  want  of  Bread. 

The  Enemy's  Strength  on  York  and  Long  Islands,  is  10,780 
strong  at  the  lowest  Calculation,  exclusive  of  Delancy's  Brigade, 
Horse  and  Artillery,  besides,  the  Garrisons  of  Staten  Island  and 
Powles  Hook.*  Of  this  I  can  convince  you,  when  I  have  the 
Pleasure  of  your  Visit,  and  that  the  Enemy  intend  to  remain  in 
the  United  States  another  Campaign,  unless  the  French  Fleet  in 
Europe,  gains  a  decisive  victory  over  the  British,  which  is  not 
very  probable.  Every  Intelligence  that  can  be  relied  on,  mark 
his  Intention  to  remain  in  the  United  States. 

The  Inclosure  No.  3  a  Letter  of  General  Tryon's,  to  a  person 
whom  I  shall  name  to  you,  shews  the  Spirit  of  the  high  Servants 
of  the  devoted  Britains,  and  No.  4f  will  inform  you  of  the  vile  and 
desperate  arts,  which  they  practise.  These  are  communicated  in 
Confidence. 

*The  appended  statistics  will  show  the  strength  of  the  British  forces  im  America  from 
1774,  with  the  salaried  list  of  officers,  and  lists  of  the  dead,  prisoners,  deserters,  the  dis- 
tribution of  Sir  William  Howe's  forces,  with  the  monthly  return  of  July  1,  1777,  con- 
taining a  list  of  the  regiments  with  the  names  of  their  commanding  officers  compiled  by 
=the  State  Historian  from  the  Parliamentary  Register: 

fSee  page  485. 


506 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


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PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  507 

Establishment  of  General  and  General  Staff  Officers,  with  their 
respective  Pay  and  Appointments  in  North  America,  for  the  Year 
1774.  , 

Per  Diem. 
£.  s.  d. 

General  and  commander  in  chief                              10          0  0 

Two  aids  de  camp  to  ditto,  each  10s.  1          0          0 

Secretary  to  ditto  0        10          0 

Two  brigadiers  general,  each  1£.  10s  300 

Three  majors  of  brigade,  each  ]0s.  1        10          0 

Deputy  quarter-master  general  0        10          0 

Two  assistants  to  ditto,  each  5s.  0        10          0 

Deputy  adjutant  general  0        10          0 

Commissary  of  the  musters  0        10          0 

Two  deputy  ditto,  each  5s.  0        10          0 

Barrack-master  general  100 

Judge  advocate  0        10          0 

Commissary  of  the  stores  100 

Surgeon  to  the  hospitals  0        10          0 

Provost  marshal  026 

Commanding  Officers  at  the  following  Posts,  viz. 

Fort  George  076 

Niagara  076 

Detroit  076 

Ticonderago  050 

Oswegatchie  050 

Michillimachinac  050 

Barrack  Masters  at  the  following  Forts,  viz. 
Forts  George,  Miller,  and  the  communication  to 

Albany  040 
Niagara,,  Schlosser,  Erie,  and  the  communication 

to  Presqu'  Isle  040 


508  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

i 

Communication  to  Philadelphia  040 

Ticonderago  040 

Detroit  and  Michillimachinac  040 

Cumberland  and  Nova  Scotia  0          4          0 

Chartres,  Kaskaskias,  Illinois  country  040 

Oswegatchie  040 


Total  25          2          0 

N.  B.     Like  establishment  for  the  year  1775. 

Distribution  of  His  Majesty's  troops,  British  and  Foreign  for 
the  Campaign,  1777. 

(In  Sir  Wm.  Howe's  (secret)  of  2d  April.) 

Pensylvania  11,000 

Town  of  York  and  Island  3,200 

Paulus  Hook  300 

Staten  Island  1,200 

Rhode  Island  2,400 


18,100 

N.  B.  Prisoners  with  the  rebels,  sick  artillery  and  cavalry  not 
included. 

Also  a  corps  of  Provincials,  consisting  of  3000  effectives,  under 
the  command  of  his  Excellency  Governor  Tryon. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


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510  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

I  have  written  to  the  Commander  in  chief,  for  one  thousand 
Spanish  dollars;  when  I  receive  it,  a  Proclamation  will  issue, 
offering  a  Reward  of  one  Hundred  for  him,  (G.  Tryon)  Colonel 
Eobinson,  and  Colonel  Emerick,  to  any  Non  Commissioned  Offi- 
cers or  Soldiers,  who  shall  deliver  either  to  the  officer  command- 
ing my  advanced  Posts.  The  present  Scarcity  of  Bread,  favors 
my  Design.  To  give  the  Proclamation  the  fullest  and  most  gen- 
eral Efficacy,  I  must  promise  to  procure  a  Pardon,  to  the  Sub- 
jects of  this  State,  if  any  shall  be  of  the  Number,  who  shall 
execute  that  good  Service.  Can  you  by  the  Constitution,  enable 
me  to  do  it?  Will  the  Legislature  by  a  short  act  for  a  limited 
Time  enable  me?  They  may  rest  assured,  it  will  not  be  abused. 
No  Time  is  to  be  lost,  if  its  to  be  attempted.  And  the  Prospect 
is  too  favorable  to  be  lost.  And  the  Enemy  dare  not  keep  any 
of  his  Centeries  at  Night,  without  the  Redoubts.  From  the  Soli- 
citude of  the  Enemy  to  get  a  Plan  of  our  Works  a-t  this  late 
Season,  the  Number  of  Spies  he  has  out,  and  other  concurring 
circumstances,  it  is  abundantly  clear  to  me,  he  intends  to  disturb 
these  Posts  early,  which  he  can  do  by  water  without  waiting 
for  Grass.  He  knows  the  State  of  our  Supplies,  from  whence  they 
are  drawn,  as  well  as  we  do;  and  the  Cause  of  the  principal 
Part  of  the  army,  going  to  Jersey.  If  that  Event  takes  place, 
it  will  be  impossible  for  Flour,  to  come  on  from  Elk,  before,  to 
support  the  Grand  Army  on  its  movement,  to  Hudson's  River. 
Provision  therefore  should  be  made  for  such  Event.  If  the  Ex- 
portation of  Flour,  is  not  immediately  stopt,  except  for  the  army, 
at  Providence  and  the  Corps  at  Danbury,  and  those  under  the  most 
circumspect  Regulations,  there  will  not  be  Subsistance,  left  for 
those  three  Brigades  till  the  next  Crop  comes  in. 

There  is  a  compleat  System  formed,  by  the  Enemy  to  get  Flour 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  511 

from  this  State.  The  numerous  agents,  who  have  hard  money  in 
plenty,  who  have  never  had  any  great  quantity  of  any,  evince 
this.  The  Channel  is  via  Stanford  and  Norwork,  &c.  where 
Cargoes  are  shipped,  as  Supplies  for  New  London,  Martha's 
Vineyard  and  Nantucket.  When  they  get  into  the  Sound,  some 
are  taken  by  Collusion,  others  are  sent  from  two  last  mentioned 
to  New  York. 

Robert  Murray  is  on  Long  Island,  with  a  Store  of  Goods,  which 
makes  one  Link  of  the  Chain.  A  few  Days  will  put  Materials 
in  my  Possession,  which  will  develope  the  whole  Scheme.  Such 
is  the  vast  quantity  of  hard  money  on  the  Eastern  Borders  of 
this  State,  and  this  County  in  particular,  that  neither  the  Com- 
missaries, or  those  who  want  Wheat  or  flour  for  their  own  Use, 
can  purchase  any,  altho'  vast  Quantities  of  both  are  continually 
going  out  of  the  State.  Whatever  price  these  offer,  those  outbid 
them,  either  in  Continental  Money,  hard,  Molasses  or  salt.  And 
some  of  those,  have  the  Impudence  to  assert,  they  are  employed 
by  the  public.  This  high  Sale  of  the  Staple,  would  be  very  advan- 
tagious  to  the  State,  if  the  supporting  the  army  of  our  inveterate 
Enemy,  and  the  disbanding  our  own,  was  not  the  inevitable 
Consequence.  To  prevent  so  capital  a  Catastrophry,  I  have 
thought  of  the  following  Plan,  which  I  beg  Leave  to  suggest  to 
your  Consideration: 

All  former  Permits  for  Exportation  to  be  cancelled,  by  a  cer- 
tain Day,  The  principal  Commissary  of  Issues  of  the  army  for 
the  present,  to  certify,  by  every  Team,  that  the  Flour  is  for  the 
army  out  of  this  State  at  Providence,  or  Danbury  as  the  Case  may 
be,  or  is  intended  for  it.  And  the  Certificate  to  be  valid  but  for  as 

many  Days,  as  are  necessary  to  carry  the  Load  out  of  this  State. 

i 

No  Flour  to  be  exported,  for  any  Purpose,  after  a  Day  you  shall 


512  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

appoint,  but  on  your  Permits  in  pursuance  of  the  following 
Regulation.  A  Circular  Letter  to  be  written  to  the  officers  com- 
manding those  armies,  to  certify  to  you,  the  quantity  which  they 
will  want  per  Day,  or  Month.  This  to  be  divided,  into  as  many 
Permits,  as  the  Loads,  in  which  it  must  be  carried  out.  And  two 
or  more  Routes  mentioned,  by  Proclamation,  in  which  the  Flour 
in  question,  for  the  public  Service  is  to  go  out;  and  a  person 
placed  on  to  each,  to  receive  and  cancel  the  Permits. 

This  plan  or  some  other  like  it,  would  supply  the  army  out  of 
the  State,  and  prevent  the  abuse  which  is  universally  made  of 
large  Permits,  to  Persons  who  obtain  them,  for  public  and  pri- 
vate use,  and  are  prostituted  to  the  vilest  purposes.  It  is  not 
sufficient,  in  the  present  State  of  the  army,  that  there  is  wheat 
and  Flour  enough  in  the  State,  for  its  Support.  It  must  be  col- 
lected in  Season,  while  the  Sledding  and  Roads  are  good,  other- 
wise the  want  of  Forage,  and  the  Condition  which  public  and 
private  Cattle  will  be  in,  the  latter  part  of  Winter  and  Spring, 
will  be  as  fatal  to  us  as  if  there  was  not  a  single  grain  of 
one,  or  pound  of  the  other,  in  the  State.  The  officers  and  men  of 
those  Troops,  however  orderly,  are  very  sore  at  the  Merchants  and 
Farmers  of  their  own  State,  starving  their  Families.  And  altho 
they  both  submit  now  to  the  Drudgery  of  Brutes,  the  want  of 
provision,  will  increase  the  Discontent,  and  burst  into  a  Flame, 
which  cannot  be  quenched.  Once  the  Cord  of  Discipline  is  broke, 
it  will  not  be  easily  if  ever  united.  The  Consequence  to  this 
State  is  obvious.  In  a  few  Days,  I  shall  transmit  you  an  Extract 
of  the  Rations,  daily  issued  at  the  different  Posts,  and  what  Flour 
is  purchased.  I  beg  Leave  to  inclose  you,  a  printed  copy*  of  my 
orders  for  the  Lines.  They  are  the  best  I  could  devise.  If  the 

*Not  found. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  513 

Legislature  will  take  up  the  Subject,  and  mend  those,  to  answer 
the  objects  I  shall  be  very  happy.  The  Deserters  Subjects  of  this 
State  will  be  sent  up  as  you  desire.  But  it  often  happens,  I  am 
obliged  to  detain  some  of  them,  for  stool  Pigeons. 

From  the  Length  of  this  Epistle,  you  would  naturally  conclude 
I  had  much  Leisure,  but  I  can  assure  you,  I  have  had  fifty 
Interruptions,  since  I  began.  I  am  therefore  obliged  to  send  it  to 
you  very  incorrect,  and  with  many  imperfections.  I  am  my  Dear 
Sir  Your  affectionate  Friend  and  very  humble  Servant, 

Alex'r  McDougall. 
Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  2052.] 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Weissenfels  Solicits  Promotion  to  the  Rank  of 

Colonel. 

Rochester  Jan'r  17 1  1779. 

Sir,  I  have  Experienced  the  high  favour  of  my  Country  When 
I  wass  apointed  to  a  Post  of  Honor,  (which  ofice  I  flatter  myself 
has  to  the  best  of  my  abilietys  been  held  by  me,  to  the  advance- 
ment of  Militairy  Discipline,  and  to  the  full  Execution  of  the 
trust  Eeposed  in  me)  but  as  there  is  yet  Room  left,  for  a  further 
advance  by  the  Resignation  of  Col.  H.  B.  Livingston,*  I  beg  leave 
to  adress  my  self  to  your  Excellency,  if  you  and  the  Honorable 
Consel  of  Apointment,  schould  think  me  a  proper  object,  to  fill 
that  Vacancy  that  I  may  be  apointed. 

As  by  the  arrangement  of  this  iState,  and  by  a  Resolution  of  a 
Board  of  General  officers,  (of  which  I  herewith  inclose  a  Copia) 
I  humble  Supose  I  have  a  Rigth  to. 

Your  Excellency  will  Pardon  me,  When  I  intrude  on  your  more 
material  Concerns  of  Government,  with  this  my  humble  Request, 

*  Weissenfels  failed  to  obtain  this  promotion.— STATE  HISTORIAN. 

33 


514  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

for  nothing  Could  be  more  Conducive  to  my  hapines,  then  to  Con- 
tinue in  the  Service  of  my  Country.  I  am  with  the  greatest  Re- 
spect Your  Excellency's  Most  Obiedient  Most  humble  Servant 

Fred:  Weissenfels. 
His  Exellency  George  Clinton,  Esqr,  Poughkepsy. 


GOVERNOR  CLINTON'S  REPLY. 

Pokeepsie,  Jan'y  20"  1779. 

Sir,  I  have  rec'd  your  Letter  of  the  17"  Inst.  with  its  Inclosure. 
I  have  yet  rec'd  no  official  Notice  of  the  Resignation  of  Colo. 
Livingston;  as  soon  as  it  is  transmitted  to  me  I  will  lay  it  before 
the  Council  of  Appointment  from  whom  I  have  not  the  least 
Doubt  you  will  meet  with  the  strictest  Justice  in  respect  to  your 

Rank.    I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Lieut.  Col.  Weissenfels.] 


[No.  2053.] 
A  Compliment  to  John  Jay  from  His  Colleagues. 

Phila.  21st  Jan'y  1779. 

Sir,  We  have  to  address  your  Excellency  on  a  Subject  which  is 
honorable  to  our  Constitutuents  and  of  great  use  to  the  United 
States.  Our  worthy  Colleague  Mr.  Jay  since  his  Elevation  to  the 
Chair  by  filling  it  with  Dignity  and  Impartiality,  hath  given 
such  general  Satisfaction  that  we  are  by  no  means  singular  in 
our  Regret  that  we  are  so  soon  to  be  deprived  of  his  abilities  in 
•that  important  Office.  We  are  not  ignorant  of  the  Benefits  which 
the  State  would  derive  from  his  Presence  and  Services  on  the 
Bench  of  Justice  and  in  the  Council  of  Revision.  We  therefore 
shall  make  no  Request.  Permit  us  Sir  thro  your  Excellency  to 


PUBLIC  PAPEKS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  515 

assure  the  Legislature  that  should  they  think  proper  to  extend 
his  appointment  to  the  End  of  the  year*  it  will  be  agreable  to 
the  several  Members  of  Congress  and  particularly  so  to  Your  Ex- 
cellency's most  obedient  &  humble  Servants 

Fra's  Lewis 

Gouv'r  Morris,. 

P.  iS.  Having  prepared  the  above  Letter  and  shewn  it  to  Mr. 
Duane,  he  declined  signing  it,  unless  he  could  previously  know 
whether  Mr.  Jay  approved  of  it,  which  (having  sounded  him  on 
the  Subject  before)  I  ventured  to  assure  him  that  I  believed  he 
did  not.  Tho  from  motives  of  Delicacy  as  your  Excellency  will 
easily  perceive  a  Communication  of  the  Letter  would  have  been 
improper.  Mr.  Floyd  also  declined  the  Signing  of  it,  tho  he  ap- 
provd  of  the  Contents  but  observed  that  he  did  not  like  to  dictate 
a  Conduct  to  his  Constituents.  I  thought  it  material  to  say  this 
much  lest  it  should  seem  extraordinary  that  the  Letter  was  only 
signed  by  Mr.  Lewis  and  myself. 

I  am  respectfully  Your  Excellency's  obed't  &  humble  Serv't 

Gouv'r  Morris. 
[To  G.  C.] 


[No.  2054.] 

The  Massachusetts  Council  Ask  Leave  to  Purchase  8,000  Barrels 
of  Flour  for  Boston. 

State  of  Massachusetts  Bay.     Council  Chamber,  Boston,  Janu- 
ary 21st  1779. 

Sir,  The  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  having  represented 
to  this  Court,  that  by  Reason  of  the  long  Embargo  on  Provisions 
in  the  Southern  States,  the  many  Captures  of  the  Enemy,  &  the 
Operation  of  an.  Act  of  your  Assembly  prohibiting  the  exportation 

*See  page  564. 


516  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

of  Flour  &  Grain,  which  altho  calculated  on  the  Principles  of  true 
Policy,  Patriotism  &  humanity,  for  restraining  Monopoly  &  provid- 
ing for  the  Army,  contributes  to  render  the  supply  of  those  Arti- 
cles so  very  partial,  as  to  threaten  all  the  Miseries  consequent  on  a 
total  Want  of  Bread,  in  this  populous  City,  unless  speedily  pre- 
vented by  a  Suspension  of  said  Prohibition,  so  far  at  least  as  to 
allow  the  Exportation  of  about  three  Thousand  Barrels  of  Flour 
for  their  present  Necessities. 

Anxious  to  prevent  such  complicated  Distress,  we  most  earn- 
estly recommend  to  your  Sympathy  &  good  Offices,  this  unhappy 
People,  who  may  be  relieved  by  being  permitted  to  purchase  & 
transport  the  Quantities  of  Flour  &  Grain  aforesaid  into  thi& 
State. 

The  Agents  for  whom  we  would  solicit  this  Permission  will 
bear  Letters  Sign'd  by  John  Rowe  or  Isaac  Smith  Esqrs.,  or  other 
the  Chairman  of  a  respectable  Committee  appointed  by  their 
Fellow  Citizens  to  effect  this  Supply. 

Fully  confiding  in  your  Benevolence,  in  facilitating  their  Ex- 
ertions for  the  Relief  of  their  Constituents,  We  are,  With  due 
Respect,  Your  Excellency's  Most  Obed't  hble.  Servants  In  the 

Name  &  behalf  of  the  General  Assembly 

Jer.  Powell,  Presid't. 
His  ExcelFy  Gov'r  Clinton. 


[No.  2055.] 

Governor  Clinton  Through  His  Secretary  Writes  a  Circular  Letter 
Bearing  on  the  Subject  of  Impressing  Sleds. 

Jan'y  23d  [1779]. 

Sir,  I  inclose  you  by  the  Gov'r's  Direction,  a  Number  of  Let- 
ters for  the  Justices  of  such  Precincts  as  you  think  will  best  be 
able  to  supply  you  with  a  sufficient  Number  of  Sleds  for  public 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  517 

Service.  If  you  should  find  it  necessary  to  call  upon  more  for 
their  assistance  you  will  transmit  me  the  Number  of  Copies  re- 
quisite and  they  will  be  signed  by  his  Excellency.  The  inclosed 
Letters  you'l  please  to  direct  and  seal  before  they  are  delivered. 
I  am  &c. 
Colo.  Hay. 


THE  GOVERNOR'S  LETTER. 

Pokeepsie  Jan'y  23  1779. 

Sir,  I  am  informed  by  Colo.  Hay  D'y  Qu'r  M'r  Genl.  that  the 
public  service  thro  his  Department  suffers  exceedingly  by  the 
Difficulty  of  obtaining  Teams  when  wanted.  At  the  same  Time 
lie  acquaints  me  that  this  Difficulty  might  be  obviated  and  the 
Inhabitants  of  the  state  not  so  frequently  called  upon  as  they 
^ire  at  present  for  their  Horses  and  Carriages  if  while  the  snow 
is  on  the  Ground  proper  Exertions  were  made  use  of  for  a  few 
Days  only  to  supply  him  with  a  sufficient  Number  of  sleds  by 
which  means  magazines  may  be  laid  in  before  the  opening  of 
the  spring  &  military  operations  be  greatly  facilitated.  Let  me 
therefore  intreat  you  to  give  him  every  aid  which  the  Law  will 
warrant  and  particularly  to  oblige  the  unwilling  who  have 
Tiitherto  evaded  their  Duty  to  bear  a  Part  of  the  Burthen.  I 
am  &c. 


[No.  6415.]* 

Brother  Charles  Clinton  Writes  to  General  James  in  Regard  to  a 
Dispute  Over  the  Sale  of  a  Farm. 

Hanover,  January  the  25th  1779. 

Dear  Brother,  I  expected  to  have  wrote  to  you  by  your  wife 
-and  to  have  seen  George  Denniston  after  my  Return  from  Pough- 

*From  Volume  XXIV,  Clinton  MSS. 


518  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

keepsie,  but  was  disappointed  through  the  Neglect  of  my  Ser- 
vants not  informing  me  of  the  message  she  had  sent  me  about 
ther  going  Tuesday  morning,  and  my  coming  Home  only  the  night 
before  about  midnight.  My  Brother  George,  advised  me  to  write 
to  you  to  request  you  would  give  your  Evidence  before  a  Justice 
of  the  Peace  of  what  you  know  concerning  the  Dispute  between 
David  Mulford  and  me  relating  to  our  agreement  about  the  Cur- 
rency he  was  to  pay  me  for  my  Farm,  or  how  you  apprehended 
that  matter;  as  also  my  Objections  to  receiving  any  other  than 
the  Old  Currency,  vizt.  Gold  or  Silver,  and  old  York  and  Jersey 
Bills,  at  the  Time  the  Writings  were  executing  between  us,  when 
he  was  to  make  the  first  Payment;  and  whether  he  denyed  at 
that  Time  he  was  to  pay  me  the  Price  of  my  Farm  in  the  old 
Currency;  or  what  Part  thereof  did  he  acknowledge  he  was  to 
pay  me  in  the  above  Currency?  And  whether  he  did  not  promise 
or  agree  upon  my  complying  to  accept  of  the  Currency  he  tendered 
me  in  the  first  Payment,  that  he  would  pay  me  all  the  other  Pay- 
ments in  the  Currency  above  mentioned?  And  what  you  under- 
stood to  be  the  Seasons  I  accepted  the  first  Payment  in  the  Cur- 
rency he  then  tendered  me?  These  Questions,  or  whatever  you 
or  George  Denniston  can  recollect  (As  perhaps  you  may  be  able 
to  assist  each  others  Memories  of  what  passed  on  this  Subject 
when  you  were  both  present)  I  hope  you  will  strictly  attend  to. 
It  was  for  this  Keason  I  wanted  to  see  George  Denniston  after 
I  had  advised  with  my  Brother  George  upon  the  Subject.  If 
you  can  recollect  he  acknowledged  that  our  agreement  was,  when 
you  was  about  drawing  the  Articles  of  agreement,  that  he  was 
to  pay  me  in  the  different  Currencys  mentioned  or  in  the  Old 
money,  or  that  I  mentioned  it  before  you  and  he  acceded  to  it,, 
it  would  prove  the  Intention  of  the  Agreement.  This  I  hope 


PUBLIC  PAPEKS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  519 

you  will  immediatly  communicate  to  George  Denniston.  You 
may  perhaps  recollect  a  Circumstance  that  perhaps  may  be 
material,  after  Mulford  first  talked  to  me  about  buying  the  Farm; 
namely,  that  I  called  you  aside  into  your  new  Parlour,  and  told 
you  I  intended  to  make  him  pay  me  the  Price  of  it  in  the  Old 
Currency.  I  remember  it  perfectly  well  with  what  you  replyed. 
Your  Evidence  when  taken  as  above,  you  will  be  pleased  to  trans- 
mit, inclosed  in  a  Letter  to  me  under  Cover,  directed  to  my 
Brother  George  as  soon  as  possible,  if  a  safe  and  more  direct 
Opportunity  should  not  offer.  Your  Family  is  well.  No  News 
here.  If  you  have  any,  please  to  communicate  it.  I  am  your 

affectionate  Brother. 

Char's  Clinton. 
Brigadier  General  James  Clinton. 


/  •'  [No.  2056.] 

Colonel  Maloom  Attacks  Dram  Shops. 

Haverstraw  Jan.  26th  1779. 

D'r  Sir,  It  is  my  duty  to  report  to  your  Excellency  that  almost 
every  house  in  this  neighbourhood  is  a  dramshop,  &  the  consequence 
is  likely  to  be  the  ruin  of  the  troops.  When  they  are  under  such 
temptations  they  will  drink,  &  when  their  money  is  out  they  will 
Rob  or  steal.  I  know  not  what,  or  whether  a  military  officer 
has  any  authority  to  correct  such  abuses,  nor  do  I  know  what 
Laws  the  state  hath  made  concerning  them,  but  I  am  sure  if  there 
are  none  as  yet  it  is  time  to  sett  about  it.  So  many  of  them  are 
the  source  of  many  of  the  evils  that  prevail  in  the  country  &  the 
morals  of  the  inhabitants  as  well  as  soldiery  are  corrupted  there- 
by. I  pray  your  Excellency'  will  be  pleased  to  inform  me  what 
I  can  do  in  the  present  case. 


520  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

By  accident  I  mett  with  the  inclosed  paper,*  it  serves  to  shew 
what  kind  of  trade  your  officers  are  following  on  the  Frontiers 
about  Minisinck.  I  put  a  catalogue  of  the  articles  which  they 
call  Booty  on  the  back  of  the  certificate,  which  was  given  to  pro- 
cure the  goods  from  a  person  who  had  stopt  them  as  stolen.  Our 
officers  are  anxious  to  know  the  fate  of  their  application  to  the 
Legislature.  I  have  the  Honor  to  be  with  great  Respect  Your 
Excellency's  much  oblidged  and  very  hum'e  Servant. 

W.  Malcom. 
[To  G.  C.] 

[No.  2057.] 

Massachusetts  War  Office  Asks  Governor  Clinton  for  100  Barrels 
of  Flour  for  the  State  of  Massachusetts. 

War  Office,  Boston,  27th  Jan'y  1779. 

Sir,  The  Board  of  War  have  contracted  with  Mr.  Joseph  Ket- 
chum   who  will  have  the  honor  to  deliver  you   this,   for  one 
Hundred  Barrels  of  Flour  for  the  use  of  this  State.     As  that 
Article  is  extremely  wanted,  and  the  danger  of  importing  it  by 
water  very  great,  we  are  to  request  your  Excellency  to  grant  per- 
mission to  transport  the  same  from  your  State  to  this  unmolested. 
We  have  the  honor  to  be  with  very  great  respect  Your  Excel- 
lency's most  obed't  &  very  humble  Servants. 
By  order  of  the  Board. 

John  Browne,  President  p  temp. 
His  Exc'y  George  Clinton  Esqr. 


[No.  2058.] 
General  McDougall  Building  a  Log  Prison  for  Culprits  and  Spies. 

Head  Quarters  Pecks  Kill  January  27th  1779. 
My  Dear  Sir,  I  have  a  thousand  things  to  say  to  you,  which 
must  be  reserved  to  a  tete  a  tete.     The  tory  Culprits  and  Spies 

•See  page  501. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  521 

increase  greatly  on  my  Hands,  and  before  the  opening  of  a  Cam- 
paign, their  Number  will  be  very  considerable.  I  am,  therefore, 
building  a  Log  Prison,  to  secure  them. 

Poughkeepsie  is  so  far  from  the  Lines,  and  many  of  the  West 
Chester  People  find  it  difficult,  to  get  Security,  which  induce  me 
to  wish  a  Board  of  Commissioners  would  be  constituted  here,  or 
at  Crumpond.  By  the  York  Papers,  I  find  Brigadier  Leslie  com- 
mands on  Staten  Island.  He  must  have  a  considerable  Number 
of  British  with  him,  in  addition  to  those  I  mentioned  to  you. 
Delancy's  Brigade  is  certainly  on  Long  Island. 

Brave  as  your  Militia  are,  in  the  lower  Part  of  West  Chester, 
there  are  great  Rogues  among  them,  Thieves  and  Robbers,  as  Mr. 
Barkley  will  inform  you.  I  wish  you  would  Court  Martial  them. 

I  am,  my  Dear  Sir  Your  Humble  Servant 

Alex'r  McDougall. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  6416.]*    , 
Mr.  DeWitt  Writes  of  Family  Matters  to  General  James  Clmton. 

Rochester,  ye  27  January  1779. 

Dear  Brother,  Having  an  oppertunity  to  Send  you  these  Few 
Lines  can  inform  you  that  I,  family  and  all  Friends  are  at  Present 
in  TolarableHealth,  Thanks  be  to  God;  we  have  had  aTroublesome 
Time  last  Summer  as  you  without  Doubt  have  heard;  continuelly 
Expected  to  be  attacted  by  the  Savages  and  'their  Bloody  Asso- 
ciates but  have  been  preserved  by  Him  who  governs  all.  My  Son 
Simeon,  has  been  home  a  fitnight  but  is  returned  to  Ringwood 
where  he  will  keep  his  winter  Quarters;  he  Likes  the  Business 
Midling  well.  I  am  informed  that  Sister  Polly  is  gone  up  to  Albany 
and  is  I  Expect  about  this  Time  there.  I  beg  the  favour  if  you 

*From  Volume  XXIV,  Clinton  MSS. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

possible  can  to  call  on  Coll.  Morgan  Lewis,  or  his  Clerk,  Mr. 
Tuenis  Vanvechten,  at  his  office  in  Albany.  Desire  him  to  give 
you  a  Copy  or  Abstract  of  the  Ac't  of  the  Committee  of  Rochester 
which  I  left  with  him  September  Last  and  Send  the  Same  with 
Polly.  She  may  Leave  the  Same  with  my  Daughter  Anne  who 
Lives  near  the  New  Paltz.  I  will  be  very  glad  if  you  can  do  it, 
as  I  can't  pay  out  the  Money  before  I  have  a  Copy  of  said  acc't, 
and  will  prevent  a  Journey  to  Albany  which  is  Expensive.  I  have 
wrote  Several  times  for  a  Copy  of  the  acc't  and  aways  proved 
Abortive;  and  if  you  wife  is  Gone  before  this  comes  to  hand  be 
pleased  to  Send  the  same  with  another  iSafe  hand  to  Dirck  Wyn- 
koop,  Esqr.  at  Kingston.  With  my  Respects  to  you  and  Sister, 

I  Remain  your  Affectionate  &c. 

A.  D'Witt. 

P.  S.    a  few  Lines  from  you  will  be  agreeable  to  me. 
James  Clinton,  Brig.  Gen.,  Albany. 


[No.  2059.] 

Walter  King,  Wounded  at  Fort  Montgomery,  Petitions  for  Relief. 

To  •  his  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esquire  Governor  of  the 
State  of  New  York,  General  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  all  the 
Militia  and  admiral  of  the  Navy  of  the  Same. 

The  Petition  of  Walter  King,  of  Orange  Town,  in  the  County  of 
Orange. 

Most  Humbly  Sheweth,  That  on  the  Sixth  Day  of  October  Anno 
Domini  One  thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Seventy  Seven,  your 
Petitioner  was  and  for  some  time  had  been  in  the  service  of  this 
State,  as  a  private  in  a  Company  of  Militia  then  commanded  by 
Captain  Humphrys  of  Ulster  County. 

That  on  the  said  Sixth  day  of  October,  your  Petitioner  was  at 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  523 

the  Forts  in  the  Highlands,  where  the  said  Company  was  Sta- 
tioned for  the  defence  of  the  same;  that  in  the  attack  which  the 
Enemy  on  that  day  made  on  the  said  Forts,  your  Petitioner  re- 
ceived a  wound  thro'  the  Body  with  a  musket  ball,  which  wound  is 
Still  running  and  no  prospect  of  being  healed. 

That  3'our  Petitioner  after  having  received  the  said  wound,  with 
difficulty  made  his  Escape  from  the  enemy  and  got  to  a  House 
in  the  Highlands,  where  he  lay  for  about  Seven  weeks  without 
being  in  a  proper  Condition  to  be  moved,  much  less  to  attend  your 
Excellency  when  Sent  for. 

And  that  your  Petitioner  has  not  received  any  pay  for  his  loss 
of  time  nor  had  any  other  assistance  from  the  publick,  during 
the  time  he  has  been  wounded,  and  Conceiving  it  but  Equitable 
that  those  who  in  the  publick  Service  are  rendered  unable  to  Sup- 
port themselves,  should  be  assisted  by  the  publick. 

Your  Petitioner  therefore  humbly  prays,  that  your  Excellency 
will  take  his  Case  into  Consideration,  and  endeavour  to  procure 
him  such  relief  and  assistance  as  to  your  Excellency  shall  seem 
Just  and  Equitable. 

And  your  Petitioner  Shall  ever  Pray  &c.  &c.  &c. 

Walter  King. 
Orange  Town  January  ye  28th  1779. 


THE  LEGISLATURE  REASSEMBLES. 

•Governor  Clinton  Transmits  Recent  Congressional  Legislation  and 
Emphasizes  the  Serious  Condition  General  MeDougalVs  Army 
is  In. 

*Gentlemen  of  the  Legislature, 

I  take  the  earliest  Opportunity  afforded  me,  of  laying  before 
you  the  Resolutions  of  Congress,  of  the  2d  Instant,  on  the  Sub- 

*From  Journals  of  the  Legislature. 


524  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

ject  of  Finance,  among  other  Matters,  calling  upon  the  different 
States  for  their  respective  Quota's  of  Fifteen  Millions  of  Dollars 
'  in  the  present  Year,  and  of  Six  Millions  of  Dollars  annually,  for 
eighteen  Years  thereafter'  as  a  Fund  for  sinking  the  Loans  and 
Emissions  of  these  United  States,  to  the  thirty-first  Day  of  Decem- 
ber 1778,  inclusive;  with  their  Resolutions  of  the  5th  Instant,  fix- 
ing the  said  Quotas — As  the  Objects  of  these  Resolutions  are  to 
prevent  the  Necessity  of  further  Emissions  of  Paper  Money,  to 
restore  the  Credit  of  the  Paper  Currency,  and  ultimately  to  dis- 
charge the  public  Debts,  it  is  of  the  first  Importance,  that  proper 
Measures  be  speedily  taken,  for  effectually  carrying  them  into 
Execution — You  will  also  herewith  receive  an  Act  of  Congress, 
of  the  26th  of  September  last,  for  organizing  the  public  Treasury, 
among  other  Resolutions,  recommending  to  the  several  States 
to  enact  Laws  for  the  taking  of  such  Persons,  and  also  to  seize 
the  Property  of  Persons,  who,  being  indebted  to  the  United 
States,  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  pay  the  same — And  an  Act  of 
the  first  Instant,  recommending  to  the  several  States,  to  adopt 
such  measures,  as  may  be  effectual  for  detecting  Persons  em- 
ployed in  making  counterfeit  Bills,  or  passing  the  same,  knowing 

them  to  be  such. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Poughkeepsie,  January  28,  1779. 


*Gentlemen  of  the  Legislature, 

It  affords  me  particular  Pleasure,  to  have  it  in  my  Power  to- 
transmit  you  Copies  of  the  Treaties  of  Amity  and  Commerce,  and 
of  Alliance  eventual  and  defensive,  between  his  Most  Christian 
Majesty  and  these  United  States.  As  they  are  evidently  founded 
on  Principles  equally  beneficial  to  both  Countries,  and  evince  the 

*From  Journals  of  the  Legislature. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  525 

Justice  as  well  as  good  Policy  of  our  great  and  generous  Ally, 
they  cannot  fail  of  affording  your  Constituents  the  highest  Satis- 
faction. 

With  this  Message  will  also  be  delivered  to  you,  merely  for 
your  Information,  several  Acts  of  Congress,  of  the  26th  August, 
1776,  and  25th  September,  1778,  and  of  the  24th  November,  1778; 
and  also  a  Copy  of  a  printed  Pamphlet,  entitled,  "  Extracts  from 
the  Journal  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of 
Vermont,"  with  Copies  of  several  other  Papers  respecting  the 
disaffected  Subjects  in  the  North-Eastern  Parts  of  this  State. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Poughkeepsie,  January  28,  1779. 


*Gentlemen  of  the  Legislature, 

I  herewith  submit  to  your  Consideration,  Copies  of  three  Letters 
dated  the  llth  of  November,  from  a  Committee  of  Congress,  ap- 
pointed to  superintend  the  Commissary's  and  Quarter-Master's 
Departments,  requesting  the  Aid  of  the  Legislature  in  correcting 
Abuses  committed  in  those  Departments,  and  for  punishing  the 
Offenders;  and  for  enabling  Congress  to  acquire  a  Knowledge  of 
the  Resources  of  this  State,  with  Respect  to  Supplies  for  the 
Army;  and  also  a  Letter  of  the.  20th  Instant,  from  Colonel  Udny 
Hay,  Deputy-Quarter-Master-General,  at  Fish-Kill,  representing 
the  Difficulties  he  experiences  in  the  Execution  of  his  Office,  and 
the  consequent  Distresses  of  the  Soldiery.  Permit  me  to  add, 
Gentlemen,  That  from  the  best  Information  I  have  been  able  to 
obtain,  the  Division  of  the  Army  under  the  Command  of  Major- 
General  M'Dougal,  (on  which  our  present  Security  against  the  In- 
cursions of  the  Enemy  depends)  subsists  upon  a  precarious  Sup- 
ply of  Provisions  daily  procured  for  them,  and  there  is  the 

*From  Journals  of  the  Legislature. 


526  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

greatest  Eeason  to  fear  they  will  be  obliged  to  abandon  their 
present  Posts,  and  retire  into  the  interior  Parts  of  the  Country. 
The -present  Difficulties  under  which  the  Army  labours  (you  will 
observe)  is  imputed,  by  the  Quarter-Master-General,  to  the  Want 
of  the  necessary  Number  of  Teams,  for  the  Transportation  of 
Provision  to  the  Camp,  and  for  other  Services,  owing  in  a  great 
Measure,  to  Defects  in  the  Law  for  regulating  Impresses.  I 
would,  therefore,  recommend  the  making  of  such  Amendments 
in  that  Law,  for  enlarging  the  Powers  vested  in  the  ordinary 
Magistrate,  as  to  render  it  more  adequate  to  the  Purposes  for 
which  it  was  intended. 

Poughkeepsie,  January  28,  1779. 

Geo.  Clinton. 


[No.  2060.] 

Congress  Makes  Provision  for  Payment  for  Certain  Commissary 
Stores  on  Governor  Clinton's  Certification. 

In  Congress,  January  30th,  1779. 

A  letter  of  29th  from  General  Washington  was  read,  with  an 
extract  of  a  letter  from  Governor  Clinton  enclosed,  representing 
"  that  after  the  loss  of  the  Forts  in  the  Highlands  a  part  of  the 
army  was  detached  on  the  west  side  of  the  river  which  joined 
by  a  part  of  the  militia  were  under  his  command;  that  the  river 
being  the  bounds  between  the  different  purchasing  commissaries, 
none  could  be  found  to  supply  the  Troops,  in  consequence 
whereof,  he  was  reduced  to  the  necessity  of  taking  from  the  in- 
habitants the  necessary  supplies  of  flour  and  cattle  which  were 
delivered  to  the  issuing  commissaries  who  passed  their  receipts 
to  the  owners ;  that  similar  measures  were  taken  by  the  quarter 
masters  to  obtain  forage;  that  different  applications  have  been 
made  to  have  these  accounts  settled  and  paid  but  without  effect  " 
Whereupon, 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


527 


KE SOLVED,  That,  the  quarter  master  and  Commissary  Gen- 
eral be  authorized  &  directed  to  pay  such  of  the  said  accounts 
as  are  certified  by  Governor  G.  Clinton. 

Extract  from  the  Minutes. 

Chas.  Thomson  sec'y. 


[No.  2061.] 
Monthly  Return  of  Colonel  Snyder's  Regiment  for  January, 

A  Return  of  the  first  Regiment  in  Ulster  County  Commanded 
by  Coll.  Johannis  Snyder  as  Returned  to  the  Said  Coll.  by  the 
Severall  Commanding  officers  of  the  Companys  of  Said  Regiment 
To  witt. 


Capts.  Names  &  N. 

N.  of  the 
Snbaltron 
officers. 

Non  Commis'd 
officers. 

Rank  & 
file. 

the  amount  of 
the  Companys 
ID  eluding 
officers. 

Capt.  Silvester  Salisbnry 
Capt.   1'obian  Vanbeuren 

1 
1 

3 
2 

4 
8 

43 
34 

51 
45 

Capt.  Evart  Bogardus 

1 

2 

8 

23 

34 

Capt  Jan    L   L>  witt 

1 

3 

8 

33 

45 

Capt.  H.-iidrick  Scbonnmaker 

1 

1 

8 

41 

51 

Capt.  Mattys  Ued-rick 

1 

2 

8 

40 

61 

Capt.  Jeremiah  Snyder 

1 

3 

8 

32 

44 

Capt.  Philip  Swart 

1 

3 

8 

41 

53 

Liut.  Simon  Lafever 

1 

1 

8 

43 

53 

9 

,           20 

68 

330 

427 

The  amount  of  the  Regiment  Noncommissioned  officers  and 

Privates  is  398  men. 

Joh's  Snyder,  Coll. 
Bever  Kill  1779  Ja'ry  30th. 


[No.  2062.] 

John  Jay  Writes  Governor  Clinton  of  the  Battle  Between  the  French 
and  English  at  St.  Lucia,  W.  I.,  and  of  d'Estaing's  Defeat. 

Philadelphia  31  Jan'y  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  Whatever  may  be  the  Reasons  or  Causes  which  have 
hitherto  prevented  my  recieving  any  Letters  from  you:  I  shall 
continue  running  you  in  Debt,  in  full  Confidence  of  your  ability, 


528  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

and  Expectation  of  your  future  Inclination,  to  ballance  the  ac- 
count. 

There  are  Letters  in  Town,  tho  not  to  Congress,  from  Persons 
of  Keputation  in  Martinique  which  give  the  following  Informa- 
tion vizt:  that  a  British  Fleet  under  Commodore  Hotham  with 
a  Body  of  Troops  had  made  a  Descent  on  the  Island  of  St.  Lucia 
and  without  opposition  taken  possession  of  it;  that  not  long  after, 
Count  D'Estaing  endeavoured  to  Betake  it;  that  the  Batteries 
at  the  mouth  of  the  Harbour  prevented  his  Fleet,  tho  of  superior 
Force  from  annoying  that  of  the  Enemy;  that  he  landed  a  con- 
siderable Body  of  Troops  and  attempted  to  carry  the  Fort  by 
assault,  that  he  was  repulsed  with  Loss  &  retired  from  the  Island; 
that  one  ship  of  war  out  of  six  sent  to  reinforce  him  from  Toulon, 
had  arrived,  the  Best  were  daily  expected;  that  Admiral  Byron 
had  not  yet  appeared;  that  the  Count  had  been  very  succesful 
in  making  Prizes;  that  the  Goals  and  public  Buildings  in  Mar- 
tinique were  full  of  British  Prisoners. 

As  to  the  operations  in  Georgia,  I  can  give  you  no  further  In- 
formation, and  indeed  not  quite  so  much  as  you  will  find  in  the 
enclosed  News  Papers. 

Be  pleased  to  make  my  Compliments  to  Mrs.  Clinton  &  other 
Friends  at  Poughkeepsie.  I  am  Dear  Sir  Your  Friend  &  hble. 

Serv't 

John  Jay. 
His  Excellency  Gov'r  Clinton. 


[No.  2063.] 

JAMES  CLINTON  FORWARDS  LETTERS. 

A.  Fort  Building  at  German  Flats — Rations  Supplied  to  the  Sufferers 

from  Indian  Raids — Exchange  of  Prisoners. 

Head  Quarters  Albany  Jan'y  31st  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  In  consequence  of  the  Instructions  contained  in  your 
Excellency's  Letter  of  the  23d  Ulto.  relative  to  the  exchange  pro- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  529 

posed  by  Capt'n  Butler;  Genl.  Schuyler  &  myself  concluded  to 
dispatch  Colonel  John  Campbell  and  a  certain  Jacob  Newkirk 
as  a  Flag,  with  a  Letter  to  Niagara,  or  any  other  place  where 
they  might  hear  Butler  was — a  Copy  of  which  Letter,*  together 
with  the  report  made  by  Col.  Campbell  on  Ms  Keturn  I  inclose 
for  your  Excellency's  Information. 

I  have  also  enclosed  a  Copy  a  Letter  t  from  Fort  Schuyler 
containing  the  Resolutions  of  the  Oneidas,  Tuscaroras  &  Onon- 
dagas  at  whose  request,  (with  the  advice  of  Congress)  I  have 
ordered  a  fort  to  be  built  at  the  Oneida  Castle,  where  I  expect 
a  considerable  Body  of  them  will  shortly  be  collected. 

I  hope  the  Legislater  will  take  into  consideration  the  Situa- 
tion of  the  distressed  Inhabitants  of  Cherry  Valley.  Applica- 
tions have  been  so  numerous  from  that  Quarter  that  I  have  been 
obliged  to  furnish  them  (one  hundred  &  fifty)  with  four  weeks 
Provision,  tho'  I  had  no  other  authority  for  it,  than  the  necessity 
of  the  Sufferers.  I  shoud  be  glad  to  have  the  Sense  of  the  As- 
sembly on  that  Subject. 

By  a  return  made  by  Col.  Bellinger  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Ger- 
man Flatts  who  are  fed  by  the  publick's  Bounty,  I  find  that 
there  are  one  hundred  &  fifty  two  males  &  one  hundred  and  sixty 
females  upwards  of  sixteen  years  old,  who  draw  full  Rations, 
and  three  hundred  &  sixty  five  males  &  females  under  sixteen 
years  old  who  draw  half  rations.  This  I  mention  for  your  In- 
formation as  they  still  maintain  Fort  Dayton.  I  am  with  Esteem 

your  Excell'ys  humb'e  Serv't, 

James  Clinton. 
[To  G.  C.] 

•See  page  457. 

tSee  pages  492  and  494. 

34 


530  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  2064.] 

Lieutenant-Colonel  de  Roussi  Makes  a  Request  for  a  Vacant  Colonelcy, 
May  it  Please  your  Excellency, 

Sir,  I  have  been  Informed  this  morning  by  an  Express,  that 
Colonel  Henry  B.  Livingston's  resignation  was  accepted  in  Con- 
gress the  13th  Instant,  and  by  the  Said,  the  Command*  of  the 
4th  N.  York  Regiment  is  Devolved,  upon  me,  unless  your  Excel- 
lency should  be  pleased  to  order  it  otherwais,  on  account  of  some 
pretentious  that  the  other  Lieut.  Colonels  of  this  state,  have,  by 
the  arrangement  of  the  Committee  of  Convention.  But,  as  By 
Brevets,  I  have  the  Command  of  them  in  the  Line  of  the  army, 
I  hope  your  Excellency  will  be  kind  enough  to  accord  me  his 
Protection,  that  the  mistakes  of  that  aboved  named  arrangem't 
may  be  rectified  according  to  Ranks,  and  for  further  Satisfaction, 
I  here  Inclose  (for  your  Excellency's  Perusal)  a  Resolve  of  Con- 
gress, who  confirms  me  my  former  Rank,  and  by  which,  a  Board 
of  Genl.  officers  Last  winter  in  Valley  Forge,  give  me  Rank  upon 
all  the  Lt.  Cols,  of  the  army,  as  none  were  found  of  an  older  Date. 
I  have  wrote  already,  to  his  Excellency  the  President  of  Con- 
gress about  the  same  above  purpose,  which  I  hope  you  will  not 
find  amiss,  as  I  expect  the  whole  will  be  Left  to  your  Excellency's- 
Discretion.  I  am  with  Respect  Your  most  obt.  serv't, 

Pierre  Regnier  De  Roussi,  Lt.  Col.  4th  N.  York  Regt. 
Fort  Plank,  Cunnogeharry  January  31st,  1779. 
His  Excellency  Governor  George  Clinton. 


GOVERNOR  CLINTON'S  REPLY. 

Febry.  14"  1779. 

Sir,  I  have  rec'd  your  Letter  of  the  31st  ultimo.  Since  the 
organizing  of  the  Government  there  has  been  no  Power  vested 
in  any  Body  to  make  appointments  in  the  Continental  Battalions. 

•This  officer  failed  to  secure  the  coveted  promotion.— STATF  HISTORIAN. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  531 

The  Legislature  have  now  a  Bill  under  their  Consideration  re- 
fering  this  Power  to  the  Council  of  Appointment  and  I  have 
written  to  Congress  for  the  arrangement  made  by  their  Com- 
mittee of  the  5  Continental  Battalions'.  As  soon  as  this  Bill1 
shall  become  a  Law  and  those  Papers  are  received  the  Council 
will  proceed  to  the  appointment  of  an  officer  to  command  Colo. 
H.  B.  Livingston's  Regiment,  in  doing  of  which  I  have  not  the 
least  Doubt  they  will  observe  the  strictest  Justice.  I  am  &c.. 

[G:  C.] 
[To  Lt.  Col.  De  Roussi.] 


[No.  2065.] 
Petition  from  Orange  County  for  Pardon  of  Thomas  Delaware.* 


[No.  2066.] 
Petition  from  Orange  County  for  Pardon  of  James  Ryan.* 


[No.  2067.] 
Petition  from  Orange  County^  for  Pardon  of  Mathew  Dolson.* 


[No.  2068.] 

Extract  from  a  Letter  of  C.  Stewart,  Commissary  of  Issues,  Relative 
to  Commissary  Magazines  in  Connecticut. 


Extract  of  a  Letter  from  C.  Stewart  Esq.  Com'y  Genl.  of  Issues. 

His  excellency  Genl.  Washington  has  mentioned  to  me,  as 
proper  places  for  the  principal  magazines  in  Connecticut,  Two,. 
Three  or  more  of  the  following,  viz.  Litchfield,  Sharon,  Canaan, 
Cambridge,  Hartford  &  Simsbury,  if  any  other  are  better  adapted 
in  the  Opinion  of  Genl.  Putnam,  his  excellency  will  readily  agree 

*  Omitted. 


532  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

to  them,  On  this  Subject  you  will  Consult  Genl.  Putnam  and  In- 
form me  his  Opinion.  To  Genl.  Putnam  also  I  must  refer  you 
solely,  for  the  position  of  the  magazines  in  the  state  of  New 
York;  he  knows  that  Contry  so  well,  that  his  Opinion  will  be 
Quite  agreable  to  his  Excellency. 


[No.  2069.] 

James  Monell  'Willing  to  Resort  to  Extreme  Measures  in  Order  to 

Procure  Supplies. 


Sir,  Coll.  Hay's  instructions  to  me  is  to  apply  to  your  Excelency 
for  an  impress  warant  when  ever  I  find  aney  of  the  inhabitants 
attempting  to  frustrate  the  Designs  of  the  act  of  legislator  in 
regard  of  Supplying  the  troops  with  provisions. 

There  is  Sundry  of  the  inhabitants  that  hes  been  assessed  to 
deliver  Beef  that  has  attempted  to  deliver  the  porest  Cattle  in 
their  flocks,  which  Cattle  I  have  refused,  and  Can  get  no  other 
without  your  Excelency  warant. 

There  is  a  gentleman  in  my  district,  who  informs  me  he  has  a 
Quantity  of  wheat  Consel'd  in  his  mill  belonging  to  a  dissaffected 
person.  I  pray  for  your  Excellency  authority  to  Seize  it  if  youl 
please  to  grant  it  pray  Send  it  by  the  Baror.  I  am  Sir  your  Ex- 

cellency's most  obed't  Hbbl.  Ser't 

Jas.  Monell,  Agent. 
Gov'r  Clinton. 


[No.  2070.] 
George  Clinton  Writes  to  Francis  Lewis  on  the  Deterioration  of  our 

Currency. 

Feb'y  1st  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  I  have  been  favored  with  your  Letter  of  the  31st 
Dec'r.     I  sincerely  wish  the  Modes  proposed  by  Congress  for 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  533 

raising  the  Credit  of  our  Currency  may  be  attended  with  the  de- 
sired Effects  &  if  seconded  with  spirit  by  the  Legislatures  of  the 
different  States  they  will  I  hope  at  least  prevent  a  further  De- 
preciation. Ours  is  now  sitting  and  are  at  present  employed  in 
the  Business  of  Taxation.  A  Confiscation  Bill  is  also  before 
them — with  other  Bills  of  less  Consequence  as  yet  only  known 
by  their  Titles. 

I  thank  you  for  the  Compliments  of  the  Season  and  if  not  too 

late  with  Pleasure  return  them  being  &c. 

[G.  0.] 
[To  Francis  Lewis.] 

[No.  6417.]* 
DU  SIMITIERE  WRITES  TO  GOVERNOR  CLINTON. 

Desirous  of  Adding  His  Portrait  to  the  Collection  He  is  Making  of 
Distinguished  Americans. 

Sir,  I  have  to  acknowledge  the  favour  of  your  Excellency's  let- 
ter of  the  8th  December  last  &  to  return  you  my  thanks  for  the 
honour  you  have  done  me,  it  would  afford  me  the  highest  Satis- 
faction could  I  have  it  in  my  power  to  do  Some  thing  to  deserve 
the  attention  &  the  continuation  of  your  Excellency's  respectable 
correspondance,  and  I  beg  leave  to  assure  your  Excellency,  that 
I  Shall  neglect  nothing  to  make  my  Self  deserving  it,  in  Some 
measure. 

It  has  been  for  want  of  opportunity  that  I  have  delayed  writ- 
ing So  long.  A  person  call'd  on  me  the  first  day  of  the  year,  as 
from  your  Excellency  desiring  Some  new  publications;  as  it  was 
but  a  verbal  message  &  not  particular,  I  was  at  a  loss  to  give  a 
proper  answer  &  that  person  going  away,  as  he  Said  immediately 
I  had  not  time  to  procure  Some  thing  new  to  Send  you,  but  new 

*From  volume  XXIV,   Clinton  Mss. 


534  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

I  cannot  call  it  with  propriety  being  almost  a  year  old,  yet  they 
.are  the  last  that  have  found  their  way  hither;  I  mean  three  num- 
bers of  the  London  Magazine  for  Jan'y,  Feb'y  &  March  1778, 
which  I  take  the  Liberty  to  inclose,  wishing  they  may  be  accept- 
able to  your  Excellency. 

As  I  am  persuaded  that  your  Excellency  See  our  news  papers 
So  you  must  be  well  inform'd  of  all  the  particulars  of  the  unlucky 
&  untimely  dispute  which  has  Subsisted  for  these  two  last 
months;  therefore,  Shall  Say  nothing  further  on  the  Subject. 

I  Shall  now  Say  a  few  words  relating  to  Painting,  &  acquaint 
your  Excellency  that  a  little  more  than  two  years  ago,  I  formed 
the  plan  of  having  the  pictures  of  the  American  chiefs  &  other 
most  eminent  personnages  of  this  country  in  my  collection,  I 
begun  it  with  your  late  worthy  friend  Mr.  Philip  Livingston,  the 
likenesses  are  in  profll  done  in  black  lead  pencil,  in  imitation  or 
to  Serve  for  a  large  medal;  my  plan  was  interrupted  for  a  con- 
siderable time;  however,  I  added  to  it  Since,  General  Gates,  Gen. 
Mifflin,  Gen.  Arnold,  who  all  very  obligingly  Sat  for  it;  after- 
wards when  the  Ennemy  was  here,  I  copied  a  Striking  likeness 
of  Gen.  Howe  done  by  an  officer  of  his  army,  and  Capt.  Montresor 
Sat  for  me  also,  but  turn'd  of  a  different  Side,  and  yesterday  by 
the  favour  of  Mr.  President  Jay,  I  had  the  great  Satisfaction  of 
taking  a  good  likeness  of  the  great  &  amiable  General  Washing- 
ton, who  condescended  to  come  with  the  President  to  my  house, 
and  Sat  there  three  quarts  of  an  hour,  being  all  the  time  he 
could  Spare,  as  it  was  the  last  day  of  his  Stay  in  Town;  and  I 
have  the  pleasure  to  assure  that  it  is  approved  by  all  who  have 
Seen  it.  I  have  Several  more  in  Expectation,  but  it  is  difficult 
for  these  Gentlemen,  So  much  immers'd  in  public  affairs,  to  find 
leisure  Sufficient  for  that  purpose.  How  happy  Should  I  be  to 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  535 

be  able  to  entertain  your  Excellency  with  the  Sight  of  the  Said 
pictures  and  Several  other  curiosities  relative  to  the  times,  which 
my  perseverance  in  their  pursuit  procures  me  now  and  then;  but 
with  much  less  Success  than  if  my  circumstances  afforded  me 
to  visit  the  different  States  &  renew  my  old  &  form  new  acquaint- 
ances; but  I  must  rest  Satisfied  to  my  fate,  and  Submit. 

I  have  had  no  answer  from  Col.  Lamb  to  the  letter  I  took  the 
liberty  to  inclose  in  mine  to  your  Excellency,  but  I  make  no 
Doubt  it  has  come  Safe  to  his  hands. 

I  am  in  hope  to  have  the  honour  to  address  your  Excellency 
another  letter  Soon,  expecting  Some  thing  which  I  Shall  take 
the  liberty  to  Send,  and  Shall  conclude  at  present  with  my  assur- 
ances of  the  greatest  respect.  I  have  the  honour  to  be  Your 
Excellency's  most  obedient  &  most  Humble  Servant 

Du  Simitiere.* 
Philadelphia  Feb'y  2d  1779. 

His  Excellency,  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  2071.] 

George  Clinton  Writes  to  Gouverneur  Morris  in  Regard  to  Pending 
Legislation  at  Albany. 

Feb'y  2d  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  I  wrote  you  on  the  10"  ult.f  in  answer  to  your  Let- 
ters prior  to  that  Date  since  which  I  have  had  the  Pleasure  of 
rec'g  yours  of  the  10"  &  13".  Mr.  Yates  has  not  yet  favored  me 
with  an  answer  to  my  Letter  respecting  the  Papers  &  Maps  re- 
spect^ our  Boundaries.  You  may  depend  upon  their  being  for- 
warded to  you  the  moment  they  are  rec'd.  A  sufficient  Number  of 

*  Pierre  Eugene  du  Simitiere,  a  Swiss  artist,  was  born  in  Geneva,  and  died  in  Phila- 
delphia October  17,  1784.  He  became  famous  as  a  collector  of  curiosities.  His  heads 
•of  thirteen  notable  Americans,  which  he  painted,  were  published  in  a  quarto  volume  in 
London,  a  year  before  his  death.  His  collection)  of  Revolutionary  manuscripts,  data  and 
broadsides  is  deposited  in  the  Philadelphia  library.— STATE  HISTORIAN. 

fNot  found. 


536  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

the  members  of  both  Houses  to  form  a  Legislature  did  not  meet 
until  the  27"  so  that  they  are  only  entering  upon  Business.  A  Tax 
&  Confiscation  Bill  have  been  read  in  the  Assembly  and  are  in 
some  Forwardness. 

The  Genl.*  I  am  informed  has  announced  this  to  be  a  Session 
of  Politics  &  has  introduced  the  Scene  by  moving  for  a  Bill  in  the 
Senate  for  regulating  the  Council  of  Revision  founded  on  Doubts 
which  I  suppose  never  existed  except  in  his  own  Mind  whether  a 
Lieut.  Gov'r  a  Presdt.  of  Senate  administering  the  Govern't  are 
by  the  Constitution  Members  of  the  Council  of  Revision  and 
whether  the  Members  of  the  Council  of  Revision  are  amenable 
to  the  Laws  of  the  Land  for  Mai  or  corrupt  Conduct  &c.  in  that 
Capacity  as  Gov'r  Chancellor  &c.  with  a  Clause  for  obliging  the 
Council  to  publish  their  Minutes  as  well  past  as  future.  You 
will  readily  perceive  that  the  Intent  of  this  Law  is  to  hold  up 
the  Council  of  Revision  to  the  Public  in  an  obnoxious  Point  of 
view  as  having  been  guilty  of  Malconduct  concealed  from  the 
Public  sufficient  to  justify  this  Measure. 

The  Chancellor  has  not  yet  appeared  or  either  of  the  Judges 
so  that  I  am  deprived  of  their  aid  in  warding  off  a  wicked  fac- 
tious Measure  which  might  perhaps  be  more  easily  defeated  now 
than  at  a  later  Period.  I  flatter  myself  howeverthe  present  attempt 
will  prove  abortive.  The  People  of  this  State  warmly  interest 
themselves  in  the  political  Controversy  between  Mr.  Deane  & 
the  Lees  and  without  knowing  more  than  the  Gazettes  inform 
them  pretty  generally  espouse  the  Cause  of  the  former. 

I  send  you  our  late  Papers  tho  they  are  scarcely  worth  your 
Perusal.  The  Farmer  I  know  not.  The  language  as  well  a» 
sentiment  will  discover  to  you  the  author  of  the  real  Farmer. 

•General  John  Morin  Scott,  one  of  the  Senators  from  the  Southern  district.— STAT» 
HISTORIAN. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  537 

Your  Brothers  are  here  &  well.     I  have  mentioned  them  your 
Desire  that  they  should  write  to  you  frequently  &  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 

Mr.  McKesson  who  is  just  arrived  from  Albany  informs  me 
that  Judge  Yates  has  not  the  Papers  &  Maps.     That  they  are  not 
in  his  McKeseon's  Office  nor  can  he  tell  where  they  are. 
[To  Gouverneur  Morris.] 


[No.  2072.] 

Governor  Clinton  Intimates  that  Jeremiah  Tan  Rensselaer  will  6e 
Appointed  Surveyor-General. 

Poughkeepsie  2d  Feb'y  1779. 

D'r  Sir,  I  do  not  believe  the  Appointment  of  a  Surveyor  Genl. 
will  be  made  during  the  present  Session  as  until  the  Mode  of 
granting  unapropriated  Lands  is  pointed  out  &  the  proper  Regu- 
lations made  by  the  Legislature  that  Officer  is  not  essentially 
necessary  and  the  Time  of  the  Council  will  be  fully  employed  in 
appointing  of  such  as  are  immediately  so.  You  may  rest  as- 
sured, however,  that  if  this  Business  is  taken  up  by  the  Council, 
Mr.  Eensslaer*  shall  be  proposed  with  every  advantage  due  to 

Ihe  Character  you  give  him.     I  am  &c. 

EG.O.] 
[To  Gen.  Schuyler.] 


[No.  2073.] 
The  Governor  Writes  William  Floyd  briefly  on  Legislative  Matters. 

Feb'y  2d  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  I  have  received  your  Letters  of  the  2  &  5  January 
and  thank  you  for  the  Intelligence  they  contain.  We  have  noth- 
ing here  worth  communicating.  The  Legislature  were  to  have 

*Van  Rensselaer  failed  to  obtain  this  appointment,  which  eventually  went  to  General 
Schuyler.— STATE  HISTORIAN. 


538  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

met  by  their  own  adjournment  on  the  2d  Tuesday  in  January, 
after  the  usual  Delays  they  made  Houses  on  the  27"  ulto.  A 
Taxation  and  Confiscation  Bill  have  been  brought  in,  in  the 
Assembly,  several  other  Bills  are  in  earlier  stages  not  yet  offi- 
cially known  to  me.  You  will  oblige  me  by  a  Continuance  of 

your  Correspondence  and  I  am  Sir  &c. 

[G.  0.] 
[To  Wm.  Floyd.] 


[No.  2074.] 

WilUam  Floyd  Writes  to  the  Governor  Concerning  Count  d'Estaing's 
St.  Lucia  Affair  and  Congressional  Matters. 

Philadelphia  Feb.  2d  1779. 

S'r,  Inclosed  I  Send  you  a  News  papers  which  Contains  the 
Chief  of  the  News  that  is  here,  Except  by  a  vessel  Just  arrived 
from  Martinique  in  13  days,  and  another  ait  Baltimore  in  10  days 
we  are  Informed,  that  the  Count  D'Estaing,  Cruising  in  the  West 
Indies  in  Expectation  of  meeting  with  the  English,  which  went 
from  New  York  last  fall,  unluckily  mist  of  them;  they  went  di- 
rectly to  St.  Lucia  and  took  that  place,  the  Count  Soon  getting 
notice  thereof  went  there;  when  he  arrived,  he  found  their  Ships 
Covered  with  Such  Strong  Batteries  that  he  did  not  think  it 
proper  to  Risk  his  own  to  attack  them,  But  Concluded  to  attack 
them  by  Land,  for  which  purpose  Landed  his  Troops,  what  num- 
ber is  uncertain,  Some  Say  5,  6,  or  more  thousand  men.  The 
Count  being  apprehensive  that  Admiral  Byron  might  arrive 
there  with  his  fleet  and  be  too  Strong  for  him,  which  precipitated 
him  to  attack  them  by  Storming  their  Stronghold,  he  was  Re- 
pulsed with  very  Considerable  Loss,  Some  Say  near  1500  men;, 
he  Returned  with  the  Remainder  of  his  men  and  Ships  to  Mar- 
tinique and  is  now  Joyned  by  6  Capitol  Ships  from  France,  and 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  539 

it  is  Said  with  Several  Thousand  men;  this  augmentation  of  his 
navy  will  make  him  Superior  to  Byron,  and  Enable  him  to  Strike 
the  Enemy  where  he  pleases,  without  being  under  a  necessity  of 
makeing  any  Rash  attempts. 

The  application  you  made  to  General  Washington  Sometime 
Since,  with  Respect  to  the  Demands  on  the  Commissary  and  Quar- 
ter master,  and  which  they  did  not  think  them  Selves  authorised 
to  pay,  he  laid  before  Congress,  and  they  thereupon  Resolved 
that  'the  Commissary  and  Quartermaster  be  directed  to  pay  all 
Such  of  those  accounts  as  your  Excellency  Should  Judge  proper.* 

I  am  Sorry  as  well  as  Grieved,  that  I  am  not  able  to  Inform 
you  that  Something  is  done  in  that  Important  affair  of  Vermont. 

There  has  nothing  Important  to  our  State,  that  has  lately 
passed  in  Congress,  the  Grand  Business  which  has  for  a  Consider- 
able time  taken  up  their  attention  and  is  not  yet  finished,  is  the 
arranging  and  Recruiting  our  army. 

When  any  thing  of  Importance  happens  here  I  Shall  do  my 
Self  the  pleasure  to  Inform  you.  In  the  mean  time  I  am  S'r 

your  most  humble  Serv't 

Win.  Floyd. 
His  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esquire. 


[No.  2075.] 

Governor    Clinton    Acknowledges    Official    Communications    from 

John  Jay. 

Pokeepsie  Feb'y  2d  1779. 

Sir,  I  have  rec'd  your  Excellency's  several  Letters  of  the  2d* 
10"t  15§  &  22df  Jan'y  and  have  now  to  inform  you  that  the 
Papers  they  inclosed  which  required  the  attention  of  the  Legis- 

*See  page  526. 
tNot  found. 
§See  page  484. 


540  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

lature  are  submitted  to  their  Consideration.    I  have  the  Honor 

to  be  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
{To  John  Jay,  President  of  Congress.] 


[No.  2076.] 
Mr.  Duer  Resigns  His  Seat  in  Congress. 

Pokeepsie  Feb'y  2d  1779. 

D'r  Sir,  I  have  rec'd  your  Favor  of  the  3d  ult.  and  have  wrote 
to  Judge  Yates  for  the  Maps  &  Papers  you  mention.  These  I 
shall  transmit  you  the  moment  I  receive  them  as  I  would  wish  to 
avoid  every  Cause  of  Delay  at  a  Period  which  appears  the  most 
proper  &  favorable  for  finally  settling  our  Disputes  with  the  In- 
habitants of  the  Grants. 

I  have  received  from  Congress  their  several  Resolutions  on 
the  Subject  of  Finance  and  have  laid  them  before  the  Legislature, 
and  as  a  Tax  Bill  is  now  before  them,  I  flatter  myself  it  will  be 
so  calculated  as  best  to  answer  and  execute  in  this  State  the 
Intentions  of  Congress.  If  the  Measures  adopted  shoud  appre- 
ciate our  Paper  Currency  ever  so  little,  or  even  prevent  a  farther 
Depreciation  of  it,  in  either  Case  I  agree  with  you  in  your 
Speculations  on  the  Subject,  but  if  they  are  inadequate  &  the 
War  continues  another  Campaign,  the  great  Increase  of  our 
necessary  public  Expenditures  and  the  consequent  further  Depre- 
ciation of  the  Paper  Money  will,  I  fear,  render  it  more  difficult 
to  apply  a  suitable  Remedy  &  the  Consequences  more  fatal  than 
sudden  appreciation  of  our  Money  to  its  nominal  original  Value. 

My  Regard  for  Mr.  Duer  as  well  as  Justice  will  induce  me  to 
do  every  Thing  in  my  Power  to  make  him  happy.  His  Letters 
notifying  his  Desire  to  resign  his  Seat  in  Congress  were  addressed 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  541: 

(and  very  properly)  to  the  President  of  the  Senate  &  Speaker  of 
the  Assembly.  I  coud  not  therefore  consistently  have  said  any 
Thing  to  the  Legislature  officially  on  the  Subject,  &  indeed  I  con- 
ceived it  needless,  being  informed  at  the  Time  that  the  Speaker 
was  directed  by  the  Assembly  to  acknowledge,  the  Receipt  of  Mr. 
Duer's  Letter,  the  Sense  they  entertained  of  his  Zeal  for  the 
Cause  of  his  Country  &  his  Exertions  in  its  Favour.  This  I  be- 
lieve was  done  informally  to  avoid  a  Precedent  which  they  did 
not  wish  to  establish.  I  will  remind  the  Speaker  of  this,  least  it 
may  have  slipped  his  Memory,  &  with  Pleasure  forward  his  Com- 
mands to  Mr.  Duer.  I  omit  writing  to  Mr.  Duer  least  he  may 
have  left  Phil,  before  this  reaches  you.  If  not,  Please  to  offer  my 
best  Respects  to  him  &  believe  to  be  with  great  Respect  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  James  Duane  Esq.] 


[No.  2077.] 
THE  GOVERNOR  WRITES  TO  McDOUGALL. 

Recognizes  the  Difficulties  of  His  *  Position — Warns  Him  Against 

Tryon's  Plots. 

Poukeepsie  3d  Feb'y  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  Your  Favour  of  the  23th  [20th]*  Ultimo  came  to  Hand 
some  Days  ago.  I  am  sensible  from  your  Situation  &  nature  of 
your  Command  affords  you  little  Liessure  &  that  you  are  per- 
plexed with  a  variety  of  Impertinent  Applications  which  add 
greatly  to  your  Troubles.  I  am  perswaded  whatever  Measures 
you  may  be  oblidged  to  take  out  of  the  ordinary  Line  for  supply- 
ing your  Army  will  be  calculated  for  the  good  of  the  public 
Service  &  warranted  by  such  Evident  Necessity  &  so  conducted 
as  to  prevent  any  reasonable  Cause  of  Complaints  to  the  well 

•See  page  501  et  seq. 


542  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

disposed  Inhabitants,  &  I  may  venture  to  say  you  will  find  the 
Legislature  as  well  as  the  Executive  Authority  of  the  State  dis- 
posed to  put  the  most  favourable  Constructions  on  your  Conduct 
&  to  render  you  every  Assistance  which  they  can  consistently 
grant. 

Immediately  on  the  Meeting  of  the  Legislature,  I  submitted  to 
their  Consideration  a  Representation  of  the  Difficulties  &  Dis- 
tresses under  which  the  army  labour  for  want  of  Provision  &c. 
In  Consequence  of  which  they  came  to  certain  Resolutions  which 
you* will  herewith  receive  in  an  official  Letter  of  equal  Date.  A 
Bill  is  also  before  them  for  ammending  the  Law  for  regulating 
Impresses  by  which  I  am  in  hopes  it  will  be  rendered  so  effectual 
&  adequate  for  the  Purpose  for  which  it  was  intended  as  to  have 
the  Qu'r  Masters  without  a  reasonable  Excuse  shoud  the  Wants 
of  the  Army  in  future  proceed  from  that  Department. 

The  Accts.  from  New  York  in  your  Last  Letter  ought  to  put 
you  on  your  Guard.  I  have  not  a  doubt  but  Tryon  is  sufficiently 
wicked  to  Execute  the  Dark  Work  of  Assassination. 

The  Troops  stationed  at  this  Place  have  behaved  in  the  most 
orderly  manner  &  have  thereby  made  themselves  very  agreable 
to  the  Inhabitants,  &  having  by  indefatigable  Industry  repaired 
their  Barracks  &  laid  in  an  ample  Supply  of  Firewood  their  Quar- 
ters is  become  very  comfortable  &  are  therefore  extreamly  loath 
to  leave  them.  There  is  4  Months  pay  now  due  to  them  and  on 
receiving  orders  to  march  to  Fishkill  they  gave  in  decent  Repre- 
sentation of  their  Case  to  their  Major  requesting  their  pay  pre- 
vious to  their  being  oblidged  to  march  but  at  the  same  disavow- 
ing every  Idea  of  Mutiny.  The  Major  who  appears  to  be  a  Gen- 
tleman &  good  officer  waited  upon  me  last  Night  to  advise  on  this 
Occassion  (determined  however  to  compell  their  march  at  all 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  543 

Events).  We  both  agreed  that  Reluctance  to  leave  their  present 
Quarters  Influenced  them  more  than  the  Want  of  Pay.  I,  there- 
fore, desired  to  ease  their  Minds  on  that  Score  by  informing  them 
that  I  woud  write  to  you  on  the  Subject  &  if  they  coud  be  spared 
from  the  Field  they  shoud  ocuppy  their  present  Quarters  in  pref- 
errence  to  any  other  Regt.  which  I  request  may  be  the  Case.  I 

am  my  D'r  Sir  Yours  Sincerely 

[G.  0.] 
Genl.  McDougal. 


[No.  2078.] 
COMMISSARY  COLT  TO  GOVERNOR  CLINTON. 

Farmers  Refuse  to  Sell  their  Produce  for  the  Army — Abuses  in  the 
Commissary  Department — Necessity  for  Storing  Supplies. 

Danbury  Feb'y  4, 1779. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency,  From  the  most  exact  &  thor- 
ough examination  into  the  State  of  the  public  Stores,  find  we  are 
in  an  alarming  Situation  respecting  Flour;  very  little  is  pur- 
chased, more  than  is  deliverd  to  the  Magazines,  &  but  few  of  the 
posts  supplied  for  more  than  20  Days.  My  assistants  generally 
assured  me  that  the  Farmers  refused  to  sell  their  new  wheat  (at 
the  limeted  price,)  or  Flour  &  yet  its  necessary  that  a  large  Quan- 
tity should  be  immediatly  secured,  that  it  may  be  seasonably 

» 

transported  to  the  various  posts,  before  the  roads  become  impass- 
able. On  this  account  I  was  induced  to  direct  my  assistants  in 
your  State  to  give  Eight  Doll's  p  bush,  for  good  wheat,  &  Nine 
pound  p  ct.  for  Flour.  I  hope  this  will  enable  them  to  secure 
such  Quantities  as  will  support  the  Troops  untill  we  can  receive 
some  assistance  from  the  Southard.  If,  however,  I  should  be 
mistaken  in  my  oppinion  &  the  Farmers  still  refuse  to  sell  their 
produce,  in  hopes  of  extorting  a  higher  price,  or  hard  Money, 


544  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

therefor  must  request  the  further  aid  and  assistance  of  the  Legis- 
lature of  your  State,  to  enable  me  to  feed  the  Army.  Genl.  Mc- 
Dougall  has  assured  me  he  will  lay  the  state  of  Provisions  &c. 
before  your  Excellency,  &  give  me  every  aid  in  his  power.  He 
has  stoped  a  Quantity  of  Flour  passing  out  of  the  State,  part  of  it 
belonging  to  Hillhouse.  I  have  directed  Maj.  Strang,  whom  I  have 
appointed  an  asst.  for  the  Mannor  of  Cortland,  to  be  very  vigilant 
in  securing  all  the  wheat  &  Flour  in  that  Quarter  &  preventing  its 
being  run  out  of  the  State;  hope  he  will  be  able  to  make  a  consid- 
erable supply.  I  find  Mr.  Hilhouse  has  imployd  a  set  of  Jobber* 
to  purchase  wheat  &  Flour  for  him  &  that  they  have  raised  the 
price  of  those  articles  greatly;  he,  one  Darrow,  &  the  private  Job- 
bers, have  cleared  W't  Chester  County  of  the  greater  part  of  the 
old  wheat.  I  am  told  that  one  Christopher  Green  has  exported 
large  Quantities  of  wheat  &  Flour,  which  he  engaged  to  supply 
the  Troops  with  in  State  Rode  Island,  &  that  a  Capt.  Woodard 
had  a  permit  for  400  bush,  wheat,  which  he  was  to  deliver  to  the 
Com'y  at  the  Eastward.  I  must  request  the  favour  of  yr.  Excel- 
lency to  know  the  truth  of  these  reports,  as  Mr.  Green  has  deliv'd 
but  a  very  little  share  of  his  Flour  to  the  Com'y,  &  that  at  the 
highest  price  in  our  late  distress  at  Providence.  Woodward  has 
deli'd  none.  I  wish  to  know  whether  Mr.  Hez.  Johnson  has  had  a 
permit  for  about  40  bbs.  since  the  one  obtaind  for  the  refugees- 
from  iSusquehannah. 

Your  Excellency  will  please  to  remember  that  you  promised  to- 
send  me  an  account  of  Maj.  Schenk's  conduct  respecting  the  re- 
selling of  public  Flour. 

I  am  with  much  Respect,  your  Excellency's  most  obd.  hum. 

Serv. 

Peter  Colt. 
His  Excellency  Jas.  (?)  Clinton  Esquire. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  545 

P.  S.  I  have  enquired  into  the  report  of  Kaen's  having  sent 
400  bbs.  damaged  Meat  to  W't  Point;  find  he  has  not  deliverd  a 
barel  of  his  meat  yet.  Mr.  Fitch  assures  me  that  Meat,  about 
200  bbs.  is  old  Carolina  pork  recv'd  from  the  Southard  last  sum- 
mer. I  have  directd  Mr.  Schenk  to  get  Kaen's,  Coxe'e  &  Waring's 
Meat  repacked  by  a  Sworn  Cooper  before  it  is  removed  &  to  dis- 
miss them  from  the  Service. 

I  am  informed  that  a  report  is  propagated  in  your  state,  that 
out  of  17,000  bbs.  of  Flour  reported  to  be  on  hand  last  June,  be- 
longing to  the  Army,  not  more  than  3000  bar's  has  been  delv'd  & 
that  the  Corn's  have  sold  the  residue  &c.  But  I  can  assure  your 
Excellency,  that  this  Story  is  false  &  groundless;  they  reported 
about  15,000  bbs.  on  hand  last  June,  upwards  of  13,000  have  been 
delv'd,  the  others  were  resold  by  the  Farmers  &  Millers  for  want 

of  Mony  to  pay  for  the  same.    I  am  &c. 

P.  Colt. 

[No.  2079.] 
Rhode  Island  Depends  Upon  New  York  for  Bread  Stuffs. 

Feb'y  4,  1779. 

Sir,  I  have  been  honored  with  your  Letter  of  the  llth  ulto., 
have  laid  it  before  the  Legislature  now  sitting  and  shall  take 
the  earliest  Opportunity  of  acquainting  you  with  the  Kesult  of 
their  Deliberations  on  the  Subject.  If  your  Bequest  is  not  com- 
plied with  by  the  Legislature,  I  can  venture  to  assure  you  that 
influenced  as  they  really  are  by  Inclination  to  relieve  the  Dis- 
tresses of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  neighbouring  States,  the  only 
Reason  that  can  operate  with  them  for  continuing  the  Embargo 
Law  will  arise  from  a  Desire  of  preventing  the  ruinous  Conse- 
quences of  disbanding  the  Troops  (cantoned  in  this  State)  merely 
35 


546  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

for  the  want  of  Provisions  of  which  they  receive  daily  Com- 
plaints. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Gov.  William  Greene,  of  Rhode  Island.] 


[Nos.  2080-2081.] 
TO  SUPPLY  THE  ARMY  WITH  BREAD. 

Governor  Clinton  Forwards  a  Resolution  of  the  Legislature  and  a 
Circular  Letter  to  the  Proper  Persons. 

Feb'y  4,  1779. 

D'r  Sir,  The  Legislature  to  obviate  the  Difficulties  experienced 
in  supplying  the  army  at  present  &  to  excite  the  Commissaries 
to  lay  up  Magazines  for  future  Contingencies  have  come  to  the 
inclosed  Resolutions.  I  transmit  you  several  Letters  left  open 
for  your  Inspection  which  you  will  please  to  direct  to  the  Com- 
missaries supplying  your  Division.  If  you  should  esteem  it 
necessary  to  have  their  Number  increased  you  will  of  Course,  if 
impowered,  appoint  such  additional  Number  of  proper  Persons 
for  the  Duty  &  I  will  approve  the  appointments  &  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 

Wm.  McDougal  of  this  Place,  Archibald  Currey  of  Hopewel  & 
Benj'n  Thusten  of  Goshen  are  ment'd  to  me  as  suitable  Persons 
to  assist  the  Commissaries  but  whether  they  woud  accept  an 
appointm't  or  not  I  am  ignorant,  &  J-oseph  Genks  of  Charlotte 
Precinct  in  this  County.  The  latter  is  recommended  by  Judge 
Platt  &  I  have  reason  to  believe  will  accept. 
[To  Gen.  McDougall.] 


THE  CIRCULAR  LETTER. 

Feb'y  4  1779. 

Sir,   The  many    Complaints   received   of   the   Difficulties   ex- 
perienced in  supplying  the  Troops  cantoned  in  this  State  &  its 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  547 

vicinity  with  Bread  &  the  laying  in  Magazines  for  the  ensuing 
Campaign  have  induced  the  Legislature  to  pass  the  inclosed 
Resolutions.  I  have  therefore  to  request  your  most  spirited 
Exertions  for  having  them  properly  carried  into  Execution.  If 
It  shall  hereafter  be  found  that  the  Army  is  not  duely  supplied 
&  sufficient  Magazines  laid  in  &  the  Commissaries  have  not  ex- 
erted themselves  in  taking  the  Advantages  afforded  by  the  Laws 
of  this  State  enacted  for  that  Purpose  all  the  ill  Consequences 
resulting  from  the  Neglect  will  with  Justice  be  attributed  to  the 
Officers  in  that  Department. 

I  am  also  to  recommend  that  such  an  additional  Number  of 
diligent  and  honest  Persons  (as  assistant  'Commissaries)  as  shall 
be  sufficient  for  carrying  into  effectual  Execution  the  present  In- 
tention of  the  Legislature  be  appointed  if  this  is  not  already  the 
Case  and  I  shall  chearfully  give  my  approbation.  I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 

You  will  observe  by  the  inclosed  Kesolution  that  the  deposit- 
ing of  Money  in  the  Hands  of  Millers  (who  can  give  proper  Secur- 
ity) for  purchasing  wheat  &  Flour  for  public  uses  is  particularly 
recommended  &  I  have  Reason  to  believe  that  large  Quantities 
may  be  obtained  in  this  way. 

(Copies  to  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Van  Ness,  Mr.  Reed.) 


[No.  2082.] 
McDOUGALL  NOT  CREDULOUS. 

Folly  in  Believing  the  Enemy  will  Evacuate  the  United  States — 
Georgia  in  the  Hands  of  the  British. 

Head  Qu'rs  Peeks  Kill  Feb'y  6th  1779,  7  P.  M. 
My  dear  Sir,  I  have  this  moment  received  the  Paper  which  ac- 
companies this.     It  will  inform  you,  that  Georgia  is  in  Possession 
of  the  Enemy.     America  is  asleep,  &  dreaming  the  Enemy  will 


548  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

evacuate  the  United  States.  She,  or  two  many  of  her  silly  sons, 
imagine  the  struggle  is  at  an  end,*  but  I  wish  we  may  not  have 
to  repent  our  shameful  credulity  &  supineness.  When  you  have 
perused  it,  please  to  send  it  Immediatly  to  Mr.  Holt,  I  have  sent 
it  by  express  for  the  Public  information. 

My  Jail  will  be  compleat  to  morrow.  And  a  fine  one  it  is.  It 
will  secure  without  a  Centery,  fifty  of  the  strongest  Horse  thieves 
in  the  Country.  What  keeps  the  Commission  or  Commissioners 
for  detecting  Conspiracies?  My  Compliments  to  your  Lady,  and 
the  Gentlemen  of  my  acquaintance  of  both  Houses.  I  am  my 

dear  Sir  Your  affectionate  Humble  Servant 

Alex'r  McDougall. 
Gov'r  Clinton. 

P.  S.  I  beg  Mr.  Holt  to  return  me  the  Paper  by  some  safe  hand 
whenever  he  has  done  with  it. 


GOVERNOR  CLINTON'S  REPLY. 

Febry.  9,  1779. 

D'r  Sir,  I  am  to  thank  you  for  your  Favor  of  the  6"  Inet.  and 
the  New  York  Paper  it  inclosed  which  I  have  disposed  of  agre- 
able  to  your  Request.  I  am  at  a  Loss  to  determine  why  a  Board 

•February  7.— Yesterday  being  the  anniversary  of  forming  the  alliance  between. 
'France  and  the  United  States,  the  honorable  the  Congress  at  Philadelphia  gave  a  public 
entertainment  to  his  Excellency  the  Minister  Plenipotentiary  of  his  Most  Christian 
Majesty,  at  which  the  following  toasts  were  drank,  under  the  discharge  of  cannon: 

1.  May  the  alliance  between  France  and  the  United  States  be  perpetual.  2.  The  United 
States.  3.  His  Most  Christian  Majesty.  4.  The  Queen  of  France.  5.  His  Most  Catholic 
Majesty.  6:  The  Princes  of  the  House  of  Bourbon.  7.  Success  to  the  allied  arms. 
8.  General  Washington  and  the  army.  9.  The  friends  of  liberty  in  every  part  of  the 
world.  10.  May  the  new  constellation  rise  to  the  zenith.  11.  May  the  American  stripes 
bring  Great  Britain)  to  reason.  12.  The  memory  of  the  patriots  who  have  nobly  fallen  in 
•defence  of  the  liberty  and  independence  of  America.  13.  A  safe  and  honorable  peace. 

The  cheerfulness  which  existed  in  the  company  upon  the  happy  occasion  of  their  being 
assembled  was  not  to  be  exceeded,  and  a  thousand  brilliancies,  alluding  to  the  alliance, 
were  uttered.  There  can  be  no  doubt  but  that  every  true  American  and  every  true 
Frenchman  will  contribute  his  efforts  to  preserve  that  connection  which  is  formed  by 
the  alliance,  and  which  is  so  necessary  to  the  happiness  and  aggrandizement  of  both 
nations.  Their  mutual  interests  dictate  such  a  conduct  in  the  strongest  and  most 
affectionate  terms.  The  principles  of  the  alliance  are  founded  in  true  policy  and  equal 
Justice;  and  it  Is  highly  probable  that  mankind  will  have  cause  to  rejoice  in  this 
union  which  has  taken  place  between  two  nations;  the  one  the  most  puissant  in  the 
old,  and  the  other  the  most  powerful  in  the  new  world. — New  Jersey  Gazette,  Febru- 
ary 17,  1779. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  549 

of  Comm'rs  has  not  yet  convened  in  the  County  of  West  Chester. 
I  gave  orders  for  that  Purpose  a  considerable  Time  ago,  and  know 
not  to  what  Cause  to  attribute  the  neglect  unless  to  the  Meeting 
of  the  Legislature  of  which  many  of  them  are  Members.  I  shall 
however  repeat  my  orders.  I  perfectly  agree  with  you  that  the 
general  Expectation  of  the  Enemy's  intend'g  to  leave  the  Con- 
tinent has  done  more  Damage  than  their  arms  since  that  Idea 
took  Place.  I  wish  this  Deception  may  cease  and  our  Exertions 

reduce  our  Expectations  to  a  Certainty.     I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Gen.  McDougall.] 

The  Legislature  Takes  Action  on  the  Clandestine  Shipment  of  Flour. 
*Gentlemen  of  the  Legislature, 

I  herewith  transmit  you  an  Act  of  the  Legislature  of  the  State 
of  New-Hampshire,  for  preventing  the  Return  to  that  State,  of 
certain  Persons  therein  named,  and  of  others  who  have  left  or 

shall  leave  that  State,  or  any  of  the  United  States  of  America, 

i 

and  have  joined,  or  shall  join  the  Enemies  thereof;  and  also  a 
Letter  from  the  Honorable  Jeremiah  Powel,  Esq;  President  of  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Massachusetts-Bay,  which  I 
received  Yesterday,  representing  the  Distresses  that  the  Inhabit- 
ants of  the  Town  of  Boston  are  likely  to  experience,  from  the 
Scarcity  of  Wheat  and  Flour,  and  requesting  Permission  to  ex- 
port Three  Thousand  Barrels  of  Flour  from  this  State,  for  their 

immediate  Relief. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Poughkeepsie  February  8,  1779. 

The  House  resolved  itself  into  a  Committee  of  the  whole  House, 
on  hie  Excellency  the  Governor's  Message,  of  the  8th  Instant,  and 

*From  Journals  of  the  Legislature. 


550  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

after  some  Time  spent  therein,  Mr.  Speaker  resumed  the  Chair, 
and  Mr.  Hoffman  reported,  That  the  said  Committee  had  directed1 
him  to  report  a  Resolution,  which  being  read,  was  agreed  to  by 
the  House. 

And  thereupon,  Resolved,  That  in  the  Year  1777,  the  Northern 
.  Frontier  of  this  State,  from  Ticonderoga  to  within  a  few  Miles 
of  the  City  of  Albany,  was  by  the  Invasion  of  the  Enemy,  and  the 
Military.  Operations  on  the  Part  of  these  States  to  repel  them, 
laid  Waste,  and  the  Farmers  not  only  prevented  from  gathering 
in  their  Harvest,  but  also  from  putting  Seed  in  the  Ground  for  a 
Crop  the  following  Year;  and  that  the  Inhabitants  in  that  Quarter 
must,  until  the  ensuing  Harvest,  procure  their  Wheat  and  Flour 
from  the  other  Parts  of  the  State.  That  in  the  same  Year,  in 
Consequence  of  the  Loss  of  the  Forts  in  the  Highlands,  the  Enemy 
from  the  Southward,  invaded  and  penetrated  into  the  most  in- 
terior Parts  of  the  State;  and  the  Inhabitants  from  every  Quarter 

• 

were  called  forth  in  its  Defence,  and  necessitated  to  omit  the 
Cultivation  of  their  Farms,  in  the  Height  of  Seed  Time — That, 
during  the  Course  of  the  last  Year,  several  valuable  Settlements 
to  the  Westward,  and  from  whence  considerable  Supplies  of 
Wheat  usually  obtained,  have  been  destroyed — That  this  State>. 
having,  since  the  opening  of  the  Campaign  in  1776,,  been  the  prin- 
cipal Seat  of  War;  great  Part  of  it,  though  not  within  the  Power 
of  the  Enemy,  hath  lain  uncultivated;  and  the  Farmers  have  been 
incessantly  called  from  the  Cultivation  of  their  Lands,  either  to 
serve  in  the  Militia,  or  to  assist  with  their  Cattle  in  transporting: 
Stores  and  Provisions  for  the  Army — That  the  Troops  and  Prison- 
ers, in  this  State  and  the  Eastern  States,  have  hitherto  been 
almost  entirely  supplied  with,  and  still  expect,  their  Flour  from 
this  State — That,  notwithstanding  the  Prohibition,  great  Quanti- 


PUBLIC  PAPETCS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  551 

ties  of  Flour  have  been  clandestinely  carried  out  of  the  State,  and 
either  exported  or  conveyed  to  the  Enemy. — That  until  the  late 
Kesolution  of  Congress  for  preventing  it,  Wheat  was  purchased 
for  Forage,  and,  while  the  Grand  Army  lay  at  the  White-Plains, 
consumed  at  the  Rate  of  upwards  of  One  Thousand  Bushels  per 
Day;  and  at  the  other  Posts,  in  the  like  Proportion.  That  in  many 
Instances,  the  disaffected,  to  prevent  us  from  obtaining  a  Supply 
from  them,  have  neglected  to  sow  their  usual  Quantity  of  Grain — • 
That  the  Crops  of  the  last  Harvest,  were  generally  slender,  esti- 
mated at  not  above  five  Eighths  of  the  ordinary  Product — That 
the  Legislature  are  not  informed  of  a  competent  Magazine  of 
Flour,  provided  in  any  Part  of  the  State  for  the  Army — That  the 
Supplies  intended  for  the  Troops  in  the  Southern  Department  of 
the  State,  are  so  extremely  deficient,  that  we  have  Reason  to  fear, 
the  Posts  in  the  Highlands  and  Westchester  County,  will  be 
abandoned,  unless  a  speedy  Supply  of  Flour  is  obtained — That 
altho'  no  exact  Account  hath  been  «taken  of  the  Wheat  and  Flour 
in  the  State,  yet  from  every  Information,  there  is  Reason  to  con- 
clude, that  there  is  not  more  than  a  Sufficiency  for  the  Subsistence 
of  the  Inhabitants,  and  the  Army — That  tho'  many  of  these  Facts 
are  alarming,  and  as  such  ought  undoubtedly  to  remain  a  Secret, 
amd  concealed  from  the  Enemy;  yet  that  the  Legislature,  find 
themselves  constrained  to  communicate  them  in  Confidence  to 
certain  Persons,  in  whom  they  can  confide,  and  who  have  applied 
for  Permission  to  export  Flour,  to  convince  them,  that,  consistent 
with  a  due  Regard  to  the  Preservation  of  the  Army,  and  the 
Safety  of  the  Common  Cause,  the  Legislature  cannot  comply  with 
their  Request — That  no  Flour  or  Wheat  ought  to  be  exported  out 
of  the  State,  except  for  the  immediate  Purpose  of  the  War,  and 
that  the  Prohibition  on  Exportation,  doth  not  proceed  from 


552  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

partial  or  selfish  Considerations,  but  was  originally  laid,  and  is 
still  continued,  from  its  absolute  Necessity,  and  solely  with  a 
View  to  prevent  the  Enemy  from  receiving  Supplies,  and  to  pre- 
serve the  Means  of  Subsistence  for  those  Troops,  on  whom  (under 
God)  the  Freedom  and  Independence  of  these  States,  so  essentially 
depends — That  more  effectually  to  answer  these  Purposes,  the 
Legislature  have  entirely  precluded  all  Persons  from  purchasing, 
except  for  the  Consumption  of  their  respective  Families,  or  for  the 
Use  of  the  Army — That  these  Regulations  are  very  prejudicial  to 
the  private  Interests  of  the  Inhabitants  of  this  State,  as  they  are 
thereby  deprived  of  the  Opportunity  of  carrying  their  Produce  to 
the  highest  Market,  and  consequently  compelled  to  sell  it  at  an 
under  Rate — That  the  Feelings  of  the  Legislature,  for  the  Dis- 
tresses of  their  Brethern  in  the  Eastern  States,  can  only  be 
equalled  by  their  Wishes  to  relieve  them — That  whenever  the 
Legislature  shall  be  informed,  that  proper  Magazines  are  provided 
for  the  Army,  and  that  a  Surplus  remains  beyond  the  necessary 
Quantity,  for  the  Support  and  Maintenance  of  the  Inhabitants  of 
the  State;  out  of  that  Surplus,  Permission  will  be  freely  granted 
to  export  any  Provisions  that  may  be  necessary  for  the  Support 
of  their  Fellow  Citizens  in  the  other  States;  and  that  the  Legis- 
lature will  deem  themselves  extremely  happy,  that  an  Oppor- 
tunity will  then  be  afforded,  of  contributing  to  their  relief. 


[No.  2083.] 
JOHN  JAY  WRITES  GOVERNOR  CLINTON. 

And  Offers  Suggestions  Touching  the  Necessity  of  Supplying  Rhode 
Island  with  Provisions. 

Philadelphia  8th  Feb'y  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  Inclosed  in  a  Letter  of  this  day  you  will  receive  from 
me  an  Act  of  Congress  requesting  Connecticut  &  New  York  to 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  553 

afford  a  Supply  of  Provisions  to  the  Inhabitants  of  the  State  of 
Rhode-Island*  who  are  said  to  be  in  great  distress  for  want  of 
Bread. 

This  is  a  Subject  which  in  my  Opinion  is  to  be  treated  with 
great  delicacy.  New  York  has  credit  for  her  Exertions  to  supply 
the  army  &  the  exhausted  State  of  her  resources  is  known.  It 
is  nevertheless  hoped  that  she  may  be  able  to  give  some  Releif 
to  her  starving  Sister,  &  every  motive  of  humanity  &  policy  will 
advise  it  if  practicable.  Care  however  ought  to  be  taken  of  our 
own  Inhabitants,  and  the  Releif,  if  afforded,  should  be  so  regu- 
lated as  to  prevent  that  amazing  Exportation,  &  intolerable  Rise 
in  the  price  of  Provision,  which  would  follow  an  incautious  tho' 
partial  Refusal  of  the  Embargo.  Nor  would  it,  I  think,  be  wise  to 
go  into  any  measures  in  consequence  of  this  recommendation  with- 
out having  previously  consulted  with  the  Commissary  General,  as 
well  as  with  Connecticut;  with  the  former,  on  the  State  of  his 
Magazines,  with  the  latter  on  the  Subject  of  a  joint  plan.  Unless 
there  be  an  overplus  to  be  spared  from  the  Necessities  of  the  army, 
&  the  Consumption  of  the  Inhabitants  all  ought  to  be  retained. 
If  there  be  an  Overplus  in  both  States,  would  it  be  amiss  for  the 
Commissary  to  purchase  &  collect  it  at  the  Expence  of  Rhode- 
Island,  &  let  the  Government  of  that  State  cause  it  to  be  trans- 
ported, and  provide  for  its  due  distribution.  The  Poor  of  that 
State  will  otherwise  be  at  the  mercy  of  Engrossers,  and,  like  the 
wretched  Egyptians,  under  the  vicegerency  of  Joseph,  be  obliged 
to  give  their  hand  for  corn.  I  am,  Dear  Sir,  Your  Friend  & 

Servant 

John  Jay. 
His  Excellency  Gov'r  Clinton. 

*See  Governor  Clinton  to  legislature.  February  18,  page  580. 


554  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  2084.] 
CLINTON  WRITES  TO  JAY  ON  LOCAL  MATTERS. 

Tax  Bill  Expected  to  Raise  One  Million  Dollars — Fears  the 
Destruction  of  Valuable  Papers  Respecting  the  State's 
Boundaries. 

Poukeepsie  9th  Feb'y  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  It  is  with  particular  Pleasure  I  now  transmit  you  a 
Commission  continuing  your  Appointment*  as  a  Delegate  in  Con- 
gress untill  thirty  Days  after  the  next  Meeting  of  the  Legisla- 
ture. 

I  was  favoured  with  your  oblidging  Letter  of  the  31st  Jan'yf 
yesterday;  when  you  receive  my  different  Letters  which  the 
Bearer  is  charged  with  I  flatter  myself  you  will  consider  our  Ac- 
counts settled  up  to  this  Date,  I  have  not  indeed  made  as  punc- 
tual Payments  as  I  coud  have  wished.  This  I  begg  you  to  impute 
to  what  I  assure  is  the  true  Cause  the  Want  of  Opportunity  of 
Conveyance,  the  present  being  the  only  one  I  have  been  able  to 
Command  since  the  Date  of  my  first  Letter.  You  omitted  inclos- 
ing the  Papers  refered  to  in  your  last  so  that  I  am  not  favoured 
with  the  public  Accounts  from  Georgia.  Robertson's  New  York 
Paper  of  the  4th  Instant  says  that  the  whole  State  is  in  the 
Enemy's  Possession,  their  Government  fully  established  &  a  Free 
Trade  opened;  and  that  the  Carolinas  are  likely  soon  to  follow 
the  Example  of  their  Brethren  in  Georgia  in  shaking  off  the 
Tyranny  of  Congress  &  once  more  enjoying  the  sweets  of  Peace 
under  a  Free  Government.  No  mention  is  made  in  this  Paper  of 
their  Successes  in  the  West  Indies.  I  w7oud  fain  Hope  your  Ac- 
counts from  St.  Lucia  by  Way  of  Martinique  are  groundless. 

Our  Tax  Bill  is  yet  with  the  Assembly.  It  was  agreed  to  & 
ordered  to  be  ingrossed  on  Saturday  last.  The  Tax  proposed  is 

*See  page  514; 

tSee  page  527  et  seq. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  555 

to  be  1  /  on  Real  Estate  estimated  at  its  value  in  1775  &  6d  in  the 

Pound  on  personal  at  its  present  Value;  this  would  yield  at  least 

i 
1,000,000  of  Dollars.     I  have  Reason  to  fear  it  will  meet  with 

• 

strong  Opposition  in  Senate.  Yesterday's  Paper  which  you  have 
inclosed  will  leave  you  without  a  Doubt  who  the  author  of  the 
Piece  under  the  signature  of  Real  Farmer  is,  &  you  will  be  able 
to  judge  what  Part  he  will  take  on  the  present  Bill.  The  Bill 
respecting  the  Council  of  Revission  has  been  read  the  second  Time 
^&  Committed  where  I  hope  it  will  rest. 

I  have  not  yet  been  able  to  find  the  Papers  &  Maps  respecting 
the  Boundaries  of  this  State.  I  fear  they  were  destroyed  at 
Kingston. 

Mrs.  Clinton  beggs  to  return  her  most  respectful  Complim'ts 

to  you.     I  am  my  Dear  Sir  Yours  Sincerely 

G.  C. 
His  Excellency  John  Jay  Esqr. 


[No.  2085.] 
NECESSITY  OF  PROTECTING  OUR  FRONTIERS. 

Governor  CUnton  to  Delegates  in  Congress — Blank.  Letters  of  Marque 

and  Reprisal. 

,  *  Poughkeepsie,  9th  Feb'y  1779. 

Gent.,  The  frequent  depredations  of  the  enimy  upon  our  fron- 
tier, during  the  last  fall,  have  excited  the  most  serious  alarms 
.amongst  the  inhabitants  of  the  Western  &  Northern  parts  of 
Ulster,,  Albany,  &  Tryon  Counties  &  many  of  them  are  desirous 
of  removing,  unless  I  can  assure  them  that  such  posts  will  be 
taken,  or  such  offensive  measures  pursued,  as  will  tend  to  protect 
them.  I  find  myself  exceedingly  embarrassed  by  their  applica- 
tions on  this  subject.  To  defend  them  by  a  militia  harrassed  as 
ours  are,  will  be  impossible.  To  encourage  them  to  stay  will  be 


556  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

to  make  myself  in  some  measure  chargeable  with  the  evils  that 
may  fall  upon  them  in  consequence  of  such  incouragement;  to 
advise  them  to  break  up  their  settlements,  only  increases  the  evil 
for  frontiers  &  defenceless  frontiers  will  still  remain,  till  Hud- 
son's river  becomes  our  western  boundary.  In  this  situation  I 
can  only  apply  to  you  to  know  whether  Congress  mean  to  take 
any  strong  posts  to  the  westward,  or  to  pursue  any  offensive 
measures  ag't  the  savages.  If  they  do,  I  may  by  general  assur- 
ances, induce  the  inhabitants  to  remain  on  their  farms.  If  other- 
wise, common  humanity  dictates  the  propriety  of  removing  them 
in  time. 

As  the  proceedings  of  the  Com:  of  Arangement  have  not  been 
transmitted  to  me,  few  of  our  officers  hold  the  rank  assigned 
them  by  such  arrangement.  Nor  indeed  any  other  which  they 
consider  as  conclusive,  so  that  dissatisfaction  frequently  arrises 
on  this  hand.  I  must,  therefore,  beg  the  favor  of  you  to  trans- 
mit me  the  rank  roll  as  far  as  relates  to  our  batt'ns,  together 
with  blank  commissions  for  the  officers  &  any  special  resolutions 
that  Congress  may  have  passed  for  filling  them  up.  I  could  like- 
wise wish  to  have  some  Lettres  of  marque  &  reprizal,  as  some  of 
the  subjects  of  this  State  who  are  desirous  of  engaging  in  priva- 
tiers,  may  find  it  difficult  to  give  the  necessary  security  in  Con- 
necticut where  they  are  not  known. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  New  York  Delegates  in  Congress.] 

[No.  2086.] 
PROGRESS  OF  THE  TAX  BILL. 

Passes  the  Assembly  Successfully,  but  its  Fate  in  the  Senate  Dubious. 

Poughkeepsie,  9th  Feb'y  1779. 

Sir,  On  the  3d  Instant  I  did  myself  the  Pleasure  of  writing  you 
a  few  Lines  which  I  put  under  Cover  with  Dispatches  to  the 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  557 

President  from  whom  you  will  receive  it.  I  was  favoured  yester- 
day with  your  Letter  of  the  21st  Ultimo  by  Mr.  Lawrence.  In  my 
last  I  mentioned  that  a  Tax  Bill  was  before  the  Assembly;  it  has 
since  passed  through  its  different  Stages  in  that  House  &  on 
Saturday  was  agreed  to  &  ordered  to  be  ingrossd.  I  sincerely 
wish  I  had  Reason  to  believe  it  coud  meet  the  Approbation  of 
Senate;  this  I  despair  of  being  the  Case  as  some  Gentlemen  in 
that  House  are  opposed  to  the  Measure.  It  imposes  a  Tax  of  3/ 
in  the  Pound  on  Landed  Property  estimating  the  Value  as  in  the 
year  1775  &  6d  on  Personal  at  its  present  Value  which  would 
yield  at  least  one  Million  of  Dollars  &  that  is  sufficient  to  pay 
our  present  Quota  to  the  Public  &  defray  various  Contingent  Ex- 
pences  for  the  Ensuing  year. 

The  Letters  which  I  had  the  Honor  of  receiving  from  your  Com- 
mittee for  superintending  the  Commissary's  &  Quarter  Master's 
Department  were  among  the  first  Matters  which  I  recommended 
to  the  Consideration  of  the  Legislature.  They  were  early  taken 
up  in  both  Houses  and  several  Bills  ordered  to  be  brought  in  in 
Consequence,  thereof,  to  wit.  For  preventing  Monoply  &  Engross- 
ing; To  prevent  the  distilling  of  Spirits  from  Grain  &  Cyder  &  to 
prevent  Abuses  in  the  Departments  of  Commissary  Quarter 
Master  &  Forage  Master  in  this  State.  As  soon  as  these  become 
Laws  they  shall  be  transmitted  to  you.  The  Committee  who  was 
appointed  to  collect  Evidence  of  the  Abuses  committed  in  these 
Departments  have  not  yet  made  their  Report.  The  Moment  it 
comes  to  Hand  &  I  have  right  to  expect  it  Hourly  a  Copy  with 
the  Proofs  accompanying  it  shall  be  forwarded  to  the  Committee. 
I  shall  wait  with  Impatience  for  more  favourable  Accounts  from 
Georgia.  I  am  with  great  Regard  Your  most  Obed't  Serv't 

G.  C. 

Gov'r  Morris  Esqr. 


558  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  2087.] 

A  General  Press  Warrant. 

Febry.  10"  1779. 

Sir,  To  relieve  the  present  Necessities  of  the  army  I  inclose  you 
a  general  Press  warrant  to  continue  in  Force  for  21  Days  by 
which  Time  I  hope  their  wants  may  be  fully  supplied.  I  need  not 
request  that  you  will  use  it  so  as  best  to  answer  the  End  intended 
with  the  least  possible  Inconvenience  to  the  Subject.  Let  me  in- 
treat  that  the  Persons  employed  in  the  Service  be  such  as  have 
mot  rendered  themselves  obnoxious  to  the  Inhabitants  by  past 

Controversies.  •' 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Udny  Hay  D,  Q.  M.  G.] 


[No.  2088.] 

Commissary  General  Wadsworth  Offers  Governor  Clinton  a  bit  of 

Patronage. 

Camp  Raritan,  Feb'y  10,  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  I  have  but  just  returned  to  camp  after  a  considerable 
term  of  absence  or  I  should  have  sooner  noticed  your  obliging 
favor  of  the  4th  ultimo.  I  must  again  express  my  thanks  to  your 
Excellency  for  your  readiness  to  promote  the  interest  of  my  de- 
partment. 

The  inclosed  resolution  of  Congress  is  sent  to  your  Excellency 
for  your  sentiments  with  respect  to  the  most  eligible  mode  of 
settling  the  accounts  to  which  that  refers.  I  have  taken  the 
liberty  to  inclose  a  letter  to  Paul  Schenck  a  purchasing  comisary 
in  your  neighborhood  directing  him  to  take  measures  for  the  set- 
tlement. But  if  your  Excellency  has  a  preference  for  any  person 
to  execute  this  piece  of  business  it  will  be  equally  agreable  to 
me  that  such  a  person  shoiild  be  employed;  and  if  he  can  be  fur- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  559 

nislied  with  cash  from  the  treasury  or  in  any  other  way,  such 
sums  as  are  required  for  the  purpose  shall  be  immediately  re- 
placed &  the  person,  transacting  the  affair  suitably  rewarded. 
And  should  your  Excellency  appoint  a  man  to  do  this  service, 
the  letter  to  Mr.  Schenck  need  not  be  delivered  to  him.  I  have 
the  honor  to  be  with  much  esteem  Your  Excellency's  most  Obt. 

Serv't 

Jere'h  Wadsworth,  Com.  Gen.  P's. 

His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  2089.] 

Colonel  Hay  Acknowledges  Receipt  'of  Governor  Clinton's  Impress 

Warrant  Letter. 

Fish  Kill  llth  Feb.  1779. 

Sir,  I  am  honored  with  your  Excellency's  of  9th  inst.  enclosing 
an  impress  warrant  for  twenty  one  days;  the  orders  and  observa- 
tions given,  and  containd  therein  shall  be  punctually  obeyd  and 
my  Conduct  regulated  accordingly.  I  am  with  the  utmost  respect 
Sir  Your  Excellency's  most  obed't  &  very  humble  Se't 

Udny  Hay.  i 

His  Excellency  Governour  Clinton. 


[No.  2090.] 
Colonel  Gansevoort  Makes  a  Requisition  for  Clothing. 

Albany  llth  February  1779. 

A  Return  of  Cloathing  at  present  wanting  for  the  3d  N.  York 
Regt— 185  Shirts;  193  Blankets;  467  pr.  Shoes;  467  pr.  overalls; 

149  pr.  Hose 

Signed 

Peter  Gansevoort,  Colo.  3  N.  York  Regiment 
Sir,  Deliver  for  the  use  of  Colo.  Gansevoort's  Regt.  to  Capt. 
Tiebout  Cloathing  agreable  to  -the  within  Return  or  such  Pro- 


560 

portion  thereof  as  your  present  Supply  will  afford  doing  equal 
Justice  to  the  other  4  Regiments.    Given  at  Pokeepsie  Febry.  14 

1779. 

Geo.  Clinton  Gov. 
To  Mr.  Henry  Com'y  Cloathing  &c. 


[No.  2091.] 
Again  the  Question  of  Flour  for  the  French  Fleet. 

Pokeepsie  llth  Febry.  1779. 

Sir,  The  Legislature  have  had  under  their  Consideration  the 
Case  of  Monsieur  De  Matigny  and  are  of  opinion  that  the  Flour 
purchased  by  him  under  his  former  Permit  and  still  remaining 
unexported  is  now  necessary  for  the  use  of  the  sick  &  wounded 
subjects  of  his  most  Christian  majesty  left  at  Boston  by  the 
Count  D'Estaing,  and  that  the  same  ought  not  to  be  seized  & 
detained.  I  have  accordingly  given  Permission  for  the  Exporta- 
tion of  it  of  which  I  have  thought  it  proper  to  give  you  Notice. 

I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 

[To  Jacob  Cuyler,  Deputy  Commissary  General  of  Purchases.] 

[No.  2092.] 

Returns  of  Fourth  Regiment,  Westchester  MiUtia,*  under  Major 

Crane. 

Cortlands  Manor  Feb.  12th  1779. 

a  Regimental  Return  of  the  Fourth  Regment  of  militia  West- 
Chester  County  Commanded  by  Thadeus  Crane  Esqr. 

Total. 

Capt'ns  5  5 

Lents  10  10 

Ensigns  ,                     i                                            5 

Sergts.  20  20 


THE  EARL  OF  CHATHAM. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.                   561 

Total. 

.Corp'ls  20            20 

Drum  &  fife  88 

Rank  &  file  252          252 

Firelocks  240          240 

Baynots  180          180 

Catoch  Box  220          220 

Rouns  2133        2133 

Blankits  150          150 

Knapsacks  141          141 


[No.  2093.] 

Deputy  Commissary  Cuyler  Writes  on  the  All-absorbing  Topic. 

Albany  Fabruary  13th  1779. 

Sir,  Inclosed  I  transmit!  your  Excellency  the  appointment  of 
Zecheriah  Garnrick  who  has  since  removed  to  the  Northard, 
which  at  the  Time  of  my  application  for  him  I  was  Ignorant  off, 
indeed  he  says  the  situation  of  his  family  requiers  his  attention 
to  his  farm,  and  as  Colonel  Peter  Van  Ness,  A.  C.  of  Purchases 
is  Exceedingly  desirous  to  have  another  person  to  Superintend 
that  busyness,  I  have  made  an  appointment  for  David  Van  Noss, 
Ju'r^  which  I  inclose  for  your  Excellencies  Confirmation,  he  is 
the  bearer  hereof.  Some  of  my  purchasers  Complain  that  many 
of  the  farmers  are  not  willing  to  sell  their  wheat  for  Continental 
Currency,  such  as  is  not  seizable  by  the  law,  and  which  the  army 
will  stand  in  Great  need  off,  I  wish  the  lagislature  would  Pro- 
pose some  Exspidient  to  oblidge  them  to  Part  with  It,  for  the 
use  of  the  army  if  they  concive  It  Proper.  The  Accounts  from 
the  Commissary  General  at  Philadelphia  are  alarming;  he  In- 
forms me  that  the  article  of  flour  requires  our  utmost  attention, 
that  the  supplies  from  the  Southard  are  by  no  means  Equal  to 
what  he  Exspected.  I  hope  the  Lagifilature  have  Taken  into 
36 


562  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

their  Consideration  the  flour  that  is  Still  in  this  state  under  the 
Permitts  for  the  use  o*f  the  French  fleet.    I  am  your  Excellencies 

most  obdt.  humble  serv't 

Jacob  Cuyler,  D.  C.  G.  P. 

His  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esqr.  Poughkeepsie. 


[No.  2094.] 

Petition  from  Mamakating  for  a  Force  to  Protect  the  Frontier. 
To  his  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esqr.  Governor  of  the  State 
of  New  York,  General  of  all  the  Militia,  and  admiral  of  the 
Navy  of  the  Same.     . 

The  Humble  Petition  of  a  number  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
western  frontiers  of  Ulster  County,  at  and  near  Mamicortingr 
Sheweth,  that  your  Petitioners  Conceive  themselves  in  a  danger- 
our  Situation;  Partly  from  the  Eepeated  threatnings  of  our  Dis- 
affected Neighbours,  who  have  heretofore  taken  part  with  and 
joined  our  Savage  Enemies,  and  Partly  by  the  wide  Extention 
of  near.  Thirty  Miles  (between  Peenpeck  and  Nipennaugh)  having 
no  Guard,  also  the  Season  fast  advancing  when  (if  Providence 
Prevent  not)  plundering  Parties  may  be  expected,  for  fear  of 
which,  great  Numbers  are  Preparing  to  remove  their  Families 
and  Effects,  which  Kemoval  if  once  begun  (we  Conceive)  will  be 
of  Fatal  Consequences.  We  therefore  make  no  Doubt,  but  your 
Excellency  upon  Consideration  of  our  Situation  (If  it  appears, 
Consistant  with  the  Public  good)  will  grant  us  some  Speedy  Re- 
lief, and  your  Petitioners  as  in  Duty  Bound,  will  ever  Pray. 

John  Crage,  James  Huey,  Manuel  Gunsales,  Jun'r,  Jacobus 
Devine,  Isaac  Roosa,  Joseph  Crawford,  Johannes  Masten,  John 
McCreery,  Thos.  Oliver,  David  Oliver,  James  Gillespy,  Robert 
Milliken,  John  Gillespy,  David  Gillespy,  Adam  Ritenbergh, 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  563 

Abraham  Calwall,  Thomas  Shaw,  William  Bell.  Jaines  Tuckerr 
Robert  McCreery,  Abraham  Swart,  John  Swart,  Hendricus  Rosa- 
crans,  William  Cross,  John  Coulter,  Donald  Ross,  Peter  Simpson,. 
Tonikins  Odell,  William  Harlow,  Daniel  Woodworth,  William 
Stephens,  Solomon  Wheat,  Samuel  Patterson.  Archibald  Mc- 
Bride,  Jeremiah  Fitzgerald,  John  Newkirk,  Jacob  Roosa,  Philip 
Vankuren,  Stephen  Hoakham,  Solomon  Terwilliger. 
Feb  13th  1779. 


[No.  2095.] 
THE  VERMONT  DISPUTE. 

MioaJi  Townsend  Offers  Several  Sensible  Suggestions  on  the  Questions. 

at  Issue. 

Brattleboro'  Febry.  14th  1779. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency,  Last  Week  word  was  sent  from 
the  lower  part  of  Gloucester  County,  by  some  Friends  to  the 
Rights  of  New  York,  and  Delivered  to  me,  that  the  People  in 
that  County  were  much  divided,,  and  many  of  them  wavering 
in  their  Sentiments;  some  owning  allegiance  to  Vermont,  some 
to  New  York,  (of  which  there  was  a  Majority  in  the  Town  of 
Norwich)  and  many  chusing  to  be  under  the  Protection  and  Gov- 
ernment of  New  Hampshire:  That  the  offers  of  New  York  were 
not  understood  by  the  common  People,  the  first  Proclamation 
having  never  reached  them;  and  that  it  would  probably  be  at- 
tended with  great  advantage  to  the  State  to  publish  some  thing 
and  disperse  among  them  in  their  present  Situation. 

I  have  also  to  inform  your  Excellency  that  some  time  past 
Capt.  Clay,  one  of  our  Judges,  went  to  Exeter,  where  the  Legis- 


564  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

lature  of  New  Hampshire  meets,  and  at  the  time  of  their  Ses- 
sion, in  Company  with  Lieut.  Governor  Marsh  and  Colo.  Olcott, 
(a  Copy  of  a  Letter  from  the  latter  to  Mr.  Clay  I  formerly  sent 
you).  Their  Business  can  as  yet  only  be  guess'd  at,  'though  I 
think  with  great  -Probability  of  Certainty,  from  Messrs.  Marsh 
and  Olcott  being  the  principal  Promoters  of  our  intended  Union 
with  New  Hampshire:  add  to  this  that  an  assemblyman  of  that 
State  acquainted  a  Neighbour  of  mine  that  their  Legislature 
was  determined  to  lay  Claim  to  the  Grants:  But  whether  they 
have  passed  a  formal  Resolve  for  that  Purpose,  or  the  assembly- 
man concluded  so  from  the  General  Conversation  of  the  Mem- 
bers, I  could  not  learn. 

Colo.  Bellows,  also  one  of  their  Legislature,  when  I  waited  upon 
him  for  the  Records  of  this  County,  (which  he  very  readily  deliv- 
ered to  me)  expressed  his  wishes  that  we  might  be  in  one  State. 
I  give  this  Information,  Sir,  not  merely  for  the  sake  of  writing 
you  the  News,  but  that  our  State  may  be  on  their  Guard  against 
such  an  Event,  and  take  the  most  prudent  and  timely  measures 
to  render  it  ineffectual.  If  the  Legislature  views  the  Country  to 
be  of  the  same  Importance  which  I  do,  they  will  not  be  sparing 
of  either  Trouble  or  Expence  to  preserve  it.  But  if  they  are  in- 
attentive to  it,  I  much  fear  it  will  become  an  addition  of  Strength 
to  those  whom,  next  to  Great  Britain,  we  have  most  reason  to 
dread. 

I  should  judge  it  necessary  that  a  large  number  of  States  of 
the  Titles  of  New  York  and  New  Hampshire  to  the  Lands,  should 
be  dispersed  among  the  Inhabitants,  to  prevent  their  being  im- 
posed upon  by  the  latter:  That  the  arguments  for  a  new  State 
should  be  answered,  and  in  short  that  it  be  shewn  to  be  our  Duty 
to  yield  our  allegiance  to  New  York.  Among  others  I  think  it 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  565 

would  be  necessary  to  notice  this  argument,  which  tho'  not  men- 
tioned in  the  Publications  of  either  of  the  Allen's,  is  a  prevailing 
opinion  among  the  advocates  for  a  new  State;  vizt.  that  the 
Grants  were  erected  into  a  seperate  Government,  by  the  King  of 
Great  Britain,  before  the  Declaration  of  Independence;  and  that 
Major  Skeene  was  appointed  Governor  thereof:  this  if  true,  would 
be  material  in  their  Favor.  If  any  thing  is  published,  it  may  be 
necessary  perhaps  to  see  a  Performance  of  Colo.  Allen's,  which  I 
am  informed  appeared  in  Hartford  News  Paper  No.  732,  upon  the 
Subject. 

Should  the  Legislature  be  sitting  when  this  comes  to  hand, 
wish,  Sir,  you  would  mention  to  some  of  the  principal  Members, 
the  expediency  of  appointing  a  Committee,  near  Poughkeepsie, 
to  transact,  in  the  Recess  of  the  Legislature,  such  Business  rela- 
tive to  this  Controversy,  as  will  not  admit  of  being  deferred  until 
their  usual  times  of  sitting. 

There  has  not,  since  my  Return  from  Poughkeepsie,  been  any 
Dispute,  which  I  have  heard  of,  between  those  who  are,  and  those 
who  are  not,  in  allegiance  to  New  York,  but  every  thing  has 
(owing  I  suppose  to  their  Division)  been  as  quiet  as  could  be 
wished;  insomuch  that  it  is  generally  thought  an  Election  can  be 
held  in  many  Towns  here  in  April,  without  making  the  least  Dis- 
turbance; and  there  is,  in  the  opinion  of  all  the  Friends  of  New 
York,  with  whom  I  have  conversed  upon  the  Subject,  as  great 
Necessity  to  the  full,  for  a  Representation  during  the  Existence  of 
these  internal  Disputes,  as  after  the  settlement  of  them :  If  you 
should  think  it  for  the  best,  sir,  be  pleased  to  give  the  Clerk  of 
the  Senate  Directions  to  inform  our  Sheriff,  whether  a  Senator  is 
to  be  elected  in  this  District.  A  Letter  would  be  most  likely  to 
come  safe,  if  under  Cover  to  me. 


566  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

In  my  last,  which  I  understand  your  Excellency  has  received,  I 
requested  Mr.  Lush  might  write  me,  about  the  latter  End  of  last 
Month,  what  Congress  had  done,  or  whether  they  were  like  to  do 
anj-  thing,  in  the  Business  upon  which  Judge  Jay  was  sent.  I 
hare  not  yet  received  a  Line  from  him,  and  am,  with  many  others, 
•extremely  anxious  to  know  whether  we  are  like  to  be  in  a  four- 
teenth state. 

The  Legislature  of  Vermont  are  now  sitting  at  Bennington.    I 

am  your  most  Obedient  Humble  Serv't 

Micah  Townsend. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  2096.] 

Colonel  Hay  Reports  to  Governor  Clinton  the  Indifference  of  Judge 
UmpJirey  to  Assist  Him. 

Fish  Kill  14th  Feb.  1779. 

Sir,  It  grieves  me  to  trouble  your  Excellency  so  often  on  the 
same  subject,  when  I  am  certain  your  mind  must  be  agitated  by 
other  matters  of  much  importance. 

The  principal  design  of  this  is  to  request  your  influence  with 
the  (Senate  and  Assembly  to  hurry  on  the  bill,  which  I  now  hear  is 
before  them,  for  procuring  teams  with  more  ease  and  expedition; 
this  is  the  eight  day  since  I  requested  Justice  Umphrey's  assist- 
ance and  begd  he  would  procure  me  ten  Waggons;  not  a  single 
one  has  appeard.  A  party  of  twenty  Soldiers  goes  out  tomorrow 
morning  under  the  sanction  of  your  Excellency's  impress  warrant, 
to  bring  in  twenty  from  that  Precinct  by  way  of  punishment,  but 
«o  bad  are  the  roads  at  present,  they  must  not  only  be  a  long 
time  before  they  can  compleat  this  business,  but  such  fatigue 
naturally  disgusts  the  Soldier  at  the  service,  and  cools  his  ardour 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  567 

for  the  more  Glorious  tasks  of  Honour,  which  it  is  our  security 
he  should  with  eagerness  pursue.  I  send  you  my  second  to  Col. 
Umphreys  as  a  proof  of  the  different  trials  I  make  to  obtain  Car- 
riages rather  than  make  use  of  military  force. 

There  is  but  one  regiment  now  at  Fish  Kill,  the  other  dutys  for 
which  will  be  so  severe  I  shall  scarce  be  able  to  procure  a  man 
from  them  for  the  impress  business  however  urgent  the  occasion. 
I  have  the  Honour  to  be  with  the  utmost  respect,  Your  Excel- 
lency's most  obed't  &  very  humble  Se't 

TJdny  Hay. 

P.  S.  Permitt  me  to  mention  to  your  Excellency  that  if  we  do 
not  gett  out  the  number  of  Carriages  wanted  now,  we  shall  be 
under  the  necessity  of  calling  upon  the  Farmer  in  his  seed  time, 
which  I  have  ever  been  aiming  to  prevent,  as  it  must  be  attended 
with  a  certain  degree  of  danger  and  may  with  total  ruin  to  the 
•Country. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton  Poughkeepsie. 


COLONEL  HAY  TO  MR.  UMPHREY. 

Fish  Kill  llth  Feb'y  1779. 

Sir,  I  wrote  you  on  Saturday  last  for  ten  Teams  to  be  imployed 
in  public  Service  at  this  Post  for  Six  Days.  Justice  Storm  was 
Kind  enough  to  promise  the  latter  Should  be  delivered  you  by 
Mrnself,  which  I  dare  Say  he  did;  The  Necessity  of  having  an 
Immediate  Supply  of  Carriages  for  doing  the  public  Business,  is 
Such,  that  his  excellency  the  Governor  has  thought  proper  to 
grant  me  his  Genl.  Impress  warrant  for  twenty  one  Days  from  9th 
Inst.  notwithstanding,  which  I  would  willingly  avoid  making  use 
of  the  Military  Force  on  this  Occasion,  if  it  can  be  avoided  and 


568  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

therefore  hope  you  will  Send  me  in  the  ten  Waggons  immediately. 

I  am  Sir  Your  most  obe'd  Serv't 

Udny  Hay. 
(a  Copy) 

[To  Mr.  Umphrey.] 


[No.  2097.] 
TO  SEIZE  BRITISH  VESSELS  ON  LAKE  ONTARIO. 

Governor  Clinton  Submits  a  Project  to  James  Clinton — The  Legisla- 
ture Indemnifies    the   Military   for  Aiding   the    Cherry    Valley 

Sufferers. 

Pokeepsie  15"  Febry.  1779. 

D'r  Sir,  I  have  received  your  Favor  of  the  31st  Inst.*  The 
Legislature  have  passed  Resolutions  indemnifying  the  Command'g 
Officer  at  Albany  for  the  supplies  afforded  by  him  to  the  dis- 
tressed Inhabitants  of  Cherry  Valley  and  making  some  future 
Provision  for  them.  I  am  much  pleased  with  the  Determination 
of  the  Oneidas,  Tuscaroras  and  Onondagas  and  the  establishing  a 
Post  in  the  Oneida  Country  as  I  promise  myself  it  will  be  a  great 
means  of  giving  security  to  our  Frontiers. 

I  don't  see  we  can  do  anything  farther  with  Butler  relative  to 
the  Exchange  until  we  receive  his  answer  or  the  situation  of 
things  will  render  it  practicable  to  pass  with  safety  to  the  Place 
where  he  is  stationed. 

Last  Fall  a  short  Time  before  Gansevoort's  Regt.  was  relieved 
from  Fort  Schuyler  a  Proposal  was  made  to  me  for  taking  the 
Enemy's  vessells  on  Lake  Ontario.  The  Officers  who  offered  them- 
selves for  the  Enterprise  were  Lieut.  Staats  &  McClellan  who 
were  to  be  accompanied  by  a  few  Privates  and  some  faithful  In- 
dians. As  the  Enemy's  vessels  were  then  tlrnly  manned  I  imagine 

*  See  page  528. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  569 

it  might  have  been  easily  effected,  and  had  not  the  season  been 
so  far  advanced  and  the  Regiment  ordered  down  I  should  have 
given  every  Encouragement  for  furthering  the  attempt.  The 
Opening  of  the  Lakes  in  the  Spring  will  probably  afford  as  favor- 
able an  Opportunity  and  could  it  then  be  effected  greater  advan- 
tages would  result  from  it,  as  we  should  then  have  the  Command 
of  that  Lake  and  of  Consequence  an  easier  access  to  the  Seneca 
Country.  I  wish,  therefore,  you  would  turn  your  attention  to  this 
Object.  I  need  not  mention  to  you  that  it  ought  to  be  kept  a  pro- 
found Secret.  I  would,  therefore,  have  you  consult  General  Schuy> 
ler  only  on  the  subject.  If  Officers  equally  acquainted  with  the 
Country  and  willing  to  undertake  the  Business  can  be  found  in 
Van  Schaack's  it  may  be  proper  to  employ  them  to  prevent  Dis- 
content. 

Your  Family  was  well  last  week.    I  am  &c. 

[G.  0.] 
[To  Gen.  James  Clinton.] 

[No.  2098.] 

Massachusetts  Makes  Acknowledgment  for  Flour  Privileges. 
State  of  Massachusetts  Bay. 

Council  Chamber  Boston  February  15th,  1779. 
Sir,  We  wrote  to  your  State,  a  few  Days  since,  informing  of 
our  Application  to  Congress  relative  to  the  Embargo,  the  Scarcity 
of  provisions  with  us  (more  especially  of  Grain)  together  with  the 
Causes  thereof,  and  earnestly  requesting  that  friendly  Aid  &  As- 
sistance herein,  which  we  trust  the  sister  states  will  be  ever  ready 
to  grant  to  the  mutual  Comfort  and  advantage  of  each  other. 
We  have  since  directed  the  Board  of  War  of  this  State  to  Import 
Grain  or  Flour  from  your  State,  provided  we  may  be  permitted 
so  to  do;  which  favor,  if  we  may  be  so  happy  as  to  obtain,  we 


570  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

shall  feel  peculiar  Obligation  at  this  Time,  and  be  ready  on  ourr 
part,  at  all  Times,  to  reciprocal  Acts  of  Friendship  and  Benevo- 
lence. And  we  flatter  ourselves  that  the  late  Conduct  of  this 
State  in  a  similar  Case,  will  be  a  •  Sufficient  Apology  for  our 
present  application. 

In  the  name  &  in  Behalf  of  the  General  Court,  I  am,  with  great 
Esteem,  Sir,  Your  most  Obed't  Hble.  Serv't 

Jer.  Powell,  Presid't. 
His  Excell'y  George  Clinton  Esqr,  Governor  of  the  State  Xew 

York. , 


[No.  2099.] 

Proceedings   of   a   General  Court   Martial   at   Goshen,  for   Three 
Commissioned  Officers  and  One  Private. 

Proceedings  of  a  general  Court  martial,  appointed  by  the  President  to  be  held  at  the 
Court  house  in  Goshen,  in  the  County  of  Orange,  on  Monday  the  15th  day  of  February 
1779,  agreable  to  General  orders  of  the  4th  of  December  1778. 

At  -which  day  for  want  of  a  sufficient  number  of  members  adjourned  to  Tuesday  16th 
Feb'y. 

Tuesday  Feb'y  16th  the  Court  met  agreable  to  adjournment  when  the  following  mem- 
bers appearing  were  sworn. 

Colonel  John  Hathorn  President. 

Major  John  Popino  Lieut't  John  Dunning 

Capt.  Samuel  Jones  Lieut't  John  McDowall 

Capt.  Samuel  Watkins  Lieut't  Eliud  Tryon. 

Capt.  John  Little  Lieut't  Richard  Bailis 

Capt.  David  Sweezee  Lieut't  Benjamin  Moore  juru'r 

Capt.  Isaiah  Veal  Lieut't  Samuel  Webb 

Balthazer  De  Haert  Judge  advocate. 

General  orders  read. 

Capt.  Tuthell  of  Coll.  Wocrthull's  regt.  of  Orange  County  militia  charged  with  dis- 
obedience of  orders  and  a  shameful!  neglect  of  duty  in  not  marching  with  his  classes 
to  Minisink  when  ordered  into  actual;  being  called  pleads  not  guilty. 

The  Court  proceeds  to  the  trial  of  Capt.  Tuthell.  Col.  Elihu  Marvin  being  sworn, 
says,  that  in  Col.  Woodhull's  absence,  he  received  the  Governor's  orders  to  send  a 
fourth  part  of  the  militia  to  Minisink,  in  consequence  of  which  he  ordered  the  Captains 
&  subaltern  officers  of  his  regiment  to  meet;  they  accordingly  met  and  Capt.  Tuthell 
agreed  to  go  a  month;  he  then  ordered  each  Capt.  to  send  his  men  to  Chester  the 
Thursday  following  to  march  under  the  command  of  the  said  Capt.  Tuthell  to  Minisink. 
That  he  saw  Capt.  Tuthell  the  said  Thursday  at  Chester  and  ordered  him  to  march  to 
Goshen,  and  if  but  few  men  appeared  to  tarry  there  that  night;  that  the  Friday  follow- 
ing Capt.  Tuthell  sent  for  ammunition  which  was  sent  him,  that  the  Sunday  following 
Capt.  Tuthell  came  to-  him  told  him  he  was  too  unwell  to  go  forward  and  that  but  a  few 
men  had  joined  him  who  he  sent  with  a  lieut't  upon  which  he  ordered  the  Capt.  to  stay 
'till  after  a  Court  martial  should  sit  for  the  trial  of  the  delinquents  which  he  ordered 
him  to  attend  and  take  the  men  who  should  be  ordered  to  go  with  him;  that  the  Court 
martial  sat  the  next  day  but  Capt.  Tuthell  did  not  attend;  he  further  says  that  Capt. 
Tuthell  sent  his  son  the  day  after  the  Court  martial  to  inform  him  that  he  was  not 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  571 

able  to  march  and  that  he  then  sent  Capt.  Tuthell  word  that  he  should  not  march  'till 
able  to  take  the  command  of  his  men. 

Ques.  did  you  expect  that  Capt.  Tuthell  would  march  from  Goshen,  the  morning  after 
he  got  there,  without  any  further  order. 

Col.  Marvin,  yes. 

Thomas  McGuire  being  sworn  says,  that  Capt.  Tuthell  set  off  from  Goshen  to  march 
with  his  men  to  Minisink  that  an  hour  or  two  after  he  returned  very  unwell  with  a  flux, 
that  he  stayed  all  night  at  his  house  and  the  next  day  went  home  very  ill. 

Capt.  Tuthell  in  his  defence  says,  that  his  indisposition  oblidged  him  to  return,  which, 
he  had  proved  by  Mr.  McGuire,  and  that  he  continued  very  ill  the  whole  month. 

The  Court  having  taken  the  cause  into  consideration  are  of  opinion  that  Capt.  Tuthell 
Is  net  guilty  of  either  of  the  said  charges  and  do  acquit  him  thereof.  By  Order  of  the 
Court 

John  Hathorn  President. 

and  then  the  Court  adjourned  'till  to  morrow  morning  8  o'clock. 

Wednesday  the  17th  Feb'y  the  Court  met  agreable  to  adjournment,  and  proceeded  t» 
the  trial  of  Ensign  Smith. 

Ensign  Joseph  Smith  of  Capt.  Sweezee's  company  in  Col.  Allison's  regiment  charged 
by  Coll.  Newkirk  for  hiring  a  private  to  do  his  duty  and  leaving  the  ground  in  his  ab- 
sence, being  called,  pleads  not  guilty. 

Capt.  Samuel  Jones  being  sworn  says  that  Ensign  Smith  came  to  him  while  he  had 
the  command  at  Pinpack  told  him  that  he  had  business  which  made  it  necessary  he 
should  be  at  home  that  he  had  agreed  with  a  private  to  do  his  duty  if  he  could  be  ac- 
cepted and  requested  him  to  accept  the  said  private  in  his  stead  to  do  duty  as  a  private 
and  he  further  says  that  he  referred  the  said  Ensign  and  his  case  to  the  Officer  who. 
came  to  relieve  him  and  that  the  said  Ensign  Smith  appeared  to  him  to  be  unwell. 

Lieut.  Samuel  Knap  being  sworn  says  that  (after  he  had  releived  Capt.  Jones  and  had 
the  command  at  Pinpack  in  the  absence  of  Col.  Newkirk),  Ensign  Smith  applied  to  him 
to  let  him  return  home  and  offered  to  leave  a  private  in  his  stead  that  Smith  complained 
of  being  unwell,  that  he  accepted  of  the  private  to  do  the  duty  and  gave  Smith  leave 
to  return  home  which  when  Col.  Newkirk  came  to  Pinpack  he  seemed  satisfied  with  and 
allowed  the  said  private  to  do  the  duty  of  an  Ensign  which  he  continued  to  do  till  his 
time  expired;  he  further  says  that  he  thinks  the  Private  did  Ensign's  duty  before  Col. 
Newkirk  came  to  Pinpack  but  that  the  said  private  was  namd  in  the  payroll  only  as  a. 
private. 

Lieut.  John  McDowall  being  sworn  says,  that  when  he  went  to  Pinpack  Lieut.  Kaap 
had  the  command,  Joseph  Smith  Jun'r  the  substitute  of  Ensign  Smith  did  the  duty  of 
an  Ensign  which  he  mentioned  to  Coll.  Newkirk  who  appeared  to  be  entirely  ignorant 
of  it  but  said  the  said  private  would  answer  as  a  man  on  the  ground  and  that  the  eu- 
sign  in  his  opinion  had  done-  wrong  and  deserved  to  be  arrested;  he  further  says,  that 
the  Coll.  suffered  the  said  private  to  assume  the  Character  of  an  officer  notwithstanding 
but  said  he  should  not  draw  Ensign's  Day. 

The  Court  taking  the  Cause  of  the  said  Ensign  Smith  into  consideration  are  of  opinion 
that  he  is  guilty  of  the  charge  of  hireing  a  private  to  do  his  duty  and  that  he  pay  a  fine 
of  fifty  dollars.  By  order  of  the  Court. 

John  Hathorn'  President. 

Lieut.  Hubbard  of  Col.  Woodhull's  regiment  charged  with  disobedience  of  orders  and 
a  shameful  neglect  of  duty  in  not  marching  with  his  classes  to  Minisink  when  ordered 
into  actual  service,  being  called  pleads  not  guilty. 

Col.  Elihu  Marvin  being  sworn,  says  that  sometime  -last  October  he  gave  orders  to. 
the  officers  of  Col.  Woodhull's  regiment  to  meet,  at  which  meeting  Lieut't  Hubbard 
agreed  with  the  other  officers  for  a  certain  sum  of  money  to  go  to  Minisink  and  stay  a 
month;  that  a  few  days  after  the  men  marched  Lieut't  Hubbard  came  to  him  and  told, 
him  that  he  had  not  received  the  money  he  had  agreed  for,  and  asked  his  opinion  about 
going  upon  which  the  witness  ordered  him  to  march  and  some  days  after  hearing  that 
he  was  not  gone  sent  Lieut't  Conklin  to  order  him  to  march  tho'  he  beleived  that  he- 
did  not  march;  he  further  says  that  he  accepted  of  Lieut't  Hubbard  as  a  substitute 
for  an  other  Lieutenant  and  accordingly  gave  him  orders  to  march. 

Lieut't  Hubbard  in  his  defence,  says,  that  tho'  he  had  agreed  to  go  to  Minisink  he 
never  rec'd  the  money  he  had  agreed  for  and  was  ordered  by  Capt.  Tuthell  to  return 
home  'till  he  was  paid  and  a  little  after  some  people  had  the  small  pox  in  his  house^ 
which  prevented  his  going  to  Minisink. 

The  Court  martial  taking  the  cause  of  the  said  Lieut't  Hubbard  into  consideration. 


572  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

are  of  the  opinion  that  he  is  guilty  of  the  disobedience  of  orders  and  a  shameful  neg- 
lect of  duty  in  not  marching  with  his  classes  to  Minisink  when  ordered  into  actual  ser- 
vice wherewith  he  is  charged  and  do  adjudge  that  he  be  suspended  from  doing  the  duty 
of  an  officer  for  the  space  of  six  months.  By  order  of  the  Court 

John  Hathorn  President. 

and  then  the  Court  adjourned  'till  to  morrow  morning  at  8  o'clock. 

Thursday  the  18th  Feb'y  the  Court  met  agreable  to  adjournment. 

James  Stringham  private  soldier  of  Capt.  Watkins's  Company  in  Colo.  McClaughery'B 
regiment  charged  for  desertion  from  the  said  Company  19th  Dec'r  1776  when  In  actual 
service  and  going  to  the  enemy  being  called  to  the  bar  confesses  the  charge  and  prays 
that  Capt.  Veal  and  Capt.  Watkins  may  be  examined  as  to  his  character. 

Capt.  Isaiah  Veal  being  sworn  saith  that  he  has  known  the  prisoner  from  his  infancy 
and  that  except  his  going  to  the  enemy  he  seemed  always  willing  to  do  his  duty  as  a 
soldier. 


[No.  2100.] 
The  Governor  Dreads  the  Fate  of  Our  Frontier  Settlements. 

Feb'y  15  1779. 

Dear  Sir,*  I  should  have  answered  your  Letter  of  the  5"  of 
January  before  but  waited  to  hear  from  you  further  (on  the  sub- 
ject alluded  to)  by  Mr.  Taylor,  whose  non  attendance  on  the 
Legislature  this  session  has  deprived  you  of  the  safe  Conveyance 
jou  expected.  I  did  intend  when  I  had  last  the  Pleasure  of  see- 
ing Genl.  Washington  to  have  been  at  Albany  in  a  few  Days. 
Business  of  a  public  Nature  however  prevented  my  leaving  Home 
and  I  have  now  less  Prospect  than  I  had  at  that  Time  of  carrying 
my  Intention  into  Execution.  I  should  be  exceedingly  happy  if 
the  Enterprize  you  mention  is  to  be  against  the  Enemy  to  the 
westward  as  without  some  offensive  operations  in  that  Quarter  I 
dread  the  Fate  of  our  Frontier  settlements  the  ensuing  season. 

Our  Representation  at  present  in  Congress  is  rather  more 
ample  than  I  could  wish  as  all  the  members  elected  (except  your- 
self) are  attending  so  that  no  Inconvenience  now  can  arise  from 
your  being  absent;  perhaps  the  Business  with  which  you  are  in- 
trusted may  be  compleated  in  Time  to  relieve  one  or  two  of  your 
Brethern.  There  can  be  no  necessity  of  making  a  new  appoint- 
ment. I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 

*The  identity  of  the  person  to  whom  Governor  Clinton  addressed  this  letter  is  not 
disclosed  by  the  correspondence.— STATE  HISTORIAN. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  573 

[No.  2101.] 
Mainly  in  Regard  to  Mr.  Furman  a  Prisoner  in  New  York. 

Head  Quarters  Karitan  Feb'y  5th  1779,* 

Dear  Sir,  Your  favour  by  Mrs.  Spicer,  did  not  reach  me  till  a 
few  days  since.  What  became  of  the  Lady  I  cannot  say,  as  she 
did  not  deliver  your  Letter,  nor  made  any  application  relative  to 
her  son. 

Mr.  Furman's  peculiar  situation  and  unparrelled  Sufferings,f 
engaged  my  attention  early  last  Summer.  I  demanded  him  in 
Exchange  from  the  Enemy,  at  several  different  periods,  his  not 
being  taken  in  arms  was  a  singular  objection,  not  properly  com-, 
ing  with  my  Line;  however  from  my  repeated  applications  which 
were  some  times  joined  by  Threats  of  retaliation,  the  Enemy  were 
at  length  prevailed  on  at  the  instance  &  Security  of  some  Friend 
in  New  York,  to  Kelease  him  from  the  Provost  and  indulge  him 
with  the  Liberty  of  the  City.  I  am  told  soon  after  his  enlarg- 

*This  document  is  out  of  place.    It  should  follow  document  No.  2081. 

t  February  4. — It  is  painful  to  repeat  the  indubitable  accounts  we  are  continually  re- 
ceiving, of  the  cruel  and  inhuman  treatment  of  the  subjects  of  these  States  from  the- 
Britons  in  New  York  and  other  places.  They  who  hear  our  countrymen,  who  have 
been  so  unfortunate  as  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  those  unrelenting  tyrants,  relate  the 
sad  story  of  their  captivity,  the  insults  they  have  received,  and  the  slow,  cool,  syste- 
matic manner  in  which  great  numbers  of  those  who  could  not  be  prevailed  on  to  enter 
their  service,  have  been  murdered,  must  have  hearts  of  stone  not  to  melt  with  pity 
for  the  sufferers,  and  burn  with  indignation  at  their  tormentors.  As  we  have  daily 
fresh  instances  to  prove  the  truth  of  such  a  representation,  public  justice  requires  that 
repeated  public  mention  should  be  made  of  them.  A  cartel  vessel  lately  carried  about 
one  hundred  and  thirty  American  prisoners  from  the  prison  ships  in  New  York  to  New 
London,  in  Connecticut.  Such  was  the  condition  in  which  these  poor  creatures  were  put 
on  board  the  cartel,  that  in  that  short  run,  sixteen  died  on  board;  upwards  of  sixty,  when 
they  were  landed,  were  scarcely  able  to  move,  and  the  remainder  greatly  emaciated  and 
enfeebled;  and  many  who  continue  alive,  are  never  likely  to  recover  their  former  health. 
The  greatest  inhumanity  was  experienced  by  the  prisoners  in  a  ship  of  which  one  Nelson 
a  Scotchman,  had  the  superintendence.  Upwards  of  three  hundred  American  prisoners 
were  confined  at  a  time  on  board  this  ship.  There  was  but  one  small  fireplace  allowed 
to  cook  the  food  of  such  a  number.  The  allowance  o«f  the  prisoners  was,  moreover, 
frequently  delayed,  insomuch  that  in  the  short  days  of  November  and  December,  it 
was  not  begun  to  be  delivered  out  till  eleven  o'clock  in  the  forenoon,  so  that  the  whole 
could  not  be  served  till  three  o'clock.  At  sunset  the  fire  was  ordered  to  be  quenched; 
no  plea  for  the  many  sick,  from  their  absolute  necessity,  the  shortness  of  the  time, 
and  the  smallness  of  the  hearth,  was  allowed  to  avail.  The  known  consequence  was', 
some  had  not  their  food  dressed  at  all;  many  were  obliged  to  eat  It  half  raw.  On  board 
this  ship,  no  flour,  oatmeal,  and  things  of  like  nature,  suited  to  the  condition  of  infirm 
people,  were  allowed  to  the  many  sick;  nothing  but  ship  bread,  beef  and  pork.  This 


4574  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

ment,  he  took  to  himself  a  Wife  and  is  now  following  his  usual 
occupation  of  carriage  making,  his  being  upon  those  Terms  pre- 
cludes him  an  Exchange  and  an  Elopement  would  involve  his 
benefactor.  I  am,  sir,  with  great  respect  &  Esteem  Your  most 

Obt.  &  most  Hum.  Serv't 

Jno.  Beatty,  Com.  Gen.  Pris'rs. 
Oov.  George  Clinton. 


[No.  2102.] 
CAPTAIN  WILLIAM  HARPER  ATTACKS  KLOCK. 

Jib  Declares  the  Colonel  is  Inefficient  and  that  Leniency  to  Tories  is 
Responsible  for  Much  of  the  Suffering  in  the  Mohawk  Valley. 

Mohock  Destrict  Try  on  County  16th  Febr.  1779. 
Sir,  When  I  had  the  honer  to  reeave  your  Faver  of  23  Dec'r  I 
was  then  lying  sick  at  Schoharry  &  have  ever  since  ben  confined 
to  my  rome  or  I  had  ben  before  this  in  Poghkipse  with  a  quantity 
of  sulfer,  the  produce  of  our  manufacturer  which  I  think  wants 
nohing  but  a  suftsant  number  of  furneses  and  peace  to  Carry  it 
on.  i 

is  the  account  given  by  a  number  of  prisoners,  who  are  credible  persons;  and  this  is 
"but  a  part  of  their  sufferings;  so  that  the  excuse  made  by  the  enemy,  that  the  pris- 
oners were  emaciated,  and  died  by  a  contagious  sickness,  which  no  on«  could  prevent, 
is  futile.  It  requires  no  great  sagacity  to  know,  that  crowding  people  together  with- 
•out  fresh  air,  and  feeding,  or  rather  starving  them  in  such  a  manner  as  the  prisoners 
have  been  must  unavoidably  produce  a  contagion.  Nor  is  it  want  of  candor  to  sup- 
pose, that  many'  of  our  enemies  saw  with  pleasure  this  contagion,  which  might  have 
been  so  easily  prevented,  among  the  prisoners  who  could  not  be  persuaded  to  enter 
their  service.  Some  of  them,  no  doubt,  thought  they  acted  in  all  this  with  the  true 
spirit  of  the  British  Parliament,  who  began  hostilities  against  America  by  shutting 
-up  the  port  of  Boston  interdicting  the  fishery  and  those  branches  of  trade  that  were 
deemed  necessary  to  our  subsistence;  and  when  some  members  objected  to  the  cruelty 
of  such  acts,  some  well-known  friends  to  the  ministry  had  the  face  to  ring  in  the  ears 
of  others,  Starvation,  starvation  to  the  rebels— starvation  is  the  only  thing  that  will 
bring  them  to  their  senses!  In  short,  the  inhumanity  of  the  Britons,  from  the  begin- 
ning of  this  war,  and  through  every  stage  of  it,  is  without  a  parallel  in  the  annals  of 
any  civilized  nation.  These  things  ought  never  to  be  forgotten,  though  some  would 
fain  wink  them  out  of  sight.  We  are  not,  indeed,  to  resolve  never  to  make  peace  with 
our  enemies,  but  never  to  make  a  peace  that  will  leave  it  in  their  power  to  act  over 
again  their  intolerable  oppressions  and  cruelties.  We  can  never  secure  ourselves  against 
this,  but  by  maintaining,  at  all  adventures,  the  sovereignty  and  independence  of  these 
States.  Nothing  but  this  can  effectually  prevent  the  present  generation  from  enduring 
the  severest  punishment  for  their  noble  resistance  to  the  tyranny  of  Britain,  nor  our 
posterity  from  groaning  throughout  all  generations  under  the  most  abject  and  cruel 
bondage.— New  Hampshire  Gazette,  February  9,  1779. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  575 

Saterday  last,  Mr.  James  Den,  the  Inden  Intarpreter,  on  his 
to  Albany  caled  to  see  me,  and  informed  that  the  Tuesday 
before,  he  came  from  Onido,  whare  he  see  a  Inden,  a  tru  frind, 
whoo  was  dyrectly  from  Nigara,  whoo  Informed  him  that  thare 
was  at  that  place  one  of  the  Anodogo  cheafs,  which  was  taken 
prisoner  at  Fort  Schilor  at  the  time  that  Sant  Ledger  retreted 
from  that  place,  and  was  sent  prisener  to  Albany,  but  after  ward 
set  at  liberty:  this  Inden  Consaved  a  plan  to  Suprise  Fort  Schiler, 
which  he  communicated  to  the  Infamous  Colon.  Butler,  who 
perswaded  him  that  it  could  not  be  dun  by  Indens,  but  if  he 
would  go  aganst  the  Inhabitents  he  might  have  grate  sucksess; 
Jto  which  he  agreed  and  was  rasing  men  for  that  purpos  when  he 
Beanie  from  Nigaro  to  make  a  desent  on  the  frontears  very  sune; 
Mr.  Den  thinks  it  is  likly  wee  may  gat  intiligance  of  thare  aproch 
before  thay  rach  the  Inhabitents.  I  have  taken  the  methouds  I 
thoght  most  prudant  to  inform  the  pepell  not  to  aleram  them  to 
-much  by  informing  the  Filde  offecers  &  magestrats. 

But,  Sir,  I  do  ashuer  you,  thare  is  littell  to  be  Expected  from 
.the  Exertions  of  our  offecers  or  molitti,  for  at  the  time  that  Chery 
Valy  was  destroyed  Colon.  Kluck  with  the  molitti  of  the  upper 
part  of  the  County  did  not  arive  at  that  place  till  two  dayes  after 
the  dede  was  dun,  thogh  he  had,  as  I  have  ben  often  informed, 
promesed  Genarall  Hand  that  he  would  send  to  that  place  fore 
hundred  men  sum  dayes  before  the  Enimy  arived,  and  when  he 
did  arive  thare.  he  did  not  stay  above  two  or  three  howers,  not- 
withstanding the  surviving  Inhabitents  ware  in  the  grates  des- 
tress  and  the  Ded  not  buryed  &  the  Enimy  not  retiered  above  six 
or  seven  miles  from  the  setelment.  The  Same  Day  Colon.  Fisher 
.arived  at  Chery  Valy  with  his  Ridgment  &  a  small  suply  of  pro- 
visons  it  being  so  near  night,  that  he  could  not  march  of,  he  in- 


576  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

camped  thare  but  intimated  that  he  would  march  of  the  next 
morning,  on  which  Colon.  Cloyd  and  Sundry  of  the  Inhabitents 
requested  me  as  a  magestrate  to  go  to  Coin.  Fisher  &  demand  that 
he  shuld  stay  &  asist  in  burying  the  Ded  &  send  a  party  of  his  men 
with  a  party  of  the  Continentell  Tropes  to  meat  a  party  of  the 
prisoners  and  asist  in,  as  wee  had  information  by  sum  of  the 
priseners  that  had  cum  back,  that  Brant  and  Butler  Did  prommis 
to  send  back  the  rest  of  the  women  &  Childring,  and  likewise  to 
asist  in  moving  the  Distressed  Inhabitents  to  the  Mohock  River, 
which  I  did  that  eavening,  &  the  next  morning  agane  I  presed  on 
him  &  his  offecere,  but  notwithstanding  all  the  arguments  that 
could  be  yoused  thay  could  not  be  prevaled  on  to  stay  to  aford  the 
least  asistence,  thogh  I  did  declare  that  I  would  reporte  the  mater 
to  your  Exselency  Exsept  the  wagons  that  Broght  the  provisons 
did  carry  sum  fue  of  the  retched  popell  away. 

But  thay  did  march  of  that  morning. 

Sir,  you  may  see  from  this  acount  (and  I  doubt  not  but  many  of 
the  same  kind  have  cum  to  you)  what  dependence  is  to  be  put  in 
our  molitti;  the  privets  despise  the  officers  &  reproch  them  to 
thare  faces  with  thar  misconduct.  Numbers  of  the  Inhabitents 
have  ben  moveing  down  throw  this  wholl  winter  and  you  may  rely 
on  it  that  Every  honast  frind  in  the  County  will  move  as  sune  as 
there  is  Grase  for  the  Cattell,  if  they  are  not  abliged  to  fly  before; 
but  thare  is  a  nother  thing  I  belive  wee  have  rason  to  fear;  it  is 
well  known  that  thare  is  yat  a  grat  many  pepell  in  theas  parts 
that  are  unfrindly,  and  many  that  are  of  doubtfull  carractours,  & 
likewise  thare  is  grat  quantityes  of  stock  &  grane  in  thare  hands; 
now,  if  theas  popell  shuld  make  thar  peace  and  Joyn  the  Enimy 
this  fruntear  might  becum  moore  trublesum;  then  wee  are  aware 
of  thare  is  yat  Grane  &  stock  anngh  in  this  County  to  suport 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  577 

Indens  &  Toryes  anugh  to  vex  the  United  States  parhaps  as  much 
as  a  larg  army  could  do  on  the  sea  cost,  espesally  if  a  considarable 
reinforcement  should  arive  in  the  spring. 

Thare  is  another  surcumstance  that  Discuriges  the  frinds  &  of 
which  thay  loudly  complane,  that  is,  almost  Every  Tory  that  is 
taken  and  commited,  thogh  his  gilt  be  ever  so  grat  &  glaring,  he 
is  either  set  at  liberty  &  to  imbrace  the  first  opportunity  to  cut 
our  throts  or  sufered  to  make  his  Escape,  and  thay  do  go  and  join 
our  enemy  agane.  Sir,  it  is  imposable  to  discribe  or  for  you  to 
conseave,  the  Distres  &  the  confusion  that  this  part  of  the  Contry 
is  in,  exsept  you  ware  a  specttater  of  it.  As  to  the  Destruction 
of  the  Garman  Flats  it  may  be  atributed  to  what  it  will.  But, 
Sir,  you  know  that  this  County  was  exemt  from  the  draft  to  fill 
up  the  Ridgments  of  this  State  and  ware  to  rase  two  cumpanye8 
of  Rangers,  and  when  &  how  many  of  them  was  rased  I  nead  not 
say,  but  this  I  can  say,  that  many  of  them  ware  a  grate  part  of 
thare  time  at  home  instead  of  being  on  duty  and  the  iforth  part  of 
the  molitte  which  you  ordered  to  be  in  actuall  sarvice,  you  doubt- 
les  have  hard  how  that  was  exsecuted,  &  Colon.  Pelinger  &  par- 
haps  the  grater  part  of  the  Inhabitents  of  the  Garman  Flats,  can 
inform  that  thay  did  repeatedly  call  on  Colon.  Kluck  to  send  them 
asistence  to  no  purpous. 

Colon.  Harper  at  that  Time  went  from  Schoharry  to  the  Garman 
Flats  to  ingage  such  of  the  Inhabitent  &  Indens  as  ware  willing  to 
go  on  the  then  intended  Expadition,  whiare  he  found  the  sittuation 
of  that  place  truly  Destresing;  the  popell  could  not  go  to  thare 
worke  but  at  the  peral  of  thier  lives  by  rason  of  the  frequant 
Incursions  of  the  Enimy  on  thier  satellments. 

Colon.  Pelinger  &  Esqr.  Harkemer  &  sundry  of  the  prinsipell  of 

the  Inhabitents  did  ingage  Colon.  Harper  to  go  [to]  Colon.  Kluck 
37 


578  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

&  Inform  him  of  thar  situwation,  and  pres  him  in  the  strongest 
termes  to  send  them  asistence,  which  he  did,  &  told  him  that  the 
lives  &  fortuens  of  them  Popell  depended  on  his  exertions,  like- 
wise his  one  Carracttuer;  Colon.  Kluck  promesed  to  send  them 
ameadaute  ade;  of  this  my  brother  informed  me  the  next  day,  and 
Colon.  Pelinger  has  since  informed  me  that  notwithstanding  all 
the  applycations,  thare  was  not  above  twenty  five  or  thirty  men 
sent  to  them  &  thay  stayed  a  very  short  time  with  them.  Indead, 
sir,  it  is  the  common  saying  among  the  Popell  hear,  that  wee 
might  as  well  have  a  old  woman  at  the  Head  of  our  molitti;  but 
thay  are  exsadingly  surprised  that  instead  of  being  caled  to  ane 
acount  for  so  many  blunders  &  neglects  to  find  him  mad  Colon. 
Comandant. 

It  is  true  it  is  Defucalt  to  find  capable  men  in  thes  parts  but 
I  dont  doubt  a  exampell  or  two  might  even  make  Ignorant  men 
more  atentive  to  thare  duty,  for  the  want  of  which  I  beleve  wee 
have  sufered  very  much;  wee  have  ben  in  grate  expecttation  of  a 
expadition  against  the  Indens  in  the  spring,  but  Mr.  Wills  Caled 
to  see  me  on  his  return  from  Pokipse  &  informs  me  that  thare  is 
no  sartanty  of  any  such  thing. 

I  am,  Sir,  with  the  gratest  respect  your  most  obadent  and  very 

humble  sarvent 

William  Harper. 
To  his  Exselensy  Gorge  Clenton. 


[No.  2103.] 
General  McDougall  Makes  a  Request  on  Governor  Clinton  for  Several 

Orders. 

Head  Quarters  Peeks  Kill  February  16th  1779. 
My  Dear  Sir,  I  was  favoured  in  due  time,  with  your  several 
favours  by  Mr.  Barclay.    Time  and  the  warm  season  obliges  me 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  579 

to  wave  all  Forms;  I  am  Collecting  all  the  Regular  Troops.  I 
wish  for  an  order,  on  Colonel  Ludington,  for  a  good  Ensign  and 
twenty  men,  to  guard  a  Valuable  number  of  Artillery  waggons 
and  other  Carriages,  made  and  making  at  Fredericksburgh,  and 
for  all  his  men,  who  have  not  appeared  in  Arms;  the  like  for  the 
latter  on  Colonel  Hay,  A  Subaltern  and  thirty  of  Colonel  Brinker- 
hoffs,  good  men  to  guard  the  Barracks  and  Stores  at  Fish  Kill, 
where  are  all  the  Spears  of  the  State?  I  wish  for  an  unlimited 
order  for  them.  What  I  get  will  be  paid  for?  I  beg  the  Militia 
near  these  posts  and  West  Chester,  may  be  in  the  most  perfect 
Readiness  to  march,  on  the  shortest  notice:  and  provided  with 
ammunition,  which  I  much  fear  is  not  the  case.  Some  of  the 
Villains  who  broke  out  of  your  gaol,  are  now  under  Examination; 
one  of  them  is  a  spy  of  Tryon's;  if  the  proof  is  full,  I  shall  not 
trouble  a  Court  martial  with  him.  I  am  in  the  greatest  haste 

Your  affectionate  Servant 

Alex'r  McDougall. 
Governor  Clinton. 


GOVERNOR  CLINTON'S  REPLY. 

Febry.  16"  1779. 

Sir,  I  have  rec'd  your  Favor  of  today's  Date  and  inclose  general 
orders  agreeable  [to]  your  request.  You'l  be  pleased  to  transmit 
Copies  to  Colo.  Ludington  &  Colo.  Brinkerhoof  and  such  other 
command'g  officers  of  Regts.  as  reside  in  the  vicinity  of  your 
Quarters. 

As  to  the  Delinquents,  I  do  not  conceive  that  I  can  with 
Propriety  issue  the  orders  you  request,  especially  as  some  of  the 
offenders  may  have  been  already  punished  by  Courts  Martial,  but 
I  have  no  objection  to  your  writing  to  the  Colonels,  and  I  dare 
say  they  will  upon  application  do  what  you  request  of  me.  Your 


580  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Letter  by  Major  Strang  is  also  rec'd  and  shall  be  duly  attended 
to.  Whenever  you  get  a  New  York  Paper  you  can  spare,  I  shall 
be  obliged  by  the  Loan  of  it  &  will  return  it  if  required'. 

[G.  0.] 
[To  Gen.  McDougall.] 

Governor  Clinton  Submits  an  Act  of  Congress  Relating  to  Flour  for 
Rhode  Island  to  the  Legislature. 

'Gentlemen  of  the  Legislature, 

I  submit  to  your  Consideration  a  Resolution!  of  Congress,  of  the 
8th  Instant,  directing  the  President  to  write  to  the  Governors  of 
the  States  of  Connecticut  and  New-York,  requesting  them  to 
afford  such  Supplies  of  Flour  and  Provisions,  for  the  distressed 
Inhabitants  of  the  State  of  Rhode-Island  and  Providence  Planta- 
tions, as  their  Necessities  call  for,  so  far  as  their  Circumstances 

V 

will  admit,  and  under  such  Regulations  as  may  best  Answer  the 
End  proposed;  with  a  Copy  of  his  Excellency  the  President's 

Letter  on  the  subject. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Poughkeepsie,  February  18,  1779. 


[No.  2104.] 
TO  COOPERATE  WITH  WASHINGTON. 

Our  Delegates  in  Congress  Suggest  that  Clinton  Advise  with  the 
Commander-in-chief  on  Certain  Matters. 

Philadelphia  19th  Febry.  1779. 

Sir,  We  beg  Leave  to  acknowledge  the  Receipt  of  your  Excel- 
lency's Dispatches  of  the  9th  Instant  by  Barclay. 

•From  Journals  of  the  Legislature. 

^Resolved,  That  the  president  write  to  the  governors  of  the  states  of  Connecticut  and 
New- York,  requesting  them  to  afford  such  supplies  of  flour  and  other  provisions  for 
the  distressed  inhabitants  of  the  state  of  Rhode-Island  and  Providence  Plantations  as 
their  necessities  call  for,  BO  far  as  circumstances  will  admit,  and  under  such  regula- 
tions as  may  best  answer  the  end  proposed. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  581 

We  lament  the  frequent  Ravages  of  the  western  frontier.  They 
have  been  severely  felt  both  by  our  own  State  and  Pensylvania; 
and  we  are  called  upon  by  every  motive  to  be  vigorous,  in  the 
necessary  Preparations  for  punishing  our  Enemies  and  protect- 
ing our  Citizens.  The  Commander  in  Chief  has  spent  some  time 
in  this  City  in  Conference  with  a  Committee  of  Congress.  No 
pains  have  been  spared  to  impress  him  with  a  strong  Idea  of  the 
absolute  necessity  of  attention  to  these  great  objects.  The  opera- 
tions which  will  be  most  effectual  are  submitted  to  his  Judge- 
ment, and  every  Department  is  placed  under  his  immediate  Super- 
intendance.  With  him,  therefore,  we  wish  your  Excellency  to 
correspond.  We  know  that  he  has  great  Confidence  in  you  and 
that  your  Solicitations  and  advice  will  have  a  proper  weight. 

General  Schuyler  also  stands  high  in  his  opinion;  &  we  are 
fully  persuaded  that  any  Plan  which  you  &  he  suggest,  or  Requisi- 
tion which  you  make,  will  meet  with  all  possible  attention. 
These  are  as  fortunate  Circumstances  for  our  Frontiers  as  ooud 
l)e  wished,  and  we  are  persuaded  they  will  be  embraced.  If  any 
Obstructions  arise,  or  any  thing  you  may  deem  essential  is 
omitted  (which  we  have  not  the  least  Room  to  apprehend)  we 
shall  stand  ready  to  support  your  Representations  with  the 
utmost  Diligence  and  Zeal. 

The  arrangement  of  the  army  with  respect  to  the  relative  Rank 
of  the  officers  is  not  yet  entirely  compleated.  This  Defect,  which 
has  given  room  for  dissatisfaction,  is  chiefly  to  be  ascribed  to 
the  Committees'  having  left  Congress  before  the  arrangement  was 
matured  for  a  Report.  It  is  however  handed  over  to  the  Com- 
mander in  Chief  who  is  directed  to  finish  it,  the  principles  having 
been  established  by  Congress.  You  will,  therefore,  be  pleased  to 
apply  to  him  for  Information;  his  own  Anxiety  on  so  interesting 
a  Subject  to  the  whole  army  will  not  brook  Delay. 


682  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

The  Letters  of  marque  and  Eeprizal  are  forwarded  by  this  Con- 
veyance agreeable  to  your  Excellency's  Request. 

Preparations  are  making  by  Congress  for  the  ensuing  Cam- 
paign. The  Intelligence  from  Europe  is  not  sufficiently  decisive 
to  Justify  the  least  Relaxation,  tho  they  are  by  no  means  dis- 
couraging. 

We  shall  be  happy  to  hear  that  the  acts  of  Congress  respecting 
Finances  &  Taxes  meet  with  the  approbation  and  firm  support  of 
our  Legislature.  Congress  in  this  and  all  other  Measures  of  Im- 
portance have  decided  with  an  uncommon  degree  of  unanimity. 
We  sincerely  wish  the  same  Harmony  may  ever  continue  and 
prevail  in  the  great  Council  of  the  United  States,  and  be  ex- 
tended to  every  Branch  of  the  Confederacy.  We  have  the  Honour 
to  be  with  the  highest  Respect  Sir  Your  Excellency's  most  Obedi- 
ent humble  Servants 

Jas.  Duane,  John  Jay,  Wm.  Floyd,  Fra.  Lewis. 
[To  G.  C.] 


[No.  2105.] 

The  Case  of  Dr.  Anthony  and  Captain  Scudder. 
Sir,  The  Bearer  Dr.  Anthony,  a  Refugee  from  L.  Island,  and,  I 
have  Reason  to  believe,  well  attached  to  the  American  Cause, 
waits  upon  your  Excellency  in  Consequence  of  an  Order  from  the 
maritime  Court  of  Connecticut  refering  to  your  Excellency 
a  Controversy  between  Dr.  Anthony  &  Capt.  Scudder,  Com- 
mander of  a  small  Privateer,  relative  to  a  seizure  made  on  L. 
Island  by  Capt.  Scudder,  of  a  Quantity  of  Dry  Goods  the  Prop- 
erty of  Dr.  Anthony.  Capt.  Scudder  had  a  Commission  under 
this  State  to  cruize  on  the  waters  of  the  Sound  and  neither  his. 
Commission  nor  Instructions  impowered  him  to  carry  on  any 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  583 

Enterprize  on  Land  &  he  was    particularly  .cautioned    not   to 

plunder  &  distress  the  Inhabitants  of  L.  Island. 

[G.  0.] 
[To  Gen.  Washington.] 


[No.  2106.] 
CORRESPONDENCE  WITH  MEMBERS  OF  CONGRESS. 

Francis  Lewis  Reports  Closer  Relations  on  the  Part  of  France 
Carrying  a  Strong  Moral  Effect. 

Phila.  20th  Febry.  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  I  have  been  honoured  with  your  letter  of  the  1st 
Instant. 

You  will  undoubtedly  ere  this  reaches  you  hear  the  current 
bruit  of  the  present  time,  i.  e.  that  Congress  are  possessed  of 
great  news  received  from  Europe  but  for  reasons  of  State,  think  it 
improper  at  this  time  to  be  devulged ;  this  has  raised  the  curiosity 
of  the  public  to  know  what  the  mighty  Secret  is.  As  a  member  of 
Congress  I  am  enjoined  to  Secrecy,  but  think  myself  at  liberty  to 
communicate  to  your  Excellency  (in  confidence)  that  Mons'r  Ger- 
rard  has  given  Congress  such  intelligence  as  will  put  our  affairs 
upon  a  more  respectable  footing  than  ever,  but  then  it  will  be 

necessary  that  we  exert  ourselves  in  our  military  appearances, 

i 

but  above  all  in  our  unanimity,  for  the  only  hope  Britain  has 
now  left,  is  to  divide  us. 

The  Rumor  has  this  good  effect,  that  Engrossers  &  monopolizers 
are  at  a  stand,  many  offer  goods  for  Sale,  but  few  choose  to  buy, 
so  that  goods  fall  in  price,  and  our  money  appreciate;  the  Express 
waiting  obliges  me  to  conclude  Your  Excellency's  most  Obed't 

Humble  Servant 

Fra.  Lewis. 
His  Excellency  Geo.  Clinton  Esqr. 


584  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  ••'.:'. 

[No.  2107.] 
WilUam  Floyd  Writes  of  Financial  Matters. 

Philadelphia  Feb.  20th  1779. 

S'r,  The  money  which  I  Rec'd  as  of  our  Treasurer  for  the  pur- 
pose of  Bearing  my  Expences  here,  happened  to  be  mostly  of  the 
two  Emitions  which  were  put  out  of  Circulation  about  the  time 
I  arrived  here.  Some  of  it  I  have  Changed,  the  Rest  I  cannot, 
without  a  Loss  of  ten  per  Cent,  and  God  knows  I  am  not  in  Cir- 
cumstances to  put  it  on  Interest;  therefore,  I  Enclose  it  to  your 
Excellency,  and  Beg  you  would  Desire  Mr.  Benson  to  give  it  to 
the  Treasurer  that  he  may  make  a  memorandum  on  the  back  of 
my  Receipt;  there  is  568  Doll's. 

I  Shall  be  under  a  Necessity  (Contrary  to  my  Inclination),  to 
get  from  the  Continental  Treasury  Some  money  on  the  Credit  of 
our  State  to  Bear  my  Expences. 

Our  necessary  Expence  here  is  far  beyond  any  thing  I  had  an 
Idea  of. 

As  I  Doubt  not,  you  will  be  well  Informed  of  Every  thing  that 
is  passing  at  this  place  by  my  Brother  Delegates,  I  Shall  at  this 
time,  only  Enclose  a  paper  of  this  day's  date  and  Conclude  with 
Saying  that  I  am  with  the  Greatest  Respect  S'r  your  most  obed't 

and  humble  Serv't 

Wm.  Floyd. 
To  his  Excellency  George  Clynton. 


[No.  2108.] 

Gouverneur  Morris  Urges  the  Enactment  of  a  Tax  Law — Maps  and 
Papers  Relating  to  Vermont. 

Phila.  20  Feb'y  1779. 

D'r  Sir,    I  pray  you  to  accept  my  acknowlegements  for  your 
Favors  of  the  2d  &  9th  Instant,  being  much  ingaged  in  Business 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  585 

and  in  very  ill  Health  I  cannot  dilate.  Let  me  only  observe  that 
my  Colleagues  were  very  unfortunate  in  that  they  did  not  mention 
to  me  more  early  their  application  for  the  Papers  &ca.  relative  to 
the  pretended  State  of  Vermont.  Most,  if  not  all  of  them,  some 
maps  excepted,  are  in  my  Possession.  I  am  sorry  to  learn  from 
you  that  the  Tax  Bill  will  not  probably  go  through.  To  delay  this 
beneficial  measure  is  almost  madness.  Inequity  must  happen  in 
a  Tax  of  any  kind.  I  can  raise  solid  objections  against  that  you 
mention.  iSo  perhaps  can  others,  and  so  may  any  man  of  Genius 
against  any  Thing.  For  God's  Sake  tax  &  leave  to  a  future  Period, 
the  equitable  adjustment  of  these  things.  Let  me  be  remembered 

to  all  Friends  &  believe  me  Yours 

Gouv.  Morris. 
His  Excellency  Gov'r  Clinton. 


[No.  2109.] 
"  THE  GOOD  NEWS  FROM  EUROPE." 

Francis  Lewis  Declares  it  is  Withheld  from  the  Public  for  State 
Reasons — Necessity  for  a  Respectable  Army  in  the  Field. 

Phila.  24th  Febry.  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  I  had  the  honor  of  writing  to  you  on  the  20th  Instant 
acknowledging  the  receipt  of  your  favor  of  the  1st. 

I  now  embrace  this  opportunity  of  transmitting  you  a  Pamphlet 
entitled,  "  Considerations  on  the  Mode,  &  Terms  of  a  Treaty  of 
Pease  with  America,"  together  with  the  papers  lately  published 
here;  We  have  also  news  of  a  private  nature  from  Europe,  such, 
as  is  in  no  wise  disagreeable  to  Congress,  but  for  reasons  of  State 
is  not  thought  proper  as  yet  to  be  divulged,  but  will  be  published 
in  due  season. 

It  will  be  absolutely  necessary  that  we  exert  ourselves  in 
bringing  a  respectable  army  into  the  field  the  ensuing  Campaign, 


586  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

as  in  all  probability  it  may  be  the  last,  As  to  the  transactions 
in  the  W.  Indies  I  must  beg  leave  to  reffer  you  to  the  printed 
papers  herewith.  The  British  Troops  are  in  possession  of  Georgia 
but  we  are  in  hopes  of  their  being  soon  dispossessed. 

The  Public,  being  apprised  of  some  good  news  received  by  Con- 
gress, tho'  not  transpired,  has  already  caused  great  confusion 
among  Engrossers,  &  Speculators,  who  are  now  offering  their 
Hoards  for  sale,  but  few  incline  to  purchase;  this  has  occasioned 
the  fall  of  Goods,  &  consequently  the  appreciation  of  our  money. 
I  am  with  great  respect  Dear  Sir  Your  very  Humble  Servant 

F.  Lewis. 
His  Excellency  Geo.  Clinton,  Esquire. 


[No.  2110.] 

John  Copp  Reports  the  Approach  of  Two  Parties  of  the  Enemy  from 

the  West. 

Fort  Van  Dyck,  Feby.  24  1779. 

Dear  Cap'n,  "  The  bearer  Nicholass  will  acquaint  you  with  the 
news  just  now  brought  in  by  a  scout,  which  informs  of  the  ap- 
proach of  two  parties  of  the  enemy  one  of  thirty  men,  the  other 
of  an  hundred.  The  Indian  who  brought  the  news  is  the  bearer 

of  this,  for  particulars  I  must  refer  you  to  him." 

John  Copp. 


[No.  2111.] 

Returns  of  Colonel  Kloclc's  Battalion  of  Tryon  County  Militia. 
A  Return  of  the  Second  Battalion  of  Trycn  County  Militia  Com- 
manded by  Colo.  Jacob  Klock  Feb'y  24th  1779. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


587 


§ 

2 

6 

« 

S 

Ck 

2 

E 

01 

o 

_ 

1 

• 
S 

V 

5 

& 

S 

2 

£ 

I 

"3 
o 

o 

a 

o 

3 

*o 

3 

t. 

CS 

0 

o 
o 

A 

a 

o 

3 

a 
w 

! 

i 

i 

S 
I 

S 

73 
1 

Colo. 

i 

Lieut.  Colo. 

i 

Majors 

0 

Adjudants 

1 

Quarter  Masters 

1 

Colo.  Clerk 

1 

Captains 

7 

Lleuten'ts 

7 

Ensigns 

5 

Sergeants  Major 

i 

Sergeants 

24 

Corporals 

as 

Drummers  &  Phlfers 

3 

Privates 

181 

Total 

258 

Jacob  Klock,  Col. 


[No.  2112.] 
THE  MURDER  OF  JOHN  CLARK. 

Sheriff  Nicoll  of  Orange  County  Furnishes  Governor  Clinton  with 

an  Account. 

Goshen  Febr.  24th  1779. 

Dear  S'r,  Inclosed  I  Send  your  Excellency  a  True  Acct.  of  the 
proceadings  Realitive  to  the  Murder  of  John  Clark,  If  Consistent 
I  hope  your  Excellency  will  Order  the  Court  Immedietly  to  Set  on 
James  Smith  and  James  Fluwelling,  as  I  am  a  Fraid  when  the 
weather  Gets  warm  and  the  Leaves  Out,  there  will  be  many  Mur- 
ders Committed  and  Uppon  some  of  Our  principal  peopal.  I  am 
your  Excellency  Moste  Obediant  and  Humble  S'r 

Isaac  Nicoll. 
To  His  Excellency  the  Governor. 


Goshen  Feb'y  24  1779. 

A  Representation  of  the  Conduct  of  Richard  Smith,  Son  of  the 
late  Claudius,  &  Six  others  unknown  last  Saturday  Night  at 
John  Clark's  Between  Stirling  &  Warwick: 


588  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

They  came  to  the  House  of  s'd  Clark,  knocked  &  were  admitted; 
one  pulledi  out  a  watch  &  said  it  is  about  12  O'clock  &  by  one 
Clark,  "  you  shall  be  a  dead  man;"  Clark  inquired  why  they 
would  take  his  life;  they  answered  "you  have  killed  two  Tories 
&  wounded  a  third,"  mentioned  the  Name  of  the    one  -he    had 
wounded!.     Clark  replied,  "  I  never  killed  a  man  in  my  life,  but 
I  believe  I  did  wound  the  man  you  mention  &  I  was  then  under 
the  command  of  my  proper  officer  &  therefore  did  my  Duty." 
They  said  with  oaths  &  imprecations  used  by  such  miscreants, 
that  he  had  been  very  busy  &c.  &c.  &c.  &  therefore  they  were 
determined  to  hang  him;    &  to  comfort  his  wife  who  appeared 
much  affected),  they  told  her  they  intended  to  be  the  death  of 
all  the  leading  men  of  those  parts.      They  drank  very  freely  of 
sundry  sorts  of  Liquor,,  of  which   there   were   three   Barrels    in 
the  house,  filled  their  Bottles  &  stove  the  Casks;  took  3  Bushels 
of  salt  &  strewed  upon  the  Ground  so  as  it  could  not  be  collected: 
filled  Bags  with  Meat,  Bread,  Meal  &  many  other  things,  took 
about  £200  in  Cash  &  gave  Miss  Clark  a  Paper  written  as  follows 
Viz: 

"  A  Warning  to  the  Rebels: 

"  You  are  hereby  forbid  at  your  peril  to  hang  no  more  Friends 
to  Government  as  you  did  Claudius  Smith. 

"  You  are  warned  likewise  to  use  James  Smith,  James  Flawel- 
ling  &  Wm.  Cole  well  and  ease  them  of  their  Irons,  for  we  are 
determined  to  hang  six  for  one,  for  the  Blood  of  the  innocent 
cries  aloud  for  vengeance;  your  noted  Friend,  Capt.  Williams 
&  his  Crew  of  Bobbers  &  Murderers  we  have  got  in  our  Provoe, 
&  the  Blood  of  Claudius  shall  be  repaid*;  there  is  particular 
Companies  of  us  that  belongs  to  Col.  Butler's  army,  Indians  as 
well  as  white  men,  &  particularly  Numbers  from  N.  York  that 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

ie  resolved  to  be  revenged  on  you  for  your  cruelty  &  Murders. 
We  are  to  remind  you  that  you  are  the  beginners  &  agressors, 
for  by  your  cruel  oppressions  &  bloody  actions  drive  us  to  it. 
This  is  the  first  &  we  are  determined  to  pursue  it  on  your  Heads 
&  Leaders  to  the  last  till  the  whole  of  you  is  Massacred.  Dated 
New  York  Feb'y  1779." 

They  then  took  Clarke  to  an  out  House  near  his  dwelling 
House,  &  some  said  they  would  hang  him,  other  said  they  had 
better  shoot  him,  &  while  they  were  disputing  which  they  should 
do,  Richard  Smith  shot  him  through  the  Breast,  Clark  fell  on 
his  Face  &  lay  as  dead;  they  took  of  his  Shoes,  which  being 
•done  he  nimbly  got  up  &  ran  to  his  House,  while  running  they 
discharged  two  Guns  at  him,  lodged  the  contents  of  one  in  his 
shoulder  &  left  him.  Having  returned  to  his  wife  he  informed 
her  as  above,  particularly  that  Smith  shot  him  &  not  long  after 
died. 

They  then  went  to  one  Gideon  Maces,  drank  eome  Liquor,  took 
some  Cash  from  one  Hall  a  Traveller,  which  they  again  returned, 
threatening  him,  alleging  that  he  made  &  sold  salt  to  the  Rebels. 

After  this  went  in  to  the  Mountains. 

The  above  is  as  near  a  Representation  of  Facts  as  I  have  bin 

able  to  Get. 

Isaac  Nicoll. 


[No.  2113.] 

COMMISSARY  SUPPLIES  FOR  THE  TROOPS. 
The  Legislature  Called  Upon  to  Appoint  Disbursing  Officers  in  whom 
]         Confidence  can  be  Placed. 

Hartford  Feb'y  27  1779. 

May  it  please  y'r  Excellency,  Considering  the  heavy  complaints 
•&  censures  that  are  made  against  those  employed  in  the  Com- 


590  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

missary  Department  in  the  State  of  N.  York,  &  the  evil  Conse- 
quences arrising  to  the  public  from  that  Quarter,  Colo.  Wads- 
worth  Com'y  General,  has  determined  to  apply  to  the  Legislature 
of  your  State,  to  take  up  the  Matter,  &  appoint  such  Persons, 
&  so  many,  as  they  shall  judge  necessary,  to  transact  the  Busi- 
ness; &  in  whom  they  can  confide.  The  difficulties  &  Embar- 
rassments attending  this  Business  are  so  many,  in  the  present 
Situation  of  our  Country  &  its  Currency,  that  its  not  only  neces- 
sary that  the  persons  employd  to  feed  the  army  should  be  hon- 
est Men,  &  acquainted  with  Business:  but  that  they  should  also 
have  the  entire  Confidence  of  the  people  amongst  whom  they  live. 
The  Com'y  General  has  directed  me  to  point  out  to  your  Excel- 
lency my  Limits  in  your  State,  &  request  the  Favour  of  you  to 
consult  with  the  other  branches  of  the  Legislature,  &  appoint 
such  Men  as  you  can  rely  on  assistant  Corn's  of  purchases  therein. 

My  Limits  begin  at  the  North  west  corner  of  the  State  Connec- 
ticut, &  run  from  thence  to  Hudson's  River,  on  an  East  &  west 
line,  &  down  by  the  River  to  York  Island.  My  present  pur- 
chasers are  David  Van  Ness,  Esq.  of  Redhook,  Capt.  James  Reed 
of  Amenia,  Mr.  Paul  Schenk,  of  Poughkepsey,  Maj.  Henry  Schenk, 
Fishkill,  Maj.  Jos.  Strang,  of  Cortland's  Mannor,  lately  appointed, 
&  Mr.  Philip  Leak,  of  Bedford.  As  those  Gentlemen  are  well 
known  to  the  Legislature  of  your  State,  I  need  make  no  observa- 
tions on  the  propriety  of  continuing  or  dismissing  them  the 
service. 

By  the  Resolutions  of  Congress,  regulating  our  Department, 
herewith  sent  you,  your  Excellency  will  see  the  necessity  of  the 
Persons  whom  you  shall  appoint  Corn's,  having  certain  limits 
appointed  them  for  the  sphere  of  their  purchases,  of  their  taking 
the  office  Oath,  &  giving  in  Bonds  with  2  sureties  for  their  faith- 
full  discharge  of  their  office. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  591 

As  several  of  my  people  are  so  disgusted  at  the  severe  censure 
shown  out  against  them,  that  they  have  requested  a  dismission; 
this  Business  will  require  your  earliest  attention.  As  soon  as  you 
have  fixed  on  the  Men,  must  request  your  Excellency  to  make  me 
a  Keturn  of  their  Names,  places  of  abode,  &  the  Limits  assigned 
them,  that  I  may  furnish  them  with  Blank  Bonds,  &  such  In- 
structions, and  forms,  as  will  enable  them  to  keep  their  accounts 
in  a  similar  Manner  with  my  other  purchasers.  They  will  also 
want  an  immediate  supply  of  Money  without  which,  little  can 
be  effected.  I  expect  a  large  sum  in  the  course  of  the  week,  & 
shall  pay  immediate  attention  to  their  wants. 

I  have  only  to  add,  that  Flour  is  wanted  for  the  Troops  at  the 
Eastward ;  that  there  is  not  exceeding  400  ba's  in  the  Magazines 
at  &  near  Boston,  that  the  several  posts  of  Springfield,  Rutland 
&  Wooster  are  nearly  out.  The  Troops  in  State  Rode  Island  not 
furnished  with  more  Flour  than  to  last  them  till  May,  fear  not 
so  long.  The  Troops  at  N.  London  under  Command  of  Genl.  Par- 
sons are  worse  supplied.  General  Putnam's  Troops  &  Genl.  Mc- 
Dougall's  expect  to  be  fed  by  my  purchases.  These  various  de- 
mands will  amount  to  2,500  bar's  p  Month,  and  is  liable  to  be 
increased  by  the  calling  out  of  the  Militia  on  alarms  &c.  at  the 
above  Rate  it  will  take  15,000  bar's  Flour  to  feed  the  Men  now 
in  my  department  for  Six  Months.  No  common  Exertions  will 
secure  that  Quantity.  I  should  not  suppose  that  Dutches  &  W't 
Chester  would  furnish  a  much  larger  Quantity;  &  if  it  is  not 
immediately  secured  for  the  army,  private  persons,  compelld  by 
Hunger,  will  run  it  out  of  the  State  &  send  it  Eastward. 

The  Express,  J.  Stevens,  will  wait  your  Excellency's  orders. 

I  am  with  the  greatest  Respect,  your  most  obdient  hum.  Ser- 
vant 

Peter  Colt,  D.  C'y  P's  East  Depart'n  • 


692  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

P.  S.  Some  further  provision  should  be  made  to  hinder  the  ex- 
portation of  Flour,  &  some  way  fallen  upon  of  having  each  per- 
mit, even  to  the  com'y  cancelled  &  returnd  to  you ;  think  no  Flour 
should  be  sent  out  but  by  gangs  of  Teams  under  command  of  a 
faithful  Conductor;  this  would  prevent  great  part  of  the  present 
Inequity,  of  the  Farmers  taking  advantage  of  the  Teams  coming 
to  Sharon  with  public  Flour,  &  passing  the  Line  in  company 
with  them. 
His  Excellency  Geo.  Clinton  Esquire. 


j  [No.  2114.] 

COMMISSARY  COLT  WRITES  CONFIDENTIALLY. 

His    Private    Opinion    of    the    Capabilities    of    Several    of    His 

Subordinates. 

Feb'y  27  1779. 
Private. 

Sir,  I  wrote  your  Excellency  of  this  Date,  respecting  the  Busi- 
ness of  my  Department,  which  suppose  will  be  communicated  to 
ye  General  Assembly;  shall  now,  in  Confidence,  give  you  my  op- 
pinion  of  the  propriety  of  displacing  some  of  the  people  hitherto 
employd  by  me  in  Business;  and  of  continuing  others.  I  must 
begin  by  observing,  that  in  the  summer  of  '76  I  was  sent  into  your 
State  to  purchase  Flour  by  order  of  Col.  Trumbull;  whilst  there, 
the  army  retreated  from  N.  York  &  lost  considerable  Flour,  it 
became  necessary  to  have  regular  &  large  supplies  from  your 
State.  I  applied  to  the  Convention,  then  siting  at  Fishkills,  for 
their  advice  &  assistance.  They  took  up  the  Matter  &  appointd 
a  Com'e  to  confer  with  me  on  the  subject.  By  their  advice  I  em- 
ployd Maj.  Schenk  &  gave  him  the  Money  I  had  on  hand  to  prose- 
cute the  Business,  and  returnd  home.  Colo.  Trumbull  employd 
him  ever  afterwards  whilst  he  continued  in  the  Dept.;  when  he 


PUBLIC  PAPEKS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  593 

resignd  &  I  was  appointed  Dep'y  Com'y  Gen.  I  gave  Maj.  Schenk 
an  appointment  again;  this  was  in  Nov'r  77  &  I  never  heard  any 
Complaint  against  him  till  lately.  By  his  request,  I  appointed  his 
Brother  Paul,  knowing  him  to  be  acquaintd  with  Business  &  of 
good  Connections;  however  I  find  that  both  of  those  Gen'n  have 
incurred  the  displeasure  &  lost  the  confidence  of  their  Country 
Men;  on  which  account  they  ought  to  be  displaced.  Maj.  Schenk 
has  recommended  Mr.  Isaac  Kershow,  &  Mr.  Paul  Schenk,  his 
Brother  Peter,  to  take  their  districts.  But  I  am  not  sufficiently 
acquainted  with  either  of  their  Characters  to  judge  of  the  pro- 
priety of  giving  them  an  appointment.  D.  V.  Ness  Esq.  was  first 
employd  by  J.  Canfield  Esq.  of  Sharon.  He  secured  upwards  of 
6,000  bar's  Flour  last  spring  for  the  army  in  his  small  district. 
Mr.  Canfield  assured  me  that  Maj.  V.  Ness  was  the  most  indus- 
trious Man  in  that  Quarter,  &  could  command  more  of  the  produce 
than  any  Man  he  knew;  he  has  purchased  upward  of  3,000  bar's 
Flour  since  Oct'r  for  me.  As  to  his  Honesty  &  Integrity,  you  can 
form  a  better  oppinion,  than  I  am  able  to  do  upon  my  short  ac- 
quaintance with  him.  I  suppose  him  the  fitest  person  in  that 
Quarter  to  be  imployd;  but  as  I  am  so  much  a  Stranger  to  the 
Gentlemen  of  that  part  of  the  Country,  shall  chearf  ully  submit  his 
Fate  to  your  determination.  Capt.  Eeed  was  first  imployd  thro 
my  procurement  in  76.  Col.  Trumbull  gave  him  an  excellent 
Character  when  he  quited  the  Business  &  I  again  appointd  him. 
I  am  fully  satisfied  with  his  Conduct  in  the  department  &  believe 
he  is  the  best  Man  in  that  Quarter;  cant  but  wish  he  might  be 
continued.  He  has  exerted  himself  to  the  utmost  &  believe  there 
would  have  been  no  complaint  of  his  Flour's  falling  short  last 
summer,  had  I  been  enabled  to  have  furnished  him  with  Money 
to  make  good  his  contracts:  But  as  it  was  out  of  my  power  to 
38  • 


594  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

furnish  the  Money  seasonably,  the  Farmers  went  to  the  Mills  & 
took  away  the  Flour  &  sold  it  to  the  Eastern  people.  I  have  no 
reason  to  think  Capt.  Reed  connived  at  those  practices,  but  believe 
he  secured  as  much  of  his  contracts  as  he  could.  However  if  you 
judge  that  he  is  not  fit  for  the  Business,  or  that  a  better  Man  than 
him  can  be  found  in  his  District;  believe  Capt.  Reed  will  cheer- 
fully quit  the  service.  Mr.  Phil.  Leak  was  introduced  to  me  in 
Nov'r  77,  by  John  Lloyd,  Esq.  by  Papers  which  he  shewd  me.  I 
saw  he  was  entrusted  by  the  convention  with  state  Business,  and 
as  I  knew  of  no  other  person  in  that  Quarter,  employd  him;  tho  he 
has  procured  me  considerable  supplies  from  time  to  time,  and  on 
as  reasonable  Terms  as  any  Person  in  that  Quarter,  yet  I  cant 
but  wish  some  more  active  Man  was  appointd  in  his  Room.  He 
is  very  ignorant  of  accounts,  is  not  a  person  of  great  abilities,  or 
Resolution;  &  does  not  seem  possessed  of  sufficient  might  &  Im- 
portance with  the  Community  to  conduct  public  Business  in  that 
Quarter  to  advantage.  He  suffers  himself  to  be  abused  by  people 
in  such  a  Manner  as  renders  him,  in  some  Measure,  contemptable, 
and  I  fear  he  has  not  taken  such  care  of  his  saltd  Meat,  as  will 
prevent  all  damage.  I  have  heard  a  Maj'r  Lockwood  mentioned 
as  a  suitable  Person  to  be  imployd  in  that  district,  but  have  no 
personal  acquaintance  with  him. 

On  my  Return  from  Poughkepsey  I  appointd  Maj.  Jos.  Strang 
of  Crompond  an  assistant,  and  yesterday  I  recv'd  a  Letter  from 
General  McDougall,  informing  me,  that  he  had  employd  Maj. 
Jon't  Griffing  Tomkins*  of  Fraderecksburgh  to  purchase  in  that 
Quarter.  He  assures  me  that  Mr.  Tomkins  may  be  depended  on 
for  his  Zeal  &  attachment,  as  those  two  last  Gentlemen  are  so 

*  Major  Jonathan  Griffin  Tompkins  was  one  of  the  conspicuously  loyal  Americans  of 
Westchester.  He  was  the  father  of  Daniel  D.  Tompkins,  the  "  War  Governor  "  of  New 
York,  during  the  second  war  with  Great  Britain.— STATE  HISTORIAN. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  595 

lately  appointed  hope  there  will  appear  no  necessity  of  altering 
them. 

Under  the  present  situation  of  Business  perhaps  it  would  be 
prudent  to  form  another  district  between  Maj.  Tomkins's  &  Capt. 
Reed.  Maj.  Talman  lives  on  the  great  Road  by  which  much  Flour 
is  said  to  be  run  out  of  your  iState;  perhaps  it  might  be  well  to- 
appoint  him  to  purchase.  The  State  of  our  Magazines  is  such  as 
requires  your  spediest  attention  to  this  Business.  The  scarcity  of 
Bread  Corn  at  the  Eastward  is  truly  alarming  &  whilst  it  bears- 
such  a  price  there,  persons  will  not  be  wanting  who  will  run  all 
hazards  in  supplying  them.  The  sooner  the  Grain  is  secured  for 
the  army  the  better,  as  the  price  will  certainly  rise  much  higher 
than  we  have  ever  given.  I  am  sensible  this  application  is  giving 
your  Excellency  much  trouble;  but  I  dont  know  how  it  can  be 
avoided.  I  shall  take  it  as  a  particular  favour  of  your  Excellency, 
to  acquaint  me  of  any  Malpractices  of  any  of  my  people,  or  any 
complaints  that  may  be  made  against  me  personally.  Being  con- 
cious  of  my  own  Integrity,  flatter  myself  I  shall  always  be  able 
to  convince  you  that  I  have  honestly  if  not  successfully  conducted 
public  Business  &  no  longer  w6uld  I  continue  in  it,  than  I  can- 
support  the  Character  of  an  honest  Servant  of  the  public.  I  have 
the  honour  to  be  your  most  respectful  hum'e  Servant 

Peter  Colt. 

P.  S.    You  will  consider  this  as  a  private  Letter  wrote  your 
Excellency  in  perfect  Confidence  of  its  not  being  made  public. 
His  Excellency  Geo.  Clinton  Esq. 

GOVERNOR  CLINTON'S  REPLY. 

Pokeepsie  4th  March  1779. 

Sir,   I  have  but  a  Moment  to  answer  your  Confidential  Letter 
of  the  17th  Ultimo.    The  Persons  you  wish  to  continue  in  Office  I 


696 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


believe  are  as  proper  as  any  their  Characters  being  for  aught 
I  know  unexceptionable.  I  do  not  think  either  of  the  Persons 
recommended  by  the  Messrs.  Schenck  the  most  suitable.  If  Me- 
lancton  Smith  Esqr.  coud  be  prevailed  upon  to  accept  he  woud 
be  the  most  suitable  Person  to  supply  one  of  those  Vacancies.  I 

am  Sir  Your  Most  Obed.  Serv. 

[G.  0.] 
Peter  Colt  Esqr. 


[No.  2115.] 

Bread  and  Flour  in  the  Several  State  Stores. 
Acct.  of  Bread  &  Flour  on  Hand  in  the  Several  Stores  in  the 
State  of  N.  York,  the  first  Day  of  March  1779. 


Bbls.  Bread 

Bbls.  Flour 

Nathaniel  Stevens  A. 
John  EI*e 
•James  Hamilton 
Simon  Phillips 
James  Forsyth 

Total  

C.  of  Iss 
Do 
Do 
Do 
Do 

ics  Fishkill  

7 

1 

76 
3 

11 
51 
2J 
10 
61 

Do  Landing.  

Kings  Ferry  

Continental  Village.  ............ 

92| 

135} 

I  hereby  Certify  that  the  above  acct.  is  agreeable  to  the  Re- 
turns of  the  Issuing  Commissaries. 

John  Fitch,  D.  C.  G.  Issues.      •    ' 
Fishkill  March  8th  1779. 

N.  B.    About  400  bbls.  Flour  at  West  Point  on  Hand.  -      -     - 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


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*  The  original  editor  of  the  MS 
the  present  editor  to  Gen.  F.  C.  Al 
the  records  of  this  office  that  the  f 
and  on  March  1,  1779,  at  Scboharrj 

598  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  2117.] 
A  Brief  Letter  from  John  Jay. 

Philadelphia  1st  March  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  Althb  I  have  no  Important  Intelligence  to  communi- 
cate, or  Leisure  to  write  long  Letters,  yet  cannot  omit  this  op- 
portunity of  sending  to  you  the  news  Papers,  and  telling  you  I  am 
well. 

A  vessel  with  a  valuable  Cargo  is  just  arrived  at  Baltimore. 
Whether  she  brings  any  &  what  advices  from  France  I  am  yet 
uninformed. 

My  next  will  be  more  particular.  My  best  Respects  to  Mrs. 
Clinton.  I  am  dear  Sir  Your  Friend  &  Serv't 

John  Jay. 
Gov'r  Clinton. 


[No.  2118.] 

STRENGTH  OF  THE  BRITISH. 

General  McDougall  Furnishes  Governor  Clinton  with  a  Detailed 
Estimate  of  the  Enemy's  Forces  in  New  York  City  and  Vicinity. 

Head  Quarters  Pecks  Kill  March  1st  1779. 

Sir,  It  has  been  the  misfortune  of  this  Country,  that  it  has  been 
amused  at  every  Period  of  the  Dispute,  with  Great  Britain,  with 
some  object,  to  take  its  attention  from  the  ultimate  one.  Today 
Reconciliation;  tomorrow,  the  Interference  of  France,  is  to  termi- 
nate the  Dispute,  and  give  peace  to  America.  And  not  long 
since,  the  Enemy  was  to  have  evacuated  New  York,  and  by  the 
credulous,  it's  believed  the  Force  of  the  Enemy  is  very  incon- 
siderable. Now  'tis  said,  Spain's  acceding  to  the  Independancy 
is  to  effect  it.  This  ^is  the  Tub  of  the  Day,  to  divert  the  whales. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  599 

It  is  a  necessary  Part  of  my  Duty  to  be  informed  of  the  Strength 
of  the  Enemy.  I  have  used  every  possible  means  to  accomplish 
it.  The  Kesult  you  have  inclosed.  It  speaks  for  itself.  I  hope 
this  night  to  write  you  more  fully.  I  am,  Sir,  Your  humble  Ser- 
vant, 

Alex'r  McDougall. 

P.  S.  Since  this  was  wrote  a  Picquet  from  Colonel  Putnam's 
Regiment  posted  on  Tallar's  Point  has  taken  eleven  of  the  Galley 
men  who  landed  with  a  view  of  taking  off  Stock.  Among  the 
Number  is  the  Master,  two  Marines,  seven  Sailors  and  their  Pilot, 
(one  Bice  from  the  Neighbourhood  of  Poughkeepsie). 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


The  Corps  on  the  other  Side,  have  been  compared  with  the 
official  Letters  and  paragraphs,  in  the  Enemies  Papers;  relative 
to  the  embarkation  and  arrival  of  the  Troops  at  Barbadoes  &ca. 
and  Georgia',  but  neither  of  those,  are  among  these.  It  is  certain 
there  are  14  Companies  of  Light  Infantry  at  South  Hampton,  and 
its  very  seldom,  that  the  Battalion  is  sent  on  remote  Service,  from 
its  flank  Companies.  I  recollect  but  one  Instance  in  all  my  read- 
ing. Sensible  Deserters,  Serjeants  and  Corporals  from  the  Brit- 
tish,  were  confident  as  to  the  Cantonments  on  York,  Staten  and 
Long  Islands.  And  the  Hessian  privates  were  equally  so,  as  to 
Regiments  of  that  Nation.  The  York  Calendar,  containing  a 
List  of  them,  was  read  to  them  repeatedly  and  questioned  partic- 
ularly where  all  these  Corps  were,  at  the  Time  of  their  respective 
examinations.  The  Positions  of  the  New  Levies,  are  ascertained 
on  as  unquestionable  Evidence.  The  16th  Regiment  of  Light 
Dragoons,  have  been  draughted  into  the  17th,  and  the  officers 
sent  to  England.  The  former  is  the  reason  of  the  present 


600  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Strength  of  the  17th.  The  seventeenth  of  Foot,  altho'  cut  to 
Pieces  at  Princetown,  has  had  large  draughts  from  the  reduced 
Regiments.  A  Corporal  of  it,  who  detailed  the  Duty  deserted, 
and  was  very  minutely  examined  at  my  Quarters.  He  appeared 
to  be  a  sober  intelligent  Fellow.  The  57th  is  by  the  concurrent 
examination  of  Sixty  Deserters,  the  strongest  in  America.  The 
Compliment  of  the  Grenadiers,  is  always  compleat,  by  a  standing 
general  order.  The  Strength  of  the  Corps  in  General,  has  been 
ascertained  by  Questioning  the  Serjeants,  Corporals  and  sensible 
privates  on  the  strength  of  their  own  Companies,  and  whether 
their  Regiment  was  reputed  to  be  stronger  or  weaker  than 
another  with  which  it  was  compared?  The  Hessian  Regiments 
except  the  Grenadiers  and  Life  Guards,  consist  of  five  Companies 
and  when  they  first  came  out  were  an  Hundred  and  twenty  strong 
Rank  and  File,  now  they  are  from  60  to  80.  If  it  be  considered, 
that  the  Enemy  have  but  in  few  Instances,  been  compelled  to 
make  long  marches,  that  they  have  had  the  best  care  taken  of 
them  in  their  Hospitals,  well  provided  with  Cloaths,  Linnen  and 
acids,  that  he  received  frequent  recruits  from  Europe,  and  several 
of  the  Brittish  regiments,  were  reduced  to  fill  others  up,  no 
Question  remains  on  my  mind  of  the  Truth  of  this  Estimate. 

Alex'r  McDougall. 


Estimate  of  the  Enemy's  Strength  &  Position  in  New-York  and 
its  dependencies  collected  &  collated  from  the  Examination  of  the 
most  sensible  Deserters,  British,  Hessian  &  New-Levies  &  Sensible 
Friends  of  America  taken  by  M.  General  McDougall  at  his  Quar- 
ters at  sundry  Times  'till  16th  Day  of  February  1779. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


601 


Corps 

Strength 

Cantonments 

Horse  : 

British—  17th  light  Dragoons 
New      )  Lord  Cathcart's  Legion  ; 
Levies  5  Emeiick's 

300 
50 
30 

Long  Island. 
Do       Do. 
New  York  Island. 

380 

Infantry  : 

British  Brigade  of  Guards 
•Grenadiers  14th  Comp's 

1500 
700 

City  of  New  York. 
Jamaica   L.   Island. 

Light  Infantry  14    Do 

700 

South  Hampton  Do. 

7th 

265 

Harlem  on  N.  Y.  Island. 

17 

410 

Near  F.  Washington  Do. 

23 

350 

City  of  New-  York. 

26 

310 

Slat  en  -Island. 

33 

300 

Bedford,  L.  Island. 

37 

300 

Highlanders      42  two  Battalions 

750 

Bedford,  L.  Island. 

44 

300 

Laurel  Hill,  opposite  F.  W.  York  Island 

45 

350 

57 

450 

At  &  neur  F.  "W.  York  Island. 

63 

320 

Bloomingdall,      Do. 

64 

300 

Long  Island. 

7305 

Hessian               1  Batt'l  Chasseurs 

350 

Flushing,  Do. 

•Grenadiers          3  Batt'l 
1  Life  Guards 
Hereditary          3d  Princes 

840 
350 
350 

City  of  New  York. 
Near  Kings  Bridge  N.  Y.  Island. 
Brooklme  L.  Island. 

Prince                  4  Charles 

350 

Do            Do. 

6  Don  ops 

300 

Near  F.  Washington  N.  Y.  Island. 

7  Losbergs 

350 

7  Mile  Stone                   Do. 

8  Kniphausens 

350 

Along  N.  River             Do. 

9  Trumbacks 

350 

Barracks  near  F.  W.    Do. 

lUth  Mui  backs 

350 

Harlem                          Do. 

3910 

New  Levies,  Cathcart's  Legion 

100 

Long-Island. 

Lord  Rawson's,  or  Irish  Volunteers 

350 

Bowery,  N.  Y.  Island. 

Robinson's 

150 

Harlem,  Do. 

Smcoe's  Rangers 
Ludlow's  Batt'n  De  Lancey's  Brigade 
linrton's     Do     Skinner's           Do 

250 
150 
250 

Long  Island. 
LoyEls  Neck,  Do. 
Cuckolds  Town,  Staten  Island. 

Buskirk's  Do                         •       Do 

200 

Staten-Island. 

Emerick's  Chasseurs 

90 

This  Side  Kings-Bridge. 

1540 

13,165 

[No.  2119.] 

General  McDougalVs  Instructions  to  Captain  Merely  on  the  Flour 

Question. 

(Copy) 

Sir,  You  will  so  dispose  of  your  parties  OH,  the  most  public 
Roads  of  Communication  on  the  Eastern  Borders  of  this  state, 
from  Sharron  to  the  West  Bounds  of  New  Millford,  as  to  prevent 
all  Flour  from  going  out  of  the  state,  unless  with  a  Copy  of  the 


602  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

inclosed  Certificate,  &  persons  having  such  permits,  you  will 
suffer  them  to  pass  the  Line,  with  Flour,  but  they  are  to  return  the 
permits,  and  you  are  to  transmit  them  to  me,  once  every  two 
weeks.  If  any  Flour  is  taken  going  without  such  permits,  you  will 
seize  it,  the  Horses,  Cart  &  Oxen,  &  apply  to  a  Justice  of  Peace, 
who  will  dispose  of  it  according  to  Law.  You  will  apply  to  James 
Reed,  Esq.  A.  C.  P.  Armenia  Precinct,  who  will  inform  you  of  the 
most  proper,  Roads  &  places  to  post  your  men  on. 

Ton  will  be  particularly  attentive,  that  there  be  no  waste  of 
Forage,  as  it  is  extreamely  scarse  &  absolutely  necessary,  for  the 
support  of  Cattle,  which  must  draw  supplies  for  the  army. 

You  will  maintain  the  strictest  order,  and  discipline  among  your 
men,  and  not  suffer  the  persons  or  properties  of  any  Inhabitant 
to  be  insulted  or  injured. 

Given  at  Head  Quarters  Pecks  Kill  this  2d  Day  of  March  1779. 
Capt'n  Merely. 


[No.  2120.] 
SCHUYLER  AND  OUR  EXPOSED  FRONTIERS. 

Apprehension  that  the  Inhabitants  trill  Abandon  them  unless  Proper 
Protection  is  Afforded. 

Albany  March  2d  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  A  few  days  ago  I  was  honored  with  yours  of  the  2d 
&  15"  ult.  It  had  really  slipt  my  memory  to  give  you  the  Infor- 
mation I  promised  in  mine  of  the  5"  Instant.  At  that  time  Genl. 
Washington  had  ordered  me  to  direct  the  preparations  for  an 
Expedition  Into  Canada  by  the  way  of  Ontario;*  that  rout  was 

•From  headquarters,  Middlebrook,  Washington,  on  February  llth  wrote  to  General 
Schuyler: 

Dear  Sir,  It  was  not  till  the  5th  Instant,  I  returned  to  this  place.  While  in  Phila- 
delphia what  between  Congress  and  a  special  committee  of  that  body  I  was  furnished 
with  ample  employment.  I  had  few  moments  of  relaxation,  and  could  do  little  more 
than  barely  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  obliging  favors  of  the  27th  of  December 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  603 

preffered  to  any  other,  not  only  because  It  was  thought  Impracti- 
cable to  gain  a  Naval  Superiority  on  Lake  Champlain  and  that  a 
penetration  by  Coos  with  a  large  army  was  deemed  Impossible, 
but  because  when  the  army  should  arrive  at  Oswego,  If  such  Cir- 
cumstances turned  up  that  It  should  be  thought  unadvisable  to 
proceed  to  Canada,  the  army  might  be  Employed  In  the  reduction 
of  Niagara.  This  design  was  laid  aside  from  a  consideration  of 
the  situation  of  our  affairs  on  the  Sea  coast  and  an  apprehension 
that  there  would  be  a  deficiency  of  provisions  for  the  Support  of 

and  the  1st  and  2d  of  January  Ulto.  Even  now  I  find  It  impossible  to  be  as  explicit 
and  comprehensive  as  I  could  wish  in  this  letter,  my  common  business  having  run  so 
much  behind  hand,  during  my  absence  from  the  army,  but  as  the  season1  is  advancing, 
and  no  time  to  be  lost,  which  can  be  employed  in  preparing  for  such  operations  aa 
our  circumstances  will  allow  us  to  adopt  for  the  ensuing  campaign,  I  shall  thank  you 
for  your  opinion  and  aid  in  the  several  objects  of  this  letter.  Some  of  them  were  con- 
tained in  my  last,  however,  I  shall  repeat  them  again  for  fear  of  a  miscarriage. 

1st.  What  number  of  men  do  you  conceive  necessary  for  an  expedition  against  the 
hostile  tribes  of  the  Six  Nations  and  the  force  which  it  is  probable  they  will  bring  to 
their  aid? 

2d.  What  part  of  the  Indian  Settlement  should  be  considered  as  the  central  point  to 
which  all  the  force  of  the  expedition  from  the  different  quarters,  should  be  directed 
'  where  a  junction  of  the  whole  should  take  place? 

3d.  Whether  any  and  if  so,  what  artillery  will  be  necessary?  And  what  stores  most 
proper  for  such  an  expedition  and  the  quantities  of  each? 

4th.  The  best  route  to  approach  their  settlements?  Three  different  routes  have  been 
suggested.  The  1st  by  the  way  of  Fort  Schuyler,  the  Oneida  lake,  and  Cayuga  or  Seneca 
river.  The  second  by  a  land  march  wholly  from  fort  Schuyler,  the  difficulties  of  which 
are  variously  stated;  some  making  the  passage  through  the  country  easy,  others  rep- 
resenting it  as  the  reverse.  The  3d  by  a  portage  from  the  Mohawk  river,  to  the  East 
branch  of  the  Susquehannah  &  down  this  to  a  branch  made  use  of  by  the  Indians  in 
their  invasion  of  our  frontiers.  The  advisability  of  the  second  will  depend  in  a  great 
measure  on  the  kind  of  country  to  be  passed  through,  and  that  of  the  first  and  last 
upon  the  goodness  and  extent  of  the  water  carriage.  For  this  will  serve  only  in  part; 
and  requiring  horses  and  pack  saddles  for  the  performance  of  the  rest,  it  then  becomes 
a  question  which  is  to  be  preferred  in  point  of  economy — time  and  other  circumstances — 
That  wholly  by  land,  or  that  composed  of  both  land  and  water  portage. 

6th.  In  case  the  3d  or  last  route  should  be  preferred,  what  is  the  distance  of  trans- 
porting batteaux  from  the  Mohawk  river  to  the  Susquehannah,  and  the  physical  or 
natural  obstructions?  This  should  be  fully  scrutinized.  Indeed  every  foot  of  the  route 
if  possible  should  be  described,  and  the  difficulties  and  the  distances  from  place  to 
place  minutely  ascertained. 

I  could  wish  a  similar  critical  examination  of  each  of  the  other  routes.  This  would 
be  attended  with  other  advantages,  besides  those  arising  to  the  expedition  from  a  com- 
parative view.  The  same  attention1  given  to  each  avenue  by  which  the  country  is  ac- 
cessible must  distract  the  enemy,  and  may  produce  a  confusion  and  irresolution  in 
their  measures  for  defence. 

6th.  The  route  being  fixed  on,  what  time  (making  a  reasonable  allowance  for  unfor- 
seen  delays)  will  it  require  to  penetrate  to  the  heart  of  the  Indian  country  or  to  the 
principal  object  or  point  of  the  expedition. 

If  a  water  transportation  is  to  be  used  either  in  whole  or  in  part,  what  inconveniences 
or  obstructions  may  be  expected  from  the  state  of  the  rivers  at  the  season  in  which 
the  expedition  should  be  executed?  And  if  pack  horses  are  to  be  employed,  and  their 
chief  support  to  be  grass,  when  should  the  operations  commence?  Further  it  is  in- 


604  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

so  large  an  army  as  was  Intended  to  be  Employed.  It  was,  how- 
ever, resolved  that  an  Expedition  should  be  prosecuted  against  the 
hostile  tribes  of  the  Six  nations  and  preparations  are  making  for 
that  purpose;  however,  on  some  Suggestions  of  mine  It  has  been 
thought  prudent  not  to  lay  wholly  aside  the  first  object  but  to 
prepare  In  such  a  manner,  as  to  take  advantage  of  any  favorable 
Events  that  may  arise  either  to  go  Into  Canada  or  attempt  the 
reduction  of  Niagara. 

dispensably  necessary  to  ascertain  the  precise  moment  for  the  movement  of  the  main 
body  that  diversions  from  different  points  may  be  exactly  timed  for  co-operation. 

7th.  What  distance  is  it  from  the  Seneca  towns  ta  fort  Pitt?  What  kind  of  a  coun- 
try between?  And  the  land  and  water  transportation? 

8th.  Is  it  essentially  necessary  to  have  slight  stockade  forts  erected  as  the  Army 
advances,  for  the  benefit  of  convoys,  and  the  security  of  a  retreat  in  case  of  misfor- 
tune? Or,  is  it,  that  the  good  to  be  expected  from  such  works,  would  be  more  than 
overbalanced  by  the  delays  occasioned  in  erecting  them,  the  diminution  of  strength 
which  the  army  would  suffer  in  small  garrisons— and  the  advantages  which  the  enemy 
may  derive  from  the  slowness  of  our  movements  with  the  knowledge  of  our  designs. 
Or  what  is  the  proper  medium? 

9th.  Will  it  do  to  have  the  provisions  to  follow  after  the  army,  in  case  there  are  no 
forts  constructed,  or  must  the  whole  stock  accompany  the  army  from  its  first  move- 
ment! 

10th.  When  ought  the  troops  to  rendezvous  and  where  And1  how  long  is  It  prob- 
able they  will  be  engaged  in  this  expedition? 

llth.  At  what  places  should  magazines  be  formed,  and  when,  and  for  how  many 
days? 

12th.  How  many  batteaux  will  be  wanted  for  this  expedition?  or  are  those  on  hand  of 
the  proper  kind  and  sufficient  in  number? 

If  we  are  to  build  more,  no  time  should  be  lost.  It  should  be  set  about  immediately 
and  the  requisite  number  completed  as  soon  as  possible. 

13.  What  precautions  are  to  be  devised  to  alarm  the  enemy  in  Canada,  thereby  to 
prevent  the  troops  in  that  country  coming  to  Ontario  to  the  aid  of  the  Indian  nations? 

To  these  many  questions  would  occur,  if  I  had  more  leisure  to  pursue  the  subject: 
But  your  time  and  good  judgment  will  taken  in  every  other  consideration  of  policy  or 
importance.  When  you  have  committed  your  thoughts  and  enquiries  on  this  occasion 
you  will  be  pleased  to  transmit  them  by  some  trusty  conveyance. 

It  will  be  necessary,  immediately  to  employ  proper  persons  unacquainted  with  each 
other's  business  to  mix  with  the  hostile  Indians  that  the  most  unequivocal  informa- 
tion may  be  gained  of  their  strength  &  sentiments,  their  intentions  and  what  ideas 
they  may  have  acquired  of  our  design.  We  should  also  learn  what  support  or  assist- 
ance they  expect  in  case  our  intended  expedition  should  be  known  to  them;  or  what 
precautions  they  are  taking  to  oppose  our  operations. 

The  Indians  in  friendship  with  us,  may  be  sent  on  this  purpose.  The  half  tories 
also  if  they  can  be  engaged,  and  will  leave  pledges  as  a  security  for  their  fidelity  might 
prove  very  useful  instruments.  Similar  investigations  should  be  carried  into  Canada, 
and  the  garrison  at  Niagara. 

I  shall  likewise  depend  on  your  exertions  in  having  the  different  routes  to  the  object 
of  the  expedition  critically  explored  both  by  Indians  and  others,  so  that  a  complete 
knowledge  of  distances,  natural  difficulties  and  the  face  and  nature  of  the  country 
may  be  precisely  obtained. 

I  must  beg  the  use  of  your  manuscripts  a  little  longer.  Some  of  them  I  think  inter- 
esting. I  shall  keep  them  till  I  find  a  safe  hand  to  intrust  them  to  or  till  I  have  the 
Pleasure  of  seeing  you  at  Camp.  I  am.  &c. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  605 

The  Enterprize  against  the  Indians  will  secure  the  western 
frontiers  unless  the  Enemy  should  attempt  their  destruction  be- 
fore the  troops  reach  that  Quarter,  which  I  apprehend  will  be  the 
case  and  have  therefore  Intreated  that  the  troops  may  come  up 
the  soonest  possible.  Our  Northern  frontiers  will  however  remain 
much  Exposed,  and  from  accounts  which  I  have  a  few  days  ago 
received  from  Canada  there  is  Every  reason  to  believe  that  the 
Enemy  mean  to  attack  our  frontiers  In  Every  quarter.  It  is 
certain  that  a  large  body  of  Indians  are  Expected  at  Montreal 
In  the  beginning  of  May. 

Two  Companies  of  Gansevoort's  are  marcned  To  Lake  George 
to  take  post  there  and  repair  the  Fort  &c.  It  is  highly  neces- 
sary that  troops  should  be  stationed  at  Skensborough  and  others 
at  the  Junction  of  the  North  branch  of  Hudson's  river  with  the 
Backendaga  branch,  but  where  to  procure  them  is  the  difficulty. 
There  are  none  here,  and  unless  these  places  are  occupied  the 
Inhabitants  if  I  may  Judge  from  the  apprehensions  they  labour 
under,  will  abandon  their  Habitations  at  Least,  as  far  down  as 
Saratoga  on  the  west  side  of  Hudson's  river  and  to  Cambridge  on 
the  East  side.  Is  It  not  possible  for  the  Legislature  to  raise  two 
hundred  men  for  the  protection  of  the  Northern  frontiers?  What 
the  Consequence  will  be  of  abandoning  so  many  settlements  are 
too  obvious  to  Dwell  upon. 

I  have  been  so  severely  shaken  by  a  ten  days  fit  of  the  Gout 
in  my  stomach  that  I  am  quite  a  Skeleton.  It  has  however  left 
me  and  hope  soon  to  recover  strength. 

Mrs.  Schuyler  Joins  me  In  compliments  to  Mrs.  Clinton.  I  am 
Dear  Sir  with  great  Esteem  &  affection  Your  Excellency's  most 

obedient  Hum.  Serv. 

Ph:  Schuyler. 
His  Ex'l  Gov.  Clinton.  \ 


606  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  2121.] 
Mr.  Constable  of  Schenectady  Given  His  Citizenship. 

Phila.  2d  March  1779. 

Sir,  Mr.  Constable,  a  Son  of  Doctor  Constable  of  Schenectady, 
left  this  Country  in  the  year  1773  and  went  to  England  on  private 
Business.  The  war  prevented  his  Keturn  for  some  considerable 
Time  but  finally  as  the  Continuance  of  it  took  away  the  Prospect 
of  being  able  speedily  to  revisit  America  he  same  out  to  this  City 
in  the  winter  of  1777.  Upon  the  Evacuation  he  remained  and 
hath  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance.  At  present  he  wishes  to  be 
placed  in  a  Situation  to  visit  the  state  of  New  York  with  Propriety 
and  become  an  Inhabitant  and  subject.  Having  never  done  any 
act  prejudicial  to  the  Interests  of  the  United  States  I  am  led  to 
imagine  that  no  objection  can  lie  to  this  measure.  But  I  pray 
your  Excellency  to  write  me  fully  on  this  Subject  and  to  point 
out  the  steps  which  may  be  necessary  for  him  to  take  which  will 
much  oblige  Your  most  obedient  &  humble  Servant 

Gouv.  Morris. 
His  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esqr:  Governor  of  the  State  of 

New  York. 


GOVERNOR  CLINTON'S  REPLY. 

Poukeepsie  22d  March  1779. 

Sdr,  From  the  Account  you  give  of  Mr.  Constable  I  do  not  con- 
ceive there  can  be  any  reasonable  Objection  to  his  vissiting  Sche- 
nectady &  becoming  a  Subject  of  this  State.  It  will  be  adviseable 
for  him  to  bring  with  him  a  certificate  of  his  having  taken  the  Oath 
of  Allegiance  to  the  State  of  Pensylvanda  &  such  other  Evidence 
of  his  Friendship  to  the  Cause  of  America  as  he  may  be  able  to 
procure.  After  all  his  Reception  in  the  Town  Schenectady  will 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  607 

depend  on  the  Political  Characters  of  his  Father  &  Friends  there 
if  they  are  on  the  Eight  Side  it  cannot  fail  of  being  Friendly.    I 

am  with  great  Kegard  Yours  &c. 

[G.  0.] 
Gov'r  Morris  Esqr. 


[No.  6418.]* 

The  Swiss  Painter  du  Simitiere  Sends  Governor  Olinton  a  List  of 
Books  Found  in  Philadelphia. 

Sir,  I  did  myself  the  honour  to  write  to  your  Excellency  on  the 
2d  ult.  &  to  inclose  three  London  Magazine  of  Jan'y,  Feb'y,  & 
March  last  year,  being  the  latest  I  could  procure,  I  hope  my 
letter  has  come  Safe  to  hands;  I  had  Sent  it  with  Gen.  Arnold 
whom  I  understood  was  going  your  way,  but  upon  his  Sudden 
return  here,  I  enquired  of  him  about  the  letter  &  he  informed  me 
that  all  the  letters  he  had  for  the  northward  had  been  forwarded 
without  delay,  I  Shall  be  glad  to  hear  of  its  reception. 

Two  Political  pieces  having  been  lately  published  here  I  do  my 
Self  the  pleasure  to  Send  them  to  your  Excellency  &  hope  I'll  have 
the  merit  of  being  the  first  to  communicate  them  to  you,  I  wish 
that  I  might  Know  what  would  be  most  agreeable  to  Send  you 
and  to  inform  you  of,  and  I  would  do  my  best  to  contribute  to 
your  information  or  amusement. 

There  is  a  Catalogue  of  books  handed  about  here  in  MSS.  which 
makes  Some  noise;  it  is  very  lengthy  &  many  of  the  characters 
would  be  quite  unknown  to  your  Excellency.  I  have,  therefore, 
Selected  a  few  which  I  inclose  as  a  Specimen  of  the  whole  for  your 
perusal. 

I  mentioned  in  my  last  that  I  had  the  honour  to  have  Gen. 
Washington  to  Sit  for  his  likeness  for  my  collection,  and  I  have 

•From  Volume  XXIV  Clinton  MSS. 


608  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

added  to  it  Since,  Mr.  President  Jay,  Mr.  Silas  Deane,  Mrs.  Henry 
Drayton  &  Charles  Thomson,  all  very  much  approved  of.  I  ex- 
pect to  have  a  few  more  capital  characters  Soon,  which  will  enrich 
the  collection  Still  more.  As  to  my  other  collections  I  have  them 
arranged  in  the  house  I  now  live  in,  much  better  than  I  ever  had 
them  before  and  I  am  dayly  adding  Some  new  Subjects  to  them. 
It  will  give  me  a  very  great  Satisfaction  to  hear  from  your  Ex- 
cellency Soon  and  in  that  hope  I  have  the  honour  to  Subscribe  my 
Self  with  respect  Your  Excellency's  most  Obedient  &  most  hum- 
ble Servant 

Du  Simitiere. 
Philad'a  March  2d  1779. 

His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


Extract  of  a  Catalogue  of  Books  for  Sale  in  Philadelphia. 

February  1779. 
Duelling  improved,  a  Scurvy  edition,  bound  in  asses  skin — by 

John  Penn  N.  Carol. 
The  widow  bewitch'd  or  what  think  ye  of  the  Congress  now — by 

Mrs.  Fergusson, 
The  inflexible  Captive  or  plain  English,  a  true  Story  well  told — 

by  Gen.  Thomson, 
Callipoedia  or  Theory  in  practice,  a  winter's  night  amusement— 

by  Mrs.  Francis,  to  which  is  added;  a  Sensible  &  risible  appen- 
dix in  Sheets — by  a  British  officer. 
The  Persecuted  Chief,  or  the  modern  Sejanus  an  old  book — by 

Gen.  Lee, 
Chesterfield  burlesqued,  or  a  clumsy  attempt  at  Politeness — by 

Dr.  Cutting,  to  which  is  added  the  Eunuch,  an  imitation  of 

Terence  &  Coleman,  by  the  same. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  009 

The  Babler,  a  romance  22  vol.  an  old  edition  &  much  out  of  re- 
quest— by  Miss  Fanny  Clifton. 

Frisky  a  la  mode,  a  Comedy  Second  hand  &  worse  for  the  wear- 
by  the  widow  Shaw. 

The  Belle  in  Despair,  a  ballad,  tune,  Babes  in  the  wood,  an  old 
copy — by  Miss  Nancy  Clifton, 

The  man  in  the  moon,  or  the  history  of  Crazy  John  in  Latin — by 
Col.  John  Parke, 

The  hunted  Chief  or  the  back  biting  Junto — a  comedy — by  Gen. 
Arnold, 

The  Debauched  new-light  man — a  Physical  Case — by  Maj.  Ed- 
wards. 

The  Secret  History  &  Intrigues  of  Gen.  Howe,  worse  for  the 
wear — by  Miss  Franks. 

Nicotiana  or  who  would  have  thought  it,  a  humbug — by  Maj. 
Franks. 


[No.  2122.] 

Commissary  Flint,  George  Clinton  and  the  Commissary  Department. 

Camp  Eariton  March  3 :  1779. 

Sir,  Your  Excellency's  favor  of  the  3d  instant  to  Colo.  Wads- 
worth  was  delivered  to  me  last  evening.  He  is  now  at  Hartford. 
I  have  sent  him  a  copy  of  your  letter  and  he  will  immediatly 
attend  to  the  several  matters  you  require. 

We  consider  ourselves  under  strong  obligations  to  your  Excel- 
lency and  the  legislature  of  your  state  for  your  great  attention 
to  the  interest  of  our  department.  I  am  very  respectfully  Your 

Excellency's  most  obt.  &  h'e  Ser't 

Royal  Flint  A.  C.  G. 
His  Exc'y  Gov.  Clinton. 

39 


610  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  2123.] 

.Captain     Haltett     Prefers     Charges     Against    Lieutenant-Colonel 

Holdridge. 

Head  Quarters  Pecks  Kill  March  3rd  1779. 

Sir,  This  will  be  delivered  to  you  by  James  Hallett,  late  a  vir- 
tuous Pilot  in  New  York.  He  was  in  the  Service  of  our  Congress 
and  behaved  faithfully.  He  now  goes  up  to  enter  a  Complaint 
against  Lieut.  Colonel  Holdridge  for  misconduct  in  your  Govern- 
ment, and  to  procure  a  Commission  to  cruize  on  the  Sound.  He 
is,  as  far  as  I  know,  an  honest  sober  man,  and  am  persuaded  he 
will  obey  any  orders  and  Eestrictions  you  may  think  proper  to 
lay  him  under.  The  Evidence  of  his  Complaint  is  inclosed.  I 
have  the  Honor  to  be  Your  humble  Servant 

Alex'r  McDougall. 

P.  iS.    I  have  been  inform'd  this  Day,  that  the  Enemy  have  paid 
Horse  Neck  a  second  Visit. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  2124.] 

Governor    Clinton   Requests    Commissary    General    Wadsworth    to 
Furnish  Him  with  a  Monthly  Report  of  Prices  for  Grain. 

Pokeepsie  3d  March  1779. 

D'r  Sir,  I  have  rec'd  your  Letter  of  the  10"  ult.  inclos'g  the 
Resolution  of  Congress  of  the  10"  Jan'y,  but  have  not  delivered 
the  Letter  under  Direction  to  Mr.  Paul  Schenck  as  I  am  informed 
he  resigned  his  office  in  your  Departm't  last  Fall.  I  shall  have  no 
objection  to  any  Person  you  may  appoint  near  to  this  Place  or 
Fish  Kill  for  paying  off  the  accounts  agreable  to  the  above  Reso- 
lution tho'  I  wo'd  not  wish  that  Mr.  Henry  Schenck  might  be  the 
Person.  Many  applications  have  been  already  made  to  me  by 
the  People  who  have  Claims  under  this  Resolution. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  611 

The  Legislature  for  Relief  of  the  army  and  to  enable  the  Com- 
missary to  lay  in  sufficient  Supplies  for  the  ensuing  Campaign, 
have  now  under  their  Consideration  an  act  empowering  the  Per- 
son administring  the  Government  for  the  Time  being,  to  appoint 
Persons  for  seizing  &  collect'g  all  the  superfluous  Grain  in  the 
state  for  the  use  of  the  army  &  delivering  it  over  to  the  Comm'y 
of  Purchases ;  they  are  induced  to  this  measure  from  a  Deficiency 
in  your  magazines  in  this  State,  which  they  impute  to  the  Laws 
not  being  spiritedly  carried  into  Execution  by  your  assistants.  If 
this  Bill  becomes  a  Law  I  will  transmit  you  a  Copy  that  measures 
may  be  taken  so  as  to  prevent  any  Derangement  thereby  in  your 
Department. 

You  will  oblige  me  by  furnishing  me  at  present  &  monthly 
hereafter  with  the  current  Prices  given  for  Flour  &  Grain  for 
the  use  of  the  army  in  the  States  of  Connecticut  &  New  Jersey. 
I  am  convinced  there  can  be  no  other  effectual  mode  devised  for 
preventing  the  Practice  of  exporting  our  Produce  into  the  neigh- 
bouring States  for  the  Purposes  of  Trade  than  to  destroy  the 
Temptation  by  placing  the  Prices  in  the  different  States  upon  a 

more  equal  Footing  than  they  are  at  present. 

[G.  C.j 
[To  Col.  Wadsworth.] 


[No.  2125.] 
CLINTON  APPEALS  TO  WASHINGTON 

For  Assistance  in  Protecting  the  Frontiers — Suggests  that  Marinus 
Willett  be  Detailed  to  Command. 

Pokeepsie  3d  March  1779. 
• 
Dear  Sir,*  Altho'  there  have  been  no  Hostilities  committed  by 

the  Enemy  during  the  winter  on  the  western  Frontier  of  this 

*ForWashington's  reply  see  page  619. 


612  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

state  the  Inhabitants  particularly  of  Tryon  County  are  so 
strongly  impressed  with  apprehensions  of  Danger  on  the  Opening 
of  the  Spring,  that  many  of  them  have  already  [removed]  and  I 
am  informed,  that  most  of  them  will  speedily  remove  into  the 
interior  Parts  of  the  Country,  unless  they  can  have  reason  to 
expect  more  perfect  Protection  than  we  were  able  to  afford  them 
last  year.  Within  a  few  weeks  I  have  received  repeated  applica- 
tions from  them  on  this  Subject  intimating  their  Intentions  to 
abandon  their  settlements,  unless  I  could  assure  them  that  such 
Measures  would  be  pursued  as  would  render  them  secure;  &  as  I 
am  sensible  that  nothing  short  of  spirited  offensive  operations 
ag*t  the  Savages  can  effect  this,  I  find  myself  particularly  em- 
barrassed. If  I  am  much  longer  silent  they  will  remove,  and  to 
encourage  them  to  continue,  might  in  the  Event  be  cruel.  I 
would,  therefore,  wish  if  offensive  operations  are  really  intended 
in  that  Quarter,  that  I  might  have  such  Intimation  of  it  as  would 
enable  me  to  give  general  assurances  to  the  Inhabitants  to  induce 
them  to  continue  on  their  Farms,  which  considering  the  present 
general  scarcity  of  Bread  will  be  a  Capital  Object,  as  that  County 
is  one  of  the  principal  Granneries  of  this  State.  I  am  also  in- 
duced to  make  this  application  to  your  Excellency  at  present,  as 
our  Legislature  is  now  sitting,  and  discover  a  Disposition  to 
enable  me  to  call  out  a  Body  of  men  for  the  ensuing  season  to 
cooperate  with  the  Cont.  Troops  your  Excellency  may  destine  for 
this  Service.  I  am  advised  that  Lt.  Colo.  Willett  who  has  an  In- 
fluence among  the  People  of  Tryon  County  from  his  Exertions  at 
Fort  Schuyler  when  invested  by  St.  Leger,  might  be  serviceably 
employed  in  arranging  the  militia  there,  for  a  few  Months,  and  I 
would  be  glad  to  have  it  in  my  Power  to  call  him  to  that  Ser- 
vice if  I  should  esteem  it  necessary,  &  this  I  presume  might  be 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  (J13 

done  with't  injur'g  his  Regt.  as  it  is  completely  officered.     I  will 
be  much  obliged  to  you  for  any  late  Intelligence  which  you  are  at 

Liberty  to  communicate. 

[G.  C.] 

P.  S.    I  omitted  mention'g  that  if  we  raise  any  Number  of  Men 
we  shall  be  at  a  Loss  to  arm  them  fit  for  the  Field,  unless  we  can 
be  supplied  by  the  Public,  the  arms  to  be  returned  when  the  Ser- 
vice expires. 
[To  Gen.  Washington.] 


[No.  2126.] 

George  Clinton's  Answer  to  the  Petition  from   Tryon  County  for 

Protection. 

3d  March  1779. 

Gentlemen,  I  have  received  your  Representation  of  the  23d  ult. 
and  shall  lay  it  before  the  Legislature  who  have  now  under  Con- 
sideration the  measures  to  be  pursued  for  Defence  of  the 
Frontiers.  I  have  already  wrote  to  the  Delegates  from  this  state 
in  Congress  representing  in  the  strongest  Terms  the  Necessity  of 
affording  you  Protection  &  will  also  address  a  Letter  to  his  Ex- 
cellency Genl.  Washington  on  the  same  subject.  Whatever  may 
be  the  Event  of  these  applications  you  may  depend  upon  every 
aid  in  my  own  Power  for  your  Defence  &  security.  I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Jacob  Klock  and  others,  Tryon  County.] 


[No.  2127.] 

The  New  Act  of  the  Legislature  to  Provide  an  Immediate  Supply  of 

Flour  for  the  Army. 

March  4"  1779. 

Sir,  I  have  rec'd  yours  of  the  24"  &  27"  and  deferred  answering 
your  first  Letter  as  the  Legislature  were  then  employed  in  pass- 


614  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

ing  an  act  for  giving  an  immediate  supply  of  Flour  to  the  army. 
I  now  inclose  a  Copy  of  this  Law  to  Colo.  Wadsworth  if  he  sh'd 
not  be  at  Hartford  you  will  open  his  Letters,  read  them,  tran- 
scribe the  act,  and  forward  the  Letter  with  its  Inclosure  to  the 

Colo.    I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Peter  Colt,  Esq.] 


[No.  2128.] 

Governor  Clinton  Satisfied  with  the  Commissary  Department  as  at 
Present  Constituted, 

Pokeepsie  4th  March  1779. 

D'r  Sir,  I  was  favored  by  the  Receipt  of  your  Letter  of  the  28" 
ult.  yesterday,  having  just  sent  off  by  Express  to  Head  Quarters 
an  answer  to  yours  of  the  10"  I  inclose  a  Copy.  I  also  trans- 
mit you  a  Copy  of  the  act  of  the  Legislature  mentioned  in  it. 

I  am  convinced  that  the  Legislature  of  this  State  place  the 
highest  Confidence  in  the  Head  of  the  Commissary's  Department 
and  do  not  consider  him  as  deserving  the  least  Censure  for  the 
Deficiencies  in  the  present  supplies  for  the  army;  they  at  the 
same  cannot  believe  that  the  Exertions  of  some  of  the  assistants 
in  putting  their  late  Law  into  Execution  have  been  such  as  might 
have  been  wished.  I  would  not  be  serious  of  taking  upon  myself 
the  appointment  of  any  officers  in  your  Department  without  con- 
versing with  you  personally  on  the  Subject;  indeed  I  conceive 
very  few  alterations  are  at  present  necessary  perhaps  an  addition 

of  one  or  two  active  men  may  be  proper.     I  am 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Col.  Wadsworth.] 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  615 

[No.  2129.] 
PREPARING  FOR  THE  SULLIVAN  EXPEDITION. 

Washington's     Vieivs     on    the    Composition    of    the    Troops     to 

Undertake    It. 

Head  Quarters  4th  March  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  The  President  of  Congress  has  transmitted  me  your 
Excellency's  letter  to  the  delegates  of  New  York,*  representing 
the  calamitous  situation  of  the  northwestern  frontier  <*f  that 
State,  accompanied  by  a  similar  application  from  the  Pennsil- 
vania  Assembly,  and  a  Resolve  of  the  25th  directing  me  to  take 
the  most  effectual  measures  for  the  protection  of  the  inhabitants 
and  chastisement  of  the  Indians. 

The  Resolve  has  been  in  some  measure  anticipated  by  my  pre- 
vious dispositions  for  carrying  on  offensive  operations  against  the 
hostile  tribes  of  Savages.  It  has  always  been  my  intention  to 
communicate  this  matter  to  your  Excellency  in  confidence,  and 
I  take  occasion  from  your  letter  abovementioned  to  inform  you 
that  preparations  have  some  time  since  been  making,  and  they 

*From  headquarters,  March  3,  Washington  had  written  to  Governor  Clinton  and  presi- 
dent Reed  of  Pennsylvania  as  follows: 

Sir,  The  president  of  Congress  has  transmitted  me  the  Instructions  of  the  Assembly 
of  your  State  to  their  Delegates,  founded  on  a  representation1  of  the  distresses  of  your 
western  frontiers— and  farther  the  opinion  of  a  Committee  of  the  House  on  the  subject 
of  their  defence — together  with  the  two  Resolves  made  in  consequence. 

I  am,  therefore,  to  inform  Your  Excellency  that  offensive  operations  against  the 
hostile  tribes  of  Indians  have  been  meditated  and  determined  upon  some  time  since — 
that  preparations  have  been  making  for  that  purpose — and  will  be  carried  into  execution 
at  a  proper  season  if  no  unexpected  event  takes  place,  and  the  situation  of  affairs  on 
the  Seaboard  will  justify  the  undertaking — But  the  profoundest  secrecy  was  judged 
necessary  to  the  success  of  such  an  Enterprise  for  the  following  obvious  reasons — That 
immediately  upon  the  discovery  of  our  design  the  Savages  would  either  put  them- 
selves in  condition  to  make  head  against  us,  by  a  reunion  of  all  their  force,  and  that 
of  their  allies,  strengthened  besides  by  succors  from  Canada, — or  elude  the  expedition 
altogether — which  might  be  done  at  the  expence  only  of  a  temporary  evacuation  of 
forests  which  we  could  not  possess — and  the  destruction1  of  a  few  settlements,  which 
they  might  speedily  reestablish. 

Tho'  this  matter  is  less  under  the  veil  of  secrecy  "than  was  originally  intended — 
Your  Excellency  will  see  the  propriety  of  using  such  precautions  as  still  remain  In 
our  power — to  prevent  its  being  divulgated — and  of  covering  such  preparations  as  might 
tend  to  announce  it — with  the  most  specious  disguise  that  the  enemy's  attention  may 
not  be  awakened  to  our  real  object. 

With  respect  to  the  force  to  be  employed  en  this  occasion— it  is  scarcely  necessary 


616  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

will  be  conducted  to  the  point  of  execution  at  a  proper  season,  if 
no  unexpected  accident  prevents,  and  the  situation  of  affairs  on 
the  maritime  frontier  justifies  the  undertaking. 

The  greatest  secrecy  is  necessary  to  the  success  of  such  an  en- 
terprise, for  the  following  obvious  reasons;  that  immediately 
upon  the  discovery  of  our  design,  the  Savages  would  either  put 
themselves  in  condition  to  make  head  against  us,  by  a  reunion  of 
all  their  force  and  that  of  their  allies,  strengthened  besides  by 
succours  from  Canada,  or  elude  the  expedition  altogether,  which 
might  be  done  at  the  expence  of  a  temporary  evacuation  of  forests 
which  we  could  not  possess,  and  the  destruction  of  a  few  settle- 
ments, which  they  might  speedily  re-establish. 

I  begin  to  apprehend  this  matter  is  less  under  the  veil  of 
secrecy  than  was  originally  intended,  but  your  Excellency  will 
see  the  propriety  of  using  every  precaution  to  prevent  its  being 
divulgated  a<nd  of  covering  such  preparations  as  might  announce 
it,  with  the  most  specious  disguise. 

With  respect  to  the  force  to  be  employed  on  this  occasion,  it 

to  observe  that  the  detaching  a  considerable  number  of  Continental  Troops  on  such 
a  remote  expedition  would  too  much  expose  the  country  adjacent  to  the  body  of  the 
enemy's  Army. 

There  must,  therefore,  be  efficacious  assistance  derived  from  the  States  whose  fron- 
tiers are  obnoxious  to  the  inroads  of  the  barbarians— and  for  this  I  intended  at  the 
proper  time  to  make  application — Your  Excellency  will  be  pleased  to  acquaint  me  what 
force  yours  in  particular  can  furnish  in  addition  to  the  five  Companies  voted  by  Con- 
gress— when  you  think  those  Companies  or  the  major  part  of  them  will  probably  be 
raised — What  proportion  of  the  levies  of  your  State  might  be  drawn  from  those  inhabi- 
tants who  have  been  driven  from  the  frontier — And  what  previous  measures  can  be 
taken  to  engage  them  without  giving  an  alarm— This  Class  of  people  besides  the  ad- 
vantages of  knowledge  of  the  Country,  and  the  particular  motives  with  which  they 
are  animated— will  be  most  likely  to  furnish  the  troops  best  calculated  for  this  ser- 
vice. 

They  should  be  Corps  of  active  Rangers,  who  are  at  the  same  time  expert  ruarlrs- 
men  and  accustomed  to  the  irregular  kind  of  wood-fighting  practiced  by  the  Indians. 
Men1  of  this  description  embodied  under  proper  officers  would  be  infinitely  preferable 
to  a  superior  number  of  Militia  unacquainted  with  this  species  of  war  and  who  would 
exhaust  the  magazines  of  Ammunition  and  Provision— without  rendering  any  effectual 
service.  . 

It  will  be  a  very  necessary  attention  to  avoid  the  danger  of  short  inlistments — their 
service  should  be  limited  only  by  the  expedition  or  a  term  amply  competent  to  it — other- 
wise we  shall  be  exposed  to  the  ill-consequences  of  having  their  engagements  expire 
at  an  interesting  perhaps  a  critical  juncture.  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  etc., 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  617 

is  scarce  necessary  to  observe,  that  the  detaching  a  considerable 
number  of  Continental  Troops,  on  such  a  remote  expedition 
would  too  much  expose  the  Country  adjacent  to  the  Enemy's 
main  body.  There  must,  therefore,  be  efficacious  assistance  de- 
rived from  the  States  whose  frontiers  are  obnoxious  to  the  in- 
roads of  the  barbarians  and  for  this,  I  intended  at  a  proper  time 
to  make  application.  Your  Excellency  will  be  pleased  to  ac- 
quaint me  what  force  yours  in  particular  can  furnish,  what  propor- 
tion can  be  drawn  from  the  inhabitants  who  have  been  driven 
from  the  frontier,  and  what  previous  measures  can  be  taken  to 
engage  them  without  giving  an  alarm.  This  Class  of  people  be- 
sides the  advantages  of  knowlege  of  the  Country,  and  the  partic- 
ular motives  with  which  they  are  animated,  are  most  likely  to 
furnish  the  troops  best  qualified  for  the  service,  which  should  be 
Corps  of  active  Rangers,  who  are  at  the  same  time  expert  marks- 
men and  accustomed  to  the  irregular  kind  of  woodfighting  prac- 
ticed by  the  Indians.  Men  of  this  description  embodied  under 
proper  officers  would  be  infinitely  preferable  to  a  superior  num- 
ber of  militia  unacquainted  with  this  species  of  War,  and  who 
would  exhaust  the  magazines  of  amunition  and  provision  without 
rendering  any  effectual  service. 

It  will  be  a  very  necessary  attention  to  avoid  the  danger  of 
short  enlistments,  the  .service  -should  be  limited  only  by  the  ex- 
pedition, or  a  term  amply  competent  to  it,  otherwise  we  may  be 
exposed  to  having  their  engagements  expire  at  some  interesting 
or  perhaps  critical  juncture. 

I  have  only  to  add  that  I  shall  be  happy  to  have  the  advantage 
of  any  sentiments  or  advice  your  Excellency  may  be  pleased  to 
communicate  relative  to  this  expedition. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  great  regard  and  Esteem  Your 

Excellency's  most  obed't  Serv't 

Go.  Washington.* 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 

•For  Clinton's  reply  see  page  646. 


618  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

P.  S.  In  your  Excellency's  Letter  to  the  Delegates,  you  men- 
tion that  you  have  not  received  the  arrangement  of  the  Troops  of 
your  State.  It  was  transmitted  me  among  the  rest  by  the  Board 
of  War,  and  I  sent  it  to  Brigadier  General  James  Clinton;  in- 
closed in  a  letter  of  the  22d  ulto.  to  Brigadier  Genl.  James  Clin- 
ton desiring  him  to  report  to  me  any  subsequent  alterations  that 
may  have  happened,  and  to  return  the  arrangement  to  me,  for 
completion,  Congress  having  by  a  Resolve  of  the  4th  Feby.  vested 
me  with  powers  for  that  purpose.  Commissions  will  finally  be 
issued  from  the  board  of  War.  If  your  Excellency  can  hasten 
the  termination  of  this  business  by  affording  any  light  or  assist- 
ance it  will  be  rendering  a  very  great  service. 


[No.  2130.] 

Sheriff  Nicoll  Regards  Captain  Fletcher  Mathews  as  an  Exceedingly 

Bad  Man. 

Goshen  March  5th  1779. 

Dear  Governor,  I  Receved  your  Faver  and  should  with  Pleash- 
ure  a  Took  the  Conducting  of  the  Flag  but  I  have  had  a  Survear 
Turn  of  the  Reumatism  which  Renders  me  not  able  to  Purform 
the  Jurney.  I  Understand  by  Mr.  Wisenor  that  Capt.  Fletcher 
Mathews  and  Thomas  Bull  are  to  be  Removed  to  Albany ;  if  so  I 
am  Glad,  for  I  Look  on  Mathews  to  be  an  Exceading  Bad  man 
and  that  he  is  willing  to  Do  all  the  hurt  he  Can,  and  this  I 
am  Confident  of,  that  as  long  as  he  Stays  in  Goshen  he  never  will 
Try  for  an  Exchange  Nor  his  Friends;  and  his  being  a  Prisoner  to 
me  has  Rendered  the  Office  more  Disagreeable  than  any  thing 
Else,  as  he  and  Famaly  are  Continually  Teasing  of  me  to  Shew 
him  Faver,  which  is  Disagreeable  to  me;  one  of  his  Daughtors 
has  Laid  at  the  Point  of  Death  this  Some  Days,  and  by  a  Request 
of  his  wife  and  my  wife  I  have  Purmitted  him  to  go  and  See  his 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  619 

Daughter,  which  I  hope  you  will  parden  me  for.    I  am  with  Sin- 
cear  Reguard  Your  Excellency's  most  Obedient  Humble  S'r 

Isaac  Nicoll. 
His  Excellency  George  Clinton. 


[No.  2131.] 
ENCOURAGING  NEWS  FROM  EUROPE. 

Washington   Willing   to  Detail   Colonel   Willett,   Provided  James 
Clinton  Thinks  He  can  be  Spared. 

Head  Quarters  6th  March  '79. 

Dear  Sir,  The  annexed  letter  written  previous  to  the  receipt  of 
your  Excellency's  favor  of  the  3d  inst.*  will  serve  as  an  answer 
to  the  principal  part  of  its  contents. 

The  Intelligence  I  have  to  communicate  to  your  Excellency,  I 
apprehend  is  no  more  than  will  have  already  been  transmitted  by 
the  Delegates  of  your  State.  It  is  in  brief  as  follows:  That  the 
King  of  Spain  has  declared  he  will  not  be  an  unconcerned  Spec- 
tator of  the  depredations  committed  on  the  property  of  his  Ally. 
That  the  King  of  Naples  and  Scicily  has  honored  the  American 
Flag,  and  ordered  his  ports  to  be  opened  to  our  Commerce;  that 
the  City  of  Amsterdam  has  prepared  a  form  of  a  Treaty  with 
America,  to  be  proposed  to  the  States  General.  That  the  Empress 
of  Russia  has  positively  refused  to  enter  into  any  subsidiary 
Treaty  with  Great  Britain  and  has  motived  her  refusal  in  terms 
breathing  a  generous  regard  to  the  rights  of  mankind. 

I  am  exceedingly  sorry  to  find  that  in  the  present  State  of  our 
magazines,  I  cannot  give  your  Excellency  any  encouragement  to 
expect  a  supply  of  Arms  from  thence,  for  the  Levies  of  your  State. 

If  your  Excellency  is  of  opinion  that  Lt.  Col.  Willett  can  be 
serviceable  in  the  way  you  mention,  and  General  J.  Clinton  thinks 

*See  page  611. 


620  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

he  may  be  spared  from  the  Kegiment,  I  shall  readily  consent  to 
his  absence. 

I  am  with  the  greatest  respect  and  esteem  Dear  Sir  Your  most 

obed't  serv't 

G.  Washington. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  2132.] 

Alarming  Indian  Rumors. 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  General  Schuyler  dated  Albany  4th 
March  1779. 

*"A  party  of  the  enemy  have  been  as  high  up  as  Tyonderoga,  & 
carried  off  some  inhabitants  and  a  number  of  cattle,  and  it  is  said 
that  a  body  of  them  have  taken  post  at  Tyonderoga.  I  do  not 
beleive  it,  but  have  ordered  (as  Genl.  Clinton  is  absent  for  a  few 
days)  that  an  officer  should  be  dispatched  with  a  party  from  fort 

George  to  reconnoitre  that  place." 

March  7th. 

Last  night  Colonel  Van  Schaick  read  me  letters  from  Cap'n 
Graham,  who  commands  at  Fort  Schuyler  and  Capt.  Cop  at 
Oneida.  They  have  received  intelligence  that  a  large  body  of 
Indians  and  tories  are  actually  collecting  at  Niagara  and  the 
Seneca  Towns,  immediately  to  attack  Oneida  and  from  thence 
proceed  down  the  Mohawk  river.  That  the  Cayugas  have  re- 
moved their  frontiers  to  the  Senecas. 

*  This  information  of  the  4th  of  March  I  am  informed  by  a  per- 
son from  Bennington  who  left  that  place  a  few  days  ago  is  prema- 
ture. 


[No.  2133.] 

The  Hallett-Holdridge  Imbroglio. 

D'r  Sir,   In  Consequence  of  a  Complaint  made  to  me  by  James 
Hallett  an  Inhabitant  of  this  State  ag't  Lt.  Colo.  Holdridge  I  in- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  621 

close  your  Excellency  Copies  of  two  affidavits  taken  on  the  Sub- 
ject not  doubting  that  your  Excellency  if  you  can  interfere  give 
such  orders  respecting  the  Matter  as  will  ensure  to  the  Party 
complaining  the  Justice  to  which  he  is  entitled.  I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
March  7"  1779. 

[To  Gen.  Washington.] 


[No.  2134.] 

William  Tryon's  Orders  to  the  Queens  County  Exempts  for  Coast 

Guard  Duty. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  His  Excellency,  Gov'r  Tryon,  to  Colo. 

Hamilton. 

Fire  Post,  Kings  Bridge  7th  March  1779. 

Sir,  As  the  armed  iShips  in  the  South  Bay,  are  a  sufficient 
Security  from  any  insult  of  the  Enemy  on  the  South  Side  of  Long- 
Island,  &  as  the  whale  Boats  from  the  Connecticutt  Coast,  are 
continually  committing  depredations  on  the  North  Side,  the  Duty 
of  the  Militia  must  be  directed  to  that  Quarter;  &  whereas  the 
hireing  of  Gaurds  has  been  found  not  only  an  indulgence  to  the 
Inhabitants,  but  the  most  effectual  method  to  Gaurd  the  neces- 
sary Posts,  I  do  hereby  order,  that  all  Persons  in  Queens  County 
do  bear  a  proportion  of  the  expence  of  such  Duty,  according  to 
the  Value  of  their  Estates  Real  or  Personal,  although  exempted 
from  Militia  Duty  by  Age  or  Office.  I  am  y'r  Ob't  Serv't 

Signd  Win.  Tryon,  Gov'r. 
To  Colo:    Arch'd  Hamilton  &c.  &c.  &ca.  Queens  County  Militia. 

Colo.  Hamilton  Orders  Major  Kissam  to  put  the  above  Orders 
in  force  immediately,  in  his  District. 
Signd  Arch'd  Hamilton,  Colo.  Command't  Queens  County  Militia. 


622  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

New  Town  9th  March  1779. 

Gent'n,  Colo.  Hamilton,  Orders  that  the  Troop,  &  Company's, 
under  your  respective  Commands  be  duly  warned  of  a  General 
Review  the  first  Week  in  April  next,  the  day  &ca,  that  may  be 
fixed  on,  you  will  be  timely  inform'd  off. 

As  they  have  long  since  been  orderd  to  equip  fully  it  is  expected 
they  will  appear  so,  &  with  their  arms  &ca.  in  good  Order,  as  De- 
linquents will  be  noticed  &  punished  for  their  neglect  of  propper 
attention  to  Orders. 

Jas.  Long,  Adjt.  Queens  County  Militia. 
Capt'ns    Israel    Young — at    Cold-Spring;    Daniel    Youngs, — at 

Oyster   Bay;   Jarvis   Coles — at  Musquito-Cove;   Thomas   Van 

Wyck, — at  East- Woods;  &  Abraham  Van  Wyck,  at  Woolvara- 

Hollow. 


[No.  2135.] 
COMMISSARY  REED  FAVORS  A  GENERAL  SEIZURE. 

Urges  General  McDougall  to  Use  His  Influence  with  Governor  Clinton 

to  Secure  that  End. 

i  « 

Armenia  8th  March  1779. 

Sir,  I  received  your  Favors  of  the  28th  of  Febuary  advising  me 
to  send  on  the  Vegetables  promis'd  last  Winter  also  of  the  100 
Certificates  &  troop  of  Horse,  in  answer  to  which  I  did  all  in 
my  power  to  purchase  Vegetables,  after  receiving  your  orders  for 
that  purpose,  and  expected  sledding  to  transport  them  to  Fish 
Ball,  but  have  had  very  little  since,  so  found  that  I  must  loose  a 
great  part  of  them  by  Frost  &c.  when  I  agreed  with  the  People 
to  take  them  again  with  some  little  Loss,  which  makes  it  out  of 
my  Power  to  send  any.  I  am  well  suited  with  the  Permits  you 
sent,  hope  they  will  answer  a  good  End;  also  with  the  Horse, 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  623 

but  could  wish  there  had  been  more,  as  there  is  one  capital  Road 
in  this  Quarter,  left  unguarded,  which  is  the  Road  leading  from  * 
Dover  to  Kent  and  New  Millford,  where  great  abuses  have  been 
committed  by  those  abandoned  Jobbers  and  Tories,  to  whose 
account  we  may  charge  many  Disadvantages  we  now  labour 
under.  If  you  could  spare  4  or  5  more  to  guard  that  Road,  I 
should  hope  soon  to  see  Matters  in  a  better  Situation  about  Bread. 
You  seem  surpris'd  at  our  not  being  able  to  feed  the  Division  at 
Danbury  &  Peekskill.  You  must  remember  we  have  10,000  men 
to  supply  at  the  Eastward,  including  Artificers,  sick  &c  which 
takes  off  the  Chief  of  my  Flour.  I  have  lately  sent  about  500  Bar- 
rels to  Danbury,  and  am  continually  sending  to  the  Eastward, 

and  am  doing  all  in  my  power  to  lay  up  magazines  for  Summer, 

ip 

but  think  it  will  be  out  of  my  Power  to  lay  up  such  Supplies  as 
to  bring  Harvest,  unless  the  Legislature  will  make  some  provision 
for  seizing  the  new  Crops,  and  that  immediately,  as  the  Tories  and 
those  worse  than  the  Tories  (the  Jobbers)  are  hiding  their  Flour 
in  Barns,  out  Houses  and  in  the  Woods  untill  they  can  get  it 
over  the  Line.  They  will  call  it  all  new  wheat  to  prevent  my 
seizing  it,  which  makes  the  Business  go  on  very  heavy.  However 
am  determined  to  do  all  in  my  power,  but  have  neither  Honor, 
Profit,  nor  pleasure  in  View,  as  great  Part  I  get  is  by  fighting 
which  makes  the  people  curse  me.  Our  Legislature  and  General 
Officers  dont  do  much  better,  which  I  take  unkind,  as  I  am  posi- 
tive I  have  done  all  in  my  power  to  supply  the  army  on  the  best 
Terms  my  weak  Capacity  would  admit  of.  I  am  Sir  Your  humble 
servant 
(Copy)  James  Reid  A.  C.  P. 

P.  S.    Since  writing  the  above,  I  am  told  a  Number  of  Waggons 
have  cross'd  the  Line  to  Connecticut  loaded  with  Flour  in  a  by 


624  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Road,  so  that  I  find  there  is  no  stopping  that  practice  unless  the 

means  is  taken  away  which  will  be  'to  seize  all  the  Wheat  &  Flour. 

Pray,  Sir,  use  your  Influence  with  the  Governor  to  have  that 

done  immediately,  or  we  never  can  feed  the  army  with  Bread. 

Yours, 

J.  R. 
(Copy) 

[To  Gen.  McDougall.] 


[No.  2136.] 
George  Clinton  Refers  John  Jay  to  Mr.  Sands  for  Legislative  News. 

[March  8,  1779.] 

Dear  Sir,  The  Legislature  being  about  to  adjourn  I  am  so 
pressed  with  Business  in  the  Councils  of  Revision  &  Appointment 
and  the  ordinary  Duties  of  my  office  that  I  have  barely  Time  to 
acknowledge  the  Receipt  of  your  Letters  of  the  3d  &  9"  ulto.  For 
news,  I  must  refer  you  to  the  inclosed  Papers  and  to  the  Bearer 
Mr.  Sands,  who  as  he  has  had  an  opportunity  of  attending  the 
two  Houses  the  greatest  Part  of  the  Session,  will  be  able  to  give 
you  a  satisfactory  acc't  of  the  Debates  and  Proceedings.  Be 
Pleased  to  offer  an  apoligy  to  Mr.  Duane  &  Mr.  Morris  for  my  not 

writing  to  them  by  this  Convevance  &  believe  me  &c. 

[G.  C.] 

You've  inclosed  Mr.  Stewart's  Ree't  for  [  ]  Dollars. 

[To  John  Jay  Esq.] 


[Xo.  2137.] 
General  Schuyler  Apprehensive  of  an  Indian  Raid  on  the  Frontiers- 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  General  Schuyler  dated  Albany  8  Maroh 
1779. 

The  Indians  now  with  me  have  no  doubt  from  every  account 
they  have  had,  but  that  the  enemy  intend  very  soon  to  attack  the 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


625 


frontiers  with  a  very  considerable  force.  They  think  necessity 
will  oblige  them  to  it,  to  obtain  a  supply  of  provisions,  which 
they  are  already  in  great  want  of.  Should  they  succeed  in  this 
they  will  be  in  a  situation  to  make  a  better  stand  than  they  other- 
wise would  be.  If,  therefore,  it  is  possible  to  send  up  more  troops 
immediately  for  the  protection  of  the  settlements  on  the  Mohawk 
river,  I  think  it  would  be  prudent  to  do  it. 


[No.  2138.] 

Returns  of  Colonel  Bellinger's  Regiment. 

A  Keturn  of  the  Regiment  of  Militia  of  German  Flatts,  and 
Kingsland  Districts,  in  the  County  of  Tryon,  and  State  of  New 

York. 

March  the  10th  1779. 

Field,  and.  Staff  Officers. 

Peter  Bellinger,  Colonel  George  Demuth,  Adjutant 

Frederick  Bellinger,  Lieut.  Col.  Rudolph  Stailey,  Qr.  Master 

William  Petry,  Surgeon. 


No.  of  Companies 

'  'iip  aiiM 

Limits. 

Ensigns 

Seij-ants 

Coiporals 

Privates 

1st  Onapany 

I 

1 

4 

4 

31 

2nd  do 

1 

2 

1 

4 

4 

36 

3rd  do 

1 

1 

1 

4 

4 

21 

4th  do 

1 

2 

17 

5th  do 

2 

4 

4 

12 

6tb   do 

1 

1 

1 

3 

3 

16 

7th  do 

1 

1 

5 

4 

10 

5 

19 

19 

138 

The  reason  of  there  being  no  Captain  to  the  first  Company  is, 
there  was  no  Commission  sent  up  for  Michael  Ittig.  And  the 
Capt.  of  the  7th  Comp'y,  Henry  Eckler,  is  gone  out  of  this  Dis- 
trict, to  Conajohar!e,  and  some  of  that  Comp'y  is  kill'd,  and  taken 
Prisoners,  and  most  of  the  rest  is  gone  out  of  the  District.  There 
40 


626 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


was  no  Commission  came  up  for  the  5th  Company,  which  is  com- 
manded at  present,  by  one  of  the  Lieutenants,  Henry  Huber. 

Peter  Bellinger,  Colo. 


[No.  2139.] 

Returns  of  Colonel  A.  Hawkes  Hay's  Regiment. 
A  Keturn  of  Colo.  A.  Hawkes  Hay's  Regiment  of  Militia  on  the 
South  Side  of  Orange  County,  for  his  Excellency  Gov'r  Clinton. 


>..  Colonel 

"S 

"o 
O 

1 

I 
2 

Captains 

Lieutenants 

Adjutant 

Ensigns 

S3 

1 

o 
9 

Surgeon 

B 

tB 

8 

f 

a 

1 

1 

Corporals 

Drum  &  Fifes 

M 
O 
as 

1 

7 

14 

1 

7 

1 

1 

1 

i 

30 

28 

14 

350 

459 

The  above  is  a  true  Return  of  the  Regiment  according  to  the 

Captains'  Returns.     March  10th  1779. 

A.  Hawkes  Hay. 


[No.  2140.] 
McDougalVs  Plan  for  Capturing  Tryon. 

Head  Quarters  Pecks  Kill  10th  March  1779. 

Sir,  The  Commander  in  chief,  has  enabled  me  by  hard  money,  to 
carry  into  Execution,  my  Design  of  offering  a  Reward,  for  Gen- 
eral Tryon  and  others.  I  beg  you  to  try,  the  Legislature,  with- 
out Delay,  whether  they  will  pass  a  short  Law,  to  enable  me  to 
pardon  the  Non-Commissioned  officers  and  privates  of  the  New 
Levies,  to  induce  them,  to  aid  in  that  salutary  work.  I  think  they 
cannot  hesitate,  on  the  Policy  and  Propriety  of  the  measure. 

I  beg  a  Line  from  you  on  this  Subject,  on  the  Prospect  of  the 
Success  of  the  application.  I  am  Sir  Your  humble  Servant 

Alex'r  McDougall.* 
Governor  Clinton. 


•For  Governor  Clinton's  reply  see  page  644. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  627 

[No.  2141.] 
Associated  Exempts  at  Gvshen,  Orange  County. 

His  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esqr.  Governor  in  and  over  the 
State  of  New  York  and  the  Territories  thereunto  belonging  &c. 

&c.  &c. 

llth  March  1779. 

Sir,  Pardon  the  Brevity  with  which  I  apologize  to  address  your 
Excellency;  the  knowledge  I  have  of  your  Goodness  causes  the 
presumption.  I  embrace  the  present  Opportunity  of  remiting  to 
your  Excellency  a  List  of  the  persons  who  are  nominated  under 
my  Circumspection  in  Quality  of  Military  Order  of  Exempts, 
should  do  myself  the  Pleasure  to  present  the  Same  to  your  Ex- 
cellency before  now,  if  I  could  handsomely  accomplish  my  de- 
signs as  the  association  was  not  complete,  nor  have  they  as  yet 
answered  my  sanguine  Expectation  relative  to  their  association. 
Agreeable  to  the  Militia-act,  the  persons  mentioned  in  the  Re- 
turn met  and  nominated  the  officers  that  should  superintend. 
It  happened  that  I  was  appointed  Capt'n,  Jonathan  Bailey  1st 
Lut.  Jacob  Duning  2d  Lieuten't,  Will'm  Thompson  Ensign.  Since 
the  Time  of  appointment,  Mr.  Jacob  Dunning  met  with  a  great 
Misfortune  in  losing  the  Use  of  his  right  Hand,  which  unhappily 
renders  him  incapable  of  officiating  or  serving  in  a  Marshal  Capa- 
city. I  beg  Leave  to  subscribe  myself  with  due  Respect,  Sir, 

Your  Excellency's  most  ob't  servant, 

Jno.  Wood. 


Orange  County  ss;  We  the  Subscribers,  being  under  the  age 
of  fifty  five  years,  who  have  held  civil  or  military  Commissions 
and  have  not  been  re-appointed  to  our  respective  Ranks  of  Office, 
or  being  between  the  ages  of  fifty  and  fifty  five  years,  do  hereby 


628  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Severally  ingage,  that  we  will  respectively  on  all  Occasions,  obey 
the  orders  of  our  respective  Commanding  Officers,  and  will  in 
Cases  of  Invasion  or  Incursions  of  the  enemy  or  Insurrection, 
march  to  repel  the  enemy  or  suppress  such  Insurrection  in  the 
Like  manner  as  the  enrolled  militia  a>re  Compelled  to  do,  So  as 
that  we  Shall  not  when  called  out  in  Detachments  be  annexed  to 
any  other  Regiment  or  Company  or  be  under  the  Immediate  Com- 
mand of  any  other  than  our  own  Officers. 

John  Wood,  Jacob  Duning,  Jonathan  Bayley,  Nathaniel  Roe, 
George  H.  Jackson,  Samll.  Carpenter,  Wm.  W.  Thompson, 
Ephraim  Marston,  Antony  Yelderton,  William  Barker,  Joshua 
Davis,  Kadmiel  Moore,  John  Davis,  Phinehas  Case,  James  Butler, 
Coe  Gale,  Joseph  Wood,  John  Denton,  Joseph  Grommon,  Jona- 
than Thompson,  John  Brunson,  Gilbert  Vail,  James  Sawyer, 
James  Knap,  Israel  Wells,  Jacob  Arnut,  Richard  Gale,  Daniel 
Everett,  Jr. 

Goshen  Sept.  1st  1778. 


GOVERNOR  CLINTON'S  RESPONSE; 

March  15,  1779. 

Sir,  I  have  rec'd  your  Letter  of  the  11"  Inst.  inclos'g  an  Associa- 
tion of  Exempts.  By  the  Militia  Law,  the  associators  should 
recommend  the  Officers  to  command  the  Company;  'till  this  is 
done  the  Council  of  Appointment  are  not  by  Law  authorized  to 
appoint  the  Officers  &  it  will  be  best  to  have  it  done  as  quick  as 

possible.     I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Capt.  Jno.  Wood.] 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


629 


[No.  2142.] 

Returns  of  Colonel  Jesse  WoodhulVs  Regiment. 
Return  of  the  State  of    Colo.    Jesse    WoodhulFs    Regm't    of 
Orange  County,  Dated  at  Bloom'g  Grove,  March  12,  1779. 


COMMISSION'D 

STAFF 

NON 
COMISS'D 

-2 

£4 

t2 

<E 

_ 

S 

C 

. 

00 

to 

5 

ll 

"3     43 

0  ^ 

0 

•5* 

a 

1 

1 

p. 

3 

Lieu  ten  j: 

Ensigns 

is 

0 
9 

«1 

1»> 

CS 
a 

G> 

Surgeon 

^ 
o 
5 

Serjants 

*« 

i 

e- 
8 

41 

a 

B 

£ 

< 

M 

i 

a 

A 

i. 

1  1 

i 

1 

1 

1 

1 

i 

2 

1 

3 

4 

30 

41 

i 

2 

1 

4 

4 

33 

45 

2 

1 

4 

4 

49 

60 

i 

2 

1 

4 

3 

i 

18 

30 

2 

1 

4 

4 

24 

35 

i 

2 

1 

3 

2 

22 

31 

i 

2 

1 

4 

4 

35 

47 

i 

2 

1 

4 

2 

10 

•20 

i 

1 

1 

4 

4 

38 

49 

1  1 

i 

7 

17 

9 

1 

1 

1 

1 

31 

31 

i 

259 

358 

COMPANIES 


Capt'n  Smith's  Company 
Capt'n  Vanduzer's    Do 
Lieut.  Brewster's      Do 
Capt.  Conklin's          Do 
Lieut.  Seely's  Do 

Capt'n  Pain's  Do 

Capt'n  Buck's  Do 

Capt.  Slut's  Do 

Capt.  Woodhull's  Lt.  Horse  Do 


I  do  Hereby  Certify  that  This  is  a  Just  and  True  Eeturn  of 
the  State  of  my  Redgment  from  the  Returns  that  have  been  made 

to  me. 

Jesse  Woodhull,  Coll. 


[No.  2143.] 

Captain  Edsatt's  Company  of  Orange  County  Exempts. 
A  Return  of  Captain  Benjamin  Edsall's  Company  of  ascociated 

Exempts  of  Orange  County. 

13th  March  1779. 


C 

Sub. 

Serj. 

C 

D  &  f 

Pnv. 

1  Captain 
Subalterns 

1 

3 

Serjents 

Corporals 
Drum  &  fife 

Privates 

37 

Total 

1 

3 

37 

630  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  2144.] 
McDOUGALL  FORCED  TO  ACT  AS  A  DESPOT. 

Insists   Upon  Radical  Treatment  for  Enemies  and  Traitors — The 
•Militia  Proposition. 

Head  Quarters  Pecks  Kill  14th  March  1779. 
Sir,  The  Spies  and  Agents  I  have  out,  among  the  Tories,  inform 
me,  the  Enemy  intend  paying  me  a  Visit,  when  the  time  of  Ser- 
vice, of  the  Nine  months  men  expire.  This  will  be  about  the  first 
of  April,  when  my  strength  will  be  diminished,  one  Thousand 
Rank  and  File.  Near  five  hundred  are  already  gone.  When  that 
Day  arrives,  I  shall  be  left  almost  with  the  Name  of  Corps.  The 
Vicinity  of  this  place,  has  been  almost  laid  Waste  by  our  own  and 
the  Enemy's  army.  To  encourage  the  Inhabitants,  to  persue  their 
Agriculture,  as  well  as  from  a  principle  of  Justice,  many  Thou- 
sand Rails  have  been  cut  by  the  short  Levies,  which  have  been 
delivered  to  the  poorest  and  most  distressed,  and  where  it  wou'd 
best  promote  the  publick  service.  The  Terms  on  which  those 
Rails  were  Cut,  have  lessened  my  strength.  It  is  with  extreame 

Reluctance,  I  call  for  any  of  the  militia,  more  especially,  as  Flour 

• 
is  scant,  but  the  protection  of  the  Good  people  of  this  state,  and 

the  common  safety  demand  it.  I  must,  therefore,  request  when  the 
next  Relief  is  sent  from  Colo.  Brinckerhoof's  Regiment,  that  it 
consist  of  a  Captain  and  fifty  Rank  and  file.  Capt'n  Haight  in 
the  Highlands,  who  commands  a  Company  of  Colo.  Ludington's, 
has  done  no  public  duty  himself  or  his  company.  I  wish  for  an 
express  order,  for  his  Company  to  fatigue  and  mend  Roads. 

We  ought  now  to  convince  these  miscreants,  America  is  their 
master.  They  will  be  well  paid,  and  used,  as  well  all  the  Detach- 
ments called  out,  if  they  behave  tolerably  well.  The  Season  is 
now  advanced,  and  its  time  we  shou'd  be  determined,  on  the  dis- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  631 

position  of  the  militia  in  Case  of  an  alarm.  It  may  be  dangerous 
to  the  state,  and  the  public  service,  for  me  to  be  obliged  to  wait 
your  Orders,  for  those  in  my  Vicinity,  on  that  event;  three  Days 
at  least  may  be  lost  if  not  more.  I,  therefore,  submit  it  to  your 
Consideration,  whether  it  will  not  be  expr  dient  I  shou'd  have  your 
unlimitted  Orders  for  the  call  of  the  Militia,  of  West-Chester  and 
the  lower  part  of  Orange  Counties?  For  the  above  Reasons,  I 
beg  you  to  advise  me,  how  you  intend  to  dispose  of  those  of  the 
upper  part  of  Orange  Ulster  and  Dutchess  Counties?  Will  it  not 
be  necessary,  that  particular  inspection  be  made,  into  the  arms 
and  Amunition  of  Orange  &  Ulster  least  their  neglect  when  Fort- 
Montgomery  was  attacked  shou'd  be  repeated.  Such  is  the  state 
of  many  important  matters  in  the  neighbourhood  of  these  posts, 
that  I  have  been  obliged  to  act  the  Despot  in  several  instances: 
The  particulars  of  which  shall  communicate  in  a  few  Days. 

When  I  had  the  honor  of  Commanding  Here  in  1776  and  1777 
I  earnestly  recommended  it  to  the  Convention,  to  raise  a  Troop  of 
strong  Horse,  and  to  burn  the  Hutts  on  the  mountains,  the  Har- 
bours and  hiding  places  of  Tories  spies  and  Robbers.  No  Notice 
hath  been  taken  of  either.  The  Consequence  has  been,  that  Em- 
erick's  Troop  of  Horse  have  been  recruited  every  spring,  with  the 
best  Horses  of  our  Country,  and  the  Inhabitants  robed  of  their 
Horses  and  many  Families  exceedingly  distressed.  The  audacity 
of  those  Villains,  is  daily  increasing,  and  will  be  more  so  when  the 
Leaf  gets  on  the  Trees.  I  had,  therefore,  determined,  when  first 
I  came  here,  to  take  some  decisive  measures  with  the  Consealors, 
of  those  miscreants,  when  that  period  shou'd  arrive.  But  I  find 
them  so  alert,  and  doing  so  much  prejudice,  to  the  State  and  the 
service,  that  no  time  must  be  lost,  or  we  shall  scarse  have  a  Horse 
to  draw  a  Waggon  or  an  artillery  piece,  when  the  Campaign 


632  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Opens.  The  Night  before  last,  three  Continental  Horses  and  sev- 
eral private  Ones,  were  taken  from  Salem.  All  the  American 
Army,  disposed  in  Guards,  in  the  Covered  and  Rockey  Country  of 
this  State,  will  not  totally  prevent  the  mischief,  and  far  less  will 
the  small  Corps  of  the  Army  under  my  Command  effect  it.  As 
its  my  wish  in  all  Cases,  where  the  Civil  authority  can  give  a 
remedy,  to  apply  to  them  for  it,  I  am  constrained  now  for  the 
safety  of  the  state,  and  the  advancement  of  the  Common  Cause, 
to  request  your  aid  and  Council,  and  that  of  the  Legislature, 
if  its  not  adjourned,  to  Stop  the  progress  of  a  practice  so  advan- 
tageous to  the  Enemy  and  injurious  to  America.  I  shou'd  have 
done  this  some  time  ago,  but  was  informed,  a  Petition  from  many 
of  the  Inhabitants  on  the  same  subject,  had  been  presented  to  the 
Legislature.  Before  the  Leaf  gets  on  the  Tree,  I  shall  be  com- 
pelled to  take  some  effectual  and  decesive  measures,  if  the  Civil 
authority  does  not  do  it.  I  cannot  pasively  See,  the  Enemy's  Light 
Horse  recruited,  out  of  this  state.  When  all  the  Horses  it  can 
spare,  will  be  absolutely  necessary  for  its  own  safety.  It  is  a  hard 
Condition,  for  me  to  be  placed  in,  to  be  obliged  for  the  security 
of  this  state,  and  the  general  security,  to  act  as  a  Despot  and 
then,  to  be  subject  to  the  Caprice  and  calumny  of  the  times.  I 
hope  my  Countrymen,  will  take  the  Honor  to  themselves,  and  not 
Compell  the  military  to  do  acts,  which  will  come  with  a  better 
Grace,  from  a  Watchf ull  Legislature.  On  Friday  next  three  Vil- 
lains will  be  executed  at  the  Plains,  one  for  attempting  to  Seize 
an  Inhabitant,  to  Carry  him  to  the  Enemy;  the  other  Two  as  spies. 
I  will  pledge  myself  to  America,  that  the  means  in  my  power, 
shall  be  exerted  for  the  discharge  of  the  Trust  committed  to  me. 
But  if  those,  who  are  immediately  intrusted,  will  not  give  their 
aid,  their  Constituents  must  take  the  Consequence. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  633 

Have  the  Legislature  passed  a  Law,  to  enable  a  Court  of  In- 
quiry to  call  Civil  Witnesses  before  them  to  detect  frauds?  You 
have  no  doubt  heard,  of  the  murder  of  one  of  Colo.  Putnam's  Men 
by  the  Horse  Theives. 

I  am,  Sir,  Your  very  Humble  Servant 

Alex'r  McDougall.* 
[To  G.  C.] 


[No.  2145.] 

Robert  R.  Livingston  Fears  the  Tories  May  again  Prove  Troublesome. 
Manor  of  Livingston  14th  March  1778 [9]. 

Dear  Sir,  Mr.  Duane  by  sending  down  an  express  affords  me 
an  opportunity  of  enquiring  of  your  Excellency  if  you  have  rec'd 
any  late  intelligence  of  importance  as  we  have  various  reports 
circulating  here  of  a  treaty  &c.  said  to  come  from  Mr.  Morris.  If, 
as  I  suppose,  they  are  nothing  more  than  the  lie  of  the  day  I 
sh'd  wish  to  have  it  in  my  power  to  contradict  them.  It  is  pos- 
sible that  I  may  have  Letters  from  the  southerd;  sh'd  this  be 
the  case  I  must  give  your  Excellency  the  trouble  of  forwarding 
them  by  this  express.  I  hope  Mr.  Morris  has  taken  his  seat  in 
Senate;  his  refusal  will  be  an  essential  injury  both  to  the  pub- 
lick  &  himself.  I  hope  this  has  been  hinted  to  him  if  he  has 
any  doubts  about  the  matter. 

What  cheafly  induces  me  to  trouble  your  Excellency  at  this 
time  is  the  apprehention  I  am  under  of  the  Tories  becoming 
troublesome  again  in  the  Manor.  I  have  observed  strong  sym- 
toms  of  this  among  some  that  I  have  conversed  with.  The  Com- 
mittee &  majestrates  are  very  desirous  of  having  a  small  corps 
of  rangers  under  an  Ensign  who  sh'd  be  at  the  command  of  the 

*For  Governor  Clinton's  reply  see  page  644. 


634  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

majestrates  &  stationed  where  they  sh'd  think  proper,  perhaps 
a  sergeant  with  twelve  men  would  be  sufficient,  together  with 
an  order  to  a  part  of  the  Claverack  militia  to  march  on  the  first 
alarm  into  the  Manor.  It  is  much  easier  to  prevent  an  insur- 
rection than  to  suppress  it. 

These  fellow  have  some  very  intelligent  Leader,  who  will  prob- 
ably profit  from  their  past  mistakes. 

When  the  river  opens  I  think  it  would  be  unsafe  to  suffer  the 
two  men  who  went  to  New  York  last  fall  with  the  enimy  &  re- 
turned the  latter  end  of  the  winter,  to  remain  at  home,  as  it  is 
more  than  probable  that  they  are  agents  of  the  enimy.  As  your 
Excellency  is  empowered  to  make  such  drafts  as  you  think  nec- 
essary &  are  furnished  with  a  vote  of  credit  for  that  purpose, 
I  think  you  may  direct  Jacob  Power  to  raise  the  men,  for  four 
months  or  such  other  time  as  you  shall  think  adviseable.  If  your 
Excellency  has  any  papers  that  are  no  longer  new  to  you  I  sh'd 
be  glad  to  see  them.  I  am,  Dear  Sir,  with  great  esteem  &  re- 
spect Your  Most  Ob't  Hum:  Serv't 

Robt.  R.  Livingston. 

His  Excellency  Gov'r  Clinton  &c.  &c.  &c.  Poughkeepsie. 
[private.] 


[No.  2146.] 

Returns  of  Colonel  Fisher's  Regiment. 

A  General  Return  of  Colo.  Frederick  Fisher's  Batt'n  of  Tryon 
County  M[ilitia]  in  the  Mohawk  Districk  in  the  State  of  New 
York. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  635 

March  15th  1779. 


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Fred'k  Fisher,  Colo. 

[No.  2147.] 

Governor  Clinton  Tenders  the  Command  of  One  of  the  New  Frontier 
Regiments  to  Colonel  Willett. 

Pokeepsie  15  March  1779. 

D'r  Sir,*  I  have  Season  to  believe  that  you  could  do  essential 
Service  to  the  State  by  taking  the  Command  of  one  of  the  Kegt. 
of  militia  which  is  to  be  embodied  for  the  Defence  of  the  western 
Frontiers,  as  I  am  informed  the  Inhabitants  of  Tryon  County 
who  are  most  exposed,  place  the  highest  Confidence  in  your  Zeal 
and  military  abilities  and  their  Losses  in  the  action  of  Harkimer 
have  deprived  'them  of  the  best  Officers  in  their  respective  Regts. 
Presuming  that  such  a  Command  wo'd  be  in  no  wise  disagreable 
to  you,  I  have  wrote  to  Genl.  Washington  for  the  Purpose,  and 
have  his  Consent,  provided  Genl.  James  Clinton  should  think 
that  you  can  at  present  be  spared  from  your  Regt.  for  this  Service. 


*For  Colonel  Willett's  answer  see  page  656. 


636  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

I  have,  therefore,  to  request,  if  it  is  agreable  to  yourself,  that 
you  will  consult  Genl.  Jas.  Clinton  on  this  Subject,  and  acquaint 
me  with  the  Result;  that  if  you  determine  &  the  Genl.  consent 
to  your  accepting  this  Command,  I  may  have  you  appointed  & 
furnish  you  with  the  necessary  orders.  You  will  please  to  ob- 
serve, that  I  have  two  Regts.  to  raise  for  Defence  of  the  Fron- 
tiers; each  will  be  commanded  by  a  Lieut.  Colo.  &  officered  nearly 
agreable  to  the  new  arrangement  &  to  continue  in  Service  'till 
1st  Jan'y.  If  there  are  any  officers  left  out  in  the  new  arrange't, 
or  other  Persons  which  you  wo'd  incline  to  have  with  you,  you 
will  return  their  Names  &  the  Rank  in  which  they  qualified 
to  serve  that  I  may  propose  them  to  the  Council  for  their  appoint- 
ment. I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Lt.  Col.  Marinus  Willett.] 


[No.  2148.] 

Washington  Orders  a  System  of  Beacon  Signals  in  the  Highlands. 
Head  Quarters  Middlebrook  15th  March  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  The  1st  April  ensuing,  the  times  of  about  1000  of  the 
troops  under  the  command  of  General  McDougall  will  expire. 
These  returning  home  will  leave  the  Highland  posts  in  a  state 
much  weaker  than  is  proper  for  them  to  experience  in  the  ap- 
proaching season.  I  shall  endeavour  to  replace  them  as  far  as 
in  my  power.  But  in  addition  to  what  I  may  be  able  to  do,  it 
will  be  expedient  to  fall  upon  some  plan,  by  which  'the  posts  may 
receive  succor  from  the  neighbouring  militia  at  a  moment's  warn- 
ing. 

Sensible  of  the  inconveniences  of  calling  this  body  out  upon 
every  occasion,  I  wish  to  avoid  it  on  the  present  till  it  becomes 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  637 

absolutely  necessary.  I  have,  therefore,  ito  request  that  a  con- 
vention of  signals  may  be  agreed  to  between  General  McDougall 
and  your  Excellency,  by  which  means  notice  may  be  immedi- 
ately communicated,  of  the  enemies  approach,  and  beacons  fired 
at  proper  places,  as  signals  for  the  militia  to  assemble  to  his 
support. 

While  this  mode  provides  for  the  defence  of  the  posts,  it  ex- 
cludes as  much  as  possible  all  unnecessary  expence,  and  trouble 
to  the  militia. 

I  have  written  to  General  McDougall  on  this  subject,  and  am, 

D  Sir,  Your  Excellency's  most  obt.  serv't, 

Go.  Washington.* 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 

P.  S.  16  March  1779. 

Since  writing  the  above  I  have  received  the  inclosed  intel- 
ligence* from  General  Schuyler,  relative  to  a  design  against  your 
frontier.  One  of  the  letters  which  the  General  refers  to  has  not 
come  to  hand;  but  you  will  be  able  to  judge  from  the  transmitted 
accounts,  and  the  known  policy  and  circumstances  of  the  enemy, 
what  degree  of  confidence  is  to  be  given  to  the  supposed  incur- 
sion. 

As  there  can  be  no  addition  of  regular  force  ordered  at  present, 
to  that  now  on  the  frontier,  without  disconcerting  other  measures, 
it  will  be  necessary  to  take  into  consideration  the  best  means  to 
reinforce  it  with  militia,  (should  you  think  the  information  suffici- 
ently authentic).  Or  in  case  this  cannot  be  accomplished,  to 
withdraw  to  the  interior  country,  the  stock  and  provisions  which 
seem  the  principal  object  with  the  enemy. 

The  total  troops  at  the  different  posts  along  the  frontier  amount 
to  2012  men  exclusive  of  Courtlandt's  Regim't;  These  with  a 

*See  pages  620  and  624. 


638  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

reinforcement  of  militia,  might  at  least  give  the  inhabitants  a 
security,  till  more  efficacious  measures  can  be  pursued  at  the 
proper  season. 

The  provision  or  stock,  at  all  events  should  not  be  suffered  to 
fall  into  their  hands,  if  it  can  be  removed,  or  protected;  and  I 
make  no  doubt  of  such  precautions  on  your  part,  as  may  appear 
adequate  to  this  end.  I  am  &c. 

Go.  Washington. 


[No.  2149.] 
A  CRITICAL  SITUATION. 

Commissary  Colt  and  the  Flour  Supply — Gloomy  Prospect  in  Rhode 
Island  and  Massachusetts,  and  for  Gates'  and  Sullivan's  Troops. 

March  16  1779. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency,  The  daily  application  of  my  as- 
sistants, bringing  in  their  ace's  for  settlement,  prevents  my  apply- 
ing in  person  for  your  further  advice  on  the  Measures  necessary 
to  be  taken  for  securing  the  wheat  &  Flour,  in  your  State,  for  the 
use  of  the  Army.  I  have,  therefore,  with  the  approbation  of  the 
Commissary  General,  prevailed  on  my  Friend,  James  Lockwood, 
Esq.,  to  wait  on  your  Excellency,  on  this  occasion. 

It  will  not  only  be  a  particular  favour  to  Col.  Wadsworth  (I 
would  add  to  me  also,  could  I  natter  myself  that  would  be  a 
further  Inducment)  but  an  essential  piece  of  Service  to  the  United 
States,  if  you  could  direct  Mr.  Lockwood  to  such  persons  to  suc- 
ceed the  2  Mr.  Schenks  &  Mr.  Leak  as  would  fill  their  posts  with 
Satisfaction  to  the  army  &  public.  I  am  aware  this  may  subject 
your  Excellency  to  some  small  Inconvenience.  But  my  not  being 
acquainted  with  the  persons  who  would  answer  the  purpose  in 
those  Districts,  makes  this  application  necessary.  You  will  en- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  639 

join  that  secrecy  on  Mr.  Lockwood  which  you  may  think  proper 
respecting  the  Reason  for  having  the  Schenks  displaced. 

It  will  be  necessary  for  Mr.  Lockwood  to  have  a  return  of  those 
persons  whom  you  have  appointed  (as  far  as  it  respects  my  limits) 
to  Seize  the  wheat  &  Flour  which  the  owners  refuse  to  sell. 

I  am  obliged,  in  Duty  to  the  public,  to  assure  your  Excellency 
that  the  State  of  the  public  Magazines,  in  the  State  Rode  Island 
&  Massachusetts,  affords  the  most  gloomy  prospect  to  those  who 
are  employed  in  subsisting  the  Troops  in  those  Departments; 
there  is  not  exceeding  400  bar's  Flour  at  the  various  deposits  in 
the  latter,  and  not  exceeding  ten  days  Bread  for  the  Troops  now 
on  duty  in  the  former.  I  have  reason  to  fear  they  have  not  even 
that.  If  any  extraordinary  embarassments  should  be  thrown  in 
the  way  of  supplying  Sharon  Magazine,  from  whence  alone  I  can 
draw  any  supplies  for  the  Eastern  post,  the  Troops  under  com- 
mand of  General  Gates  and  General  Sullivan  must  disband.  I 
am  with  great  respect,  your  Excellency's  most  obd.  hum'e  Serv't 

Peter  Colt. 
His  Excellency  Governour  Clinton. 


[No.  2150.] 

Commissary  General  Wadsworth  Sustains  Colonel  Colt — Distressing 

Scarcity  of  Flour. 

Hartford,  March  16th  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  Your  favours  of  the  3d  &  4th  Instant  shou'd  have 
been  sooner  attended  too  had  I  been  able  to  have  furnished  the 
money  to  pay  the'acc'ts  ordered  to  be  paid  by  Congress.  I  have 
just  now  returned  from  New  London  where  I  have  had  the  most 
convincing  proofs  of  the  real  scarcity  of  Flour,  the  Inhabitants 
totally  destitute,  the  Garrison  nearly  out,  the  Continental  Frigate 


640  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

unable  to  go  to  Sea  for  want  of  Bread,  and  the  Troops  at  Provi- 
dence supplied  from  hand  to  mouth,  and  in  great  Danger  of  being 
entirely  out.  The  wise  &  timely  Law  of  your  State  gives  me 
hopes.  If  this  and  other  States  will  pass  Simelar  Laws  and 
Execute  them,  there  is  yet  hopes  of  supplying  our  Troops.  I 
cannot  think  the  private  demands  of  any  State  ought  to  be  pre- 
ferr'd  to  the  demands  of  the  Continent. 

It  is  impossible  for  me  to  wait  on  your  Excellency  in  Person. 
Mr.  Colt  is  also  engag'd  in  setling  some  important  acc'ts,  which 
forbids  his  waiting  on  you.  Major  Lockwood  has  consented  to 
go  into  your  State  and  will  wait  on  your  Excellency.  I  beg  leave 
to  recommend  him  to  your  notice.  He  will  receive  some  Instruc- 
tions from  Mr.  Colt  and  will,  with  your  approbation,  make  some 
new  appointments  and  do  such  other  Business  as  may  be  neces- 
sary to  be  done  in  Mr.  Colt's  District,  in  all  which  he  will  be 
governed  by  your  advise. 

It  gives  me  great  Satisfaction  that  the  Legislature  of  the  State 
of  New  York  are  satisfyed  with  my  proceedings,  and  the  Spiritted 
Vigorous  measures  entered  into  by  them  for  furnishing  the  army 
with  Flour  have  induced  me  to  try  a  little  longer  to  hold  an  office 
which  I  had  determined  to  Quit.  I  will  not  say  I  am  left  unsup- 
ported by  every  other  State,  and,  I  am  not  sure  Congress  have 
forgot  they  have  a  C —  G —  but  the  Vigor  and  attention  of  your 
State  gives  me  fresh  hopes.  Major  Lockwood  brings  money  for 
the  Settlement  of  the  acc'ts  above  mentioned.  I  have  the  Honor 
to  be,  Your  Excellency's  most  obedient  Humb.  serv't 

Jere'h  Wadsworth,  Com.  Gen.  Pur. 
His  Excell'y  Governor  Clinton. 


RICHARD  LORD  HOWE,  ADMIRAL. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  641 

[No.  2151.] 

Lynde  Lord,   Urges   the  Settlement   of  His  Account   for  Keeping 

Prisoners. 

Litchfield  16th  March  1779. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency,  I  herewith  send  an  account 
against  the  State  of  New  York,  for  sundry  Expenditures  for 
Prisoners  sent  from  your  State  to  our  gaol,  in  the  year  1776,  and 
as  this  is  the  third  time  I  have  sent  the  account,  and  rec'd  no  re- 
mittance as  yet,  must  beg  your  Excellency's  attention  to  the 
affair,  and  that  you  will  direct  and  order  that  the  acco't  may  be 
paid,  as  it  has  been  long  due,  and  the  money  greatly  depreciated: 
Your  Excellency  may  se  by  a  rec't  herewith  sent,  that  at  the  time 
the  money  was  due  to  me,  I  had  Sixty  eight  pounds  ten  shillings 
New  York  money  in  my  hands,  belonging  to  your  State,  which  I 
have  .since  put  into  your  Treasury,  with  Expectation  my  acco't 
would  have  been  paid  without  any  further  trouble  or  Expence. 
And,  as  the  amount  of  my  acco't  is  mostly  for  board  and  supply- 
ing your  Prisoners  while  sick  and  under  my  care,  must  intreat 
your  Excellency  to  give  me  a  permit  to  bring  wheat  or  flower  out 
of  your  state  to  the  amount  of  my  acco't,  for  the  use  of  my  own 
Family.  I  am  your  Excellency's  most  obedient  Humble  Serv't, 

Lynde  Lord. 
His  Excellency  Gov'r  Clinton. 


[No.  2152.] 
COMPENSATION  FOE  STATE  OFFICERS. 

The  Legislature  Defeats  a  Bill  of  Attainder — Governor   Clinton 

Opposes  the  Bill. 

Poukeepsie  17th  March  1779. 

My  Dear  Sir,  I  have  only  a  Moment  to  write  you,  tho'  there  are 
many  Matters  which  I  wish  to  communicate.     The  Legislature 
41 


642  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

adjourned  yesterday  Morning  having  enacted  27  Laws.  I  in- 
close you  an  Extract  of  the  Titles  specifying  the  Purposes  for 
which  they  are  intended.  A  BO  of  Attainder  also  passed  both 
Houses  but  was  losst  in  the  Senate  on  Objections  made  to  it  by 
the  Council  of  Eevision.  It  attainted  upwards  of  300  Persons 
ipso  facto  of  High  Treason,  so  far  as  to  work  a  Forfeiture  of  their 
Estates.  I  have  not  Time  to  give  you  a  particular  description  of 
this  Bill.  It  was  in  my  Opinion  neither  founded  on  Justice  or 
warranted  by  sound  Policy  or  the  Spirit  of  the  Constitution. 

The  Legislature  have  raised  the  Allowanc2  to  our  Delegates  to 
12  Dollars  p'r  Day.  If  I  recollect  right,  this  Allowance  is  to 
take  place  as  from  Octob'r  last.  It  was  on  the  Motion  of  Genl. 
Sco'tt  who  proposed  15  Dollars.  A  Letter  I  rec'd  from  Con.o. 
Floyd  mentioning  the  Insufficiency  of  the  late  Allowance  which  I 
communicated  to  some  of  the  Members,  some  say  occasioned  this 
rise,  others  impute  it  to  a  Chance  intended  in  the  Delegation. 
The  Chief  Justice  &  Chancellor's  Sallary  are  raised  to  £400  p'r  an ; 
the  other  Civil  Officers  nearly  in  the  same  Proportion;  Judges 
travelling  Expences  10  Dollars  p'r  Day.  The  Members  Wages 
are  fixed  at  4  &  the  Clerks  6  Dollars  p'r  Day.  Mr.  Inches  wait- 
ing, I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  John  Jay  Esq.] 


[No.  2153.] 

Washington  Notifies  MoDougall  that  the  Enemy  on  Statcn  Island 

Are  in  Motion. 

Head  Quarters  Middle  Brook  March  17th  1771). 
Sir,*  I  receiv'd  intelligence  last  night,  that  the  Enemy  on  Staten 
Island  are  in  motion  with  more  than  usual  demonstration  and 

•See  page  664— McDougall  to  George  Clinton. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  613 

parade.  This  may  intend  an  incursion  into  the  Jerseys,  or  it  may 
be  meant  to  cover  an  Expedition  elsewhere  possibly  against  the 
posts  under  your  Command.  I,  therefore,  think  it  necessary  to 
communicate  to  you  the  Intelligence  I  have  receiv'd  to  put  you 
upon  your  Guar.d  &  that  you  may  accelerate  the  succours  pointed 
out  in  my  Letter  of  yesterday. 

iShou'd  you  get  information  that  the  Enemy  have  made  a  move- 
ment this  way  in  force,  I  wou'd  recommend  it  to  you  in  concur- 
rence with  General  Putnam  to  march  as  large  a  Body  of  Troops 
as  can  be  spared  towards  Kings-Bridge  to  give  an  Alarm  there 
and  create  a  diversion  in  our  favor  but  this  must  be  done  with  so 
much  Caution  as  not  to  endanger  the  Important  posts  under  your 
Command.  I  am  D'r  Sir  Your  most  Obed't  servant 
Copy.  Go.  Washington. 

P.  S.    You  will  forward  the  inclosed  to  General  Putnam,  who 
is  directed  to  give  the  most  immediate  succor  shou'd  the  Effort 
be  directed  up  the  North  River. 
[To  Gen.  McDougall.] 


[No.  2154.] 
Massachusetts  Looks  to  New  York  for  Breadstuff's. 

Poughpeekse  March  17  1779. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency,  The  Committe  of  both  Houses 
appointed  to  hear  and  consider  our  application  in  behalf  of  the 
State  of  Massachusetts  Bay  for  a  supply  of  Flour,  having  desired 
us  to  inform  them  what  supplys  had  beene  made  by  Connecticut 
to  Rhode  Island  and  Massachusetts,  we  would  request  your  Ex- 
cellency to  inform  those  Gentlemen  that  upon  an  application 
made  to  Connecticut  for  a  supply,  liberty  was  givem  to  Rhode 
Island  to  purchas  7000  bushells  of  grain,  but  was  denied  to  our 


644  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

State  upon  a  misinformation  that  we  had  a  supply  by  water,  and 
upon  our  arrival  at  Connecticut  no  body  of  Men  being  seting  that 
had  authority  to  permit  the  transportation  of  grain  from  that 
State  we  could  gain  no  Licence,  therefor,  but  our  Mr.  Inches  ven- 
tured to  lodge  £2000  with  a  Mr.  Church,  at  Hartford,  if  possible, 
to  be  vested  in  Indian  corn  &  rye,  upon  the  encouragement  rec'd 
from  Governor  Trumbull  that  permission  would  be  given  to  carry 
out  the  same,  the  information  concerning  the  supply  to  Rhode 
Island  we  rec'd  from  Governor  Trumbull,  &  haveing  stated  it  as 
nearly  as  we  can  recollect,  we  remain  very  respectfully  your  Ex- 
cellency's most  Humble  Servants,  &c., 

Nathaniel  Gorham,  Ebenezer  Wales,  Henderson  Inches. 
To  His  Excellency  Geo.  Clinton  Esqr.  Governor  of  the  State  of 
New  York. 


[No.  2155.] 
McDougall's  Jurisdiction  Over  the  Militia. 

Pokeepsie  March  18  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  I  am  favored  with  your  Letter  of  the  14".*  In  Case 
of  any  movement  of  the  Enemy  which  wo'd  render  the  aid  of  the 
militia  necessary  it  is  the  Duty  of  the  immediate  commanding 
officers  to  call  out  their  respective  Corps  to  oppose  the  Enemy, 
and  the  militia  Law  warrants  this  without  waiting  my  Orders, 
but  least  there  should  be  any  Doubt  upon  the  Subject  I  now  in- 
close you  an  Order  to  the  Militia  of  Westchester  &  the  lower  End 
of  Orange  for  the  above  Purpose.  This  Order  also  directs  Coll. 
Com'dt  Swarthoudt  to  releive  the  Detachment  of  Brinckerhoof  s 
Kegt.,  with  a  Capt's  Command,  &  Colo.  Ludington  to  furnish  you 
with  a  Proportion  of  his  Regiment  which  when  in  Service  you 

•See  page  630. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  645 

can  detach  &  imploy  as  you  shall  judge  best,  tho'  I  shoud  esteem 
it  improper  in  me  to  order  them  out  for  the  Express  Purpose  of 
repairing  the  Roads.  I  leave  it  to  you  to  forward  Copies  of  these 
orders  to  the  officers  concerned.  The  militia  of  Ulster,  Dutchesa 
&  the  upper  End  of  Orange,  have  positive  Orders  to  hold  them- 
selves in  the  most  perfect  Readiness  for  the  Field,  and  I  have 
Reason  to  believe  from  the  warrants  I  have  given  on  the  State 
Commissary  of  Military  iStores,  that  they  are  provided  with  am- 
munition; they  are  but  badly  armed  but  we  have  it  not  in  our 
Power  to  remedy  this  Defect.  In  Case  of  an  alarm,  they  are  to  be 
governed  by  my  orders  of  the  5"  Dec'r  last  a  Copy  of  which  I  then 
transmitted  you.  The  Legislature  is  adjourned;  they  have  done 
Nothing  respecting  the  Robbers  and  Horse  Thieves,  tho'  it  was  a 
Matter  I  had  much  at  Heart.  Neither  have  they  passed  a  Law 
(as  I  had  Reason  to  believe  they  would)  enabling  Courts  martial 
to  command  the  Testimony  of  civil  witnesses.  I  inclose  you  a 
Copy  of  a  Resolution  which  was  entered  into  by  the  assembly  & 
offered  to  the  Senate  for  their  Concurrence,  but  was  there  rejected 
in  Consequence  of  a  violent  Opposition  made  to  it  by  Genl.  Scott 
upon  what  Principles  and  for  what  Reasons  I  am  not  informed. 
This  must  suffice  for  an  answer  to  your  Letter*  on  that  Subject  of 

the  10th  Inst.    I  am  in  great  Haste  &c. 

[G.  C.]f 
[To  Gen.  McDougall.] 

The  wives  &  Families  of  two  Persons  of  the  name  of  Barrack 
who  early  join'd  the  Enemy  have  requested  Permission  to  go  to 
New  York§  as  they  possess  good  Farms  (which  may  be  useful  to 

*See  page  626. 

fFor  McDougall's  reply  see  page  664. 

§  March  18.— Yesterday,  the  anniversary  of  Saint  Patrick,  the  tute'.ar  saint  of  Ireland, 
was  celebrated  in1  New  York  by  the  natives  of  that  kingdom,  with  their  accustomed 
hilarity.  The  volunteers  of  Ireland,  preceded  by  their  band  of  music,  marched  into 
the  city,  and  formed  before  the  house  of  their  colonel,  Lord  Rawdon,  who  put  him- 
self at  their  head,  and,  after  paying  his  compliments  to  his  Excellency  General  Knyp- 


646  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

our  Refugees),  I  have  no  Objection  to  their  going  provided  you 
think  it  proper  they  will  go  by  Land  or  water  as  you  may  deter- 
mine; please  to  favor  me  with  your  answer  on  this  subject.  I 
flatter  myself  I  shall  be  able  to  command  the  attendance  of  such 
witnesses  as  you  may  want  on  the  Court  of  Inquiry  notwith- 
stand'g  there  is  no  express  Law  for  the  Purpose. 


[No.  2156.] 
CLINTON  TO  WASHINGTON. 

Defence  of  the  Frontier — Two  New  Military  Posts  to  be  Erected  on 

the  Susquehanna. 

Poukeepsie  18th  March  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  I  have  had  the  Honor  of  receiving  your  Excellency's 
Letters  of  the  4th*  &  6th  Instant  and  am  happy  in  being  thereby 
enabled  to  give  such  general  Assurances  of  Protection  to  the 
Frontier  Inhabitants  as  I  have  reason  to  hope  will  prevent  their 
deserting  their  Settlements.  This  your  Excellency  may  be  as- 
sured will  be  done  with  the  utmost  Regard  to  that  Secrecy  which 
is  necessary  to  secure  Success  in  Offensive  Opperations  &  there- 
fore the  greatest  Care  will  be  taken  not  to  give  them  the  most 
remote  Idea  of  any  such  Intention. 

The  Legislature  before  they  adjourned,  empowered  me  to  im- 


hausc'ii.  and  to  General  Jones,  accompanied  them  to  the  Bowery,  where  a.  dinner  was 
provided,  consisting  of  five  hundred  covers.  After  the  men  were  seated,  and  had  DTO- 
eeeded  to  the  enjoyment  of  a  noble  banquet,  the  officers  returned  to  town,  and  dined 
with  his  lordship.  The  soldierly  appearance  of  the  men,  their  order  of  march,  hand 
in  hand,  being  all  natives  of  Ireland,  had  a  striking  effect. 

This  single  battalion,  though  only  formed  a  few  months  ago,  marched  four  hundred 
strapping  fellows,  neither  influenced  by  Yankee  or  Ague;  a  number,  perhaps,  equal  to 
all  the  recruits  forced  into  the  rebel  army  in  the  same  space  of  time,  which  shows 
how  easily  troops  may  be  formed  on  this  continent,  from  the  people  who  have  been 
seduced  into  America,  and  spurn  at  the  treason  and  tyranny  of  the  Congress,  pro- 
viding proper  measures  are  followed,  and  they  are  headed  by  men  of  their  choice. 
And,  also,  that  such  men,  however  leng  they  may  have  remained  in  the  haunts  of 
hypocr.sy,  cunning,  and  disaffection,  being  naturally  gallant  and  loyal,  crcwd  with  ardor 
to  star.d  forth  in  the  cause  of  their  king,  of  their  country,  and  of  real,  honest,  general 
liberty,  whenever  an  opportunity  offers.— New  York  Gazette,  March  22,  1779. 

•See  page  615. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  647 

body  1,000  Men  for  the  Defence  of  the  Northern  &  Western 
Frontier  or  such  other  Service  as  I  should  judge  proper  to  employ 
them  in.  This  was  the  most  they  conceived  the  State  (under  its 
present  distressed  Situation)  was  able  to  raise  &  the  greater  Part 
,of  them  were  entered  to  join  the  Troops  to  be  imployed  in  defen- 
sive Opperations  ag't  the  Savages.  Since  the  rising  of  the  Leg- 
islature, I  have  received  the  Resolve  of  Congress  for  filling  up  the 
Continental  Battalions  &  this  will  put  me  under  the  Necessity 
of  taking  at  least  one  half  of  these  Levies  for  the  Purpose,  as  it 
would  be  impracticable  to  convene  the  Legislature  in  Season  to 
make  any  new  Provission  for  that  Service  even  tho  our  Circum- 
stances woud  admit  of  it. 

I  do  not  imagine  we  shall  be  able  to  derive  any  considerable 
Force  from  the  Inhabitants  whose  Settlements  have  been  de- 
stroyed. Their  Losses  &  Consequent  Distresses  are  so  great  that 
it  requires  their  utmost  Industry  to  support  their  Families  & 
their  Persons;  the  Army,  considering  the  depreciated  State  of  our 
Money  woud  not  be  competent  for  this  Purpose  &  the  most  of 
their  young  Men  are  already  ingaged  in  the  Continental  Bat- 
tallions.  Some,  however,  from  a  desire  to  revenge  their  Losses, 
will  at  all  events  ingage  &  the  Neighbourhoods  that  have  been 
less  distressed,  will  furnish  a  considerable  Proportion  who  being 
as  well  acquainted  with  the  Country  will  be  equally  serviceable. 

In  order  to  deceive  the  Enemy  into  a  Belief  that  we  intend  act- 
.ing  on  the  Defensive  only,  I  submit  to  your  Excellency  the  Pro- 
priety of  erecting  one  or  two  small  Posts  on  the  nearest  navigable 
Waters  of  the  Susquehanah;  they  woud  not  only  answer  the  above 
Purpose,  but  serve  also  as  a  security  to  the  Settlements,  &  of 
Course  induce  the  Militia  to  ingage  in  the  Service  with  greater 
alacrity.  I  am  not  sufficiently  acquainted  with  the  Country  to 


648  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

determine  with  certainty  the  particular  Places  best  calculated  for 
such  Posts,  but  from  the  general  Idea  I  have  of  the  Country,  I  am 
lead  to  believe  that  Unida  [Unadilla]  &  where  the  Susque- 
hanah  empties  out  of  the  Lakes,  West  of  Cherry  Valley,  woud 
be  the  most  elligible.  These  Posts  might  be  maintaind  by  Militia, 
at  least  while  the  other  Troops  were  imployed  in  Offensive  oppera- 
tions. 

I  have  the  Honor  to  be  with  the  highest  Esteem  &  Respect, 

Your  Excellency's  Most  &c., 

Geo.  Clinton. 
His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington. 


Signals  of  Alarm. 

Poughkeepsie  March  18th  1779. 
General  Orders. 

The  signal  of  Alarm  being  fixd  by  the  orders  of  the  Hcn'ble 
Major  Gen'l  McDougal  on  the  19th  Feb'y  last  are  as  follows  viz. 

When  five  Topsail  Vessels  appear  Coming  up  of  the  Enemy 
three  Cannon  will  be  fired  at  Kings  Ferry  five  Minutes  after  each 
other,  and  if  ten  Vessells  appear  four  Cannon  will  be  fired  at  the 
same  Distance  of  Time:  and  in  this  Manner  if  a  greater  Number 
of  ships  appear,  that  is  one  Gun  for  every  five  fthat  shall  exceed 
that  Number.  These  signals  will  be  Answered  by  the  firing  of 
the  heaviest  Cannon  at  West  Point  in  the  same  Manner — It  is 
his  Excellency  the  Governor's  Orders  that  the  same  be  Communi- 
cated to  the  officers  of  the  respective  Regiments  of  Militia  of 
the  Counties  of  Dutchess  Ulster  and  Orange,  who  are  strictly 
chargd  to  see  their  Men  are  properly  provided  with  Arms  and 
Ammunition  and  held  in  the  most  perfect  Readiness;  And  that 
upon  the  Alarms  being  given  Col.  Commandant  Swantwout's 
Brigade  will  immediately  March  to  Fishkill,  and  there  wait  fur- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  649 

ther  Orders,  and  the  Regiments  of  Ulster  and  Orange  (the  west- 
ern Frontier  Companies  who  are  to  attend  to  the  Protection  of 
the  Frontier  Settlements  excepted)  to  the  Post  at  West  Point. 

As  the  Signal  Guns  may  not  be  heard  but  by  the  Regiments 
most  Contiguous  to  the  Posts  the  officers  of  these  Regiments  are 
to  Communicate  it  by  express  to  the  other  Regiments  on  their 
Respective  Sides  of  the  River. 

This  is  to  be  Considered  as  a  standing  order  until  revoked; 
And  as  the  Safety  of  the  Country  greatly  depends  on  the  spirited 
Exertions  of  the  Militia  to  Reinforce  the  Continental  Troops  and 
strengthen  the  different  Posts  on  sudden  Emergencies  it  is  ex- 
pected that  these  orders  will  be  most  faithfully  complied  with. 

By  order  of  his  Excellency  Governor  Clinton, 

Rob't  Benson,  A.  D.  C.* 

Capt'n  Abraham  Schenck,  Rumbouts  Precinct  Dutchess  County. 


[No.  2157.] 
Returns  of  Captain  Thomas  Jem-sen's  Company. 

Shawangonk,  March  18th  1779. 

Sir,  I  was  this  day  served  with  a  copy  of  General  Orders  from 
your  Excellency  by  Col.  Hardenbergh  dated  March  the  1st  1779, 
to  make  a  return  of  the  Corps  of  Associated  Exempts  under  my 
command  to  your  Excellency  by  the  15th  Instant  which  is  ex- 
pired. 

I  am  with  due  respect  your  most  Humble  Ser't 

Thomas  Jansen  Jun'r 
a  Return  of  the  Associated  Exemts  under  my  Command  (Vizt.) 

Capt'n  Lents.  Ensign  Serj-ant  Corporals  Privates 

12  44  16 

*This   document   belongs   to   the   Collection   of   Revolutionary   relics   at  Washington's 
headquarters,  Newburgh,  N.  Y.— STATE  HISTORIAN. 


650  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

The  above  is  a  full  and  perfect  return  of  the  said  Associates 
given  under  my  Hand  this  18th  Day  of  March  1779. 

Thomas  Jansen  Jun'r  Capt. 


[No.  2158.] 
Governor  Clinton  Approves  Commissary  Accounts. 

New  Windsor  Oct'r  [         ]  1777.    ' 
The  United  States  of  America  To  Sundries — Dr. 
Vouchers: 

No.  1  To  Thos.  Belknap  for  two  Bullocks  as  pr  voucher     £70     0     0 
Silas  Wood  for  one  Steer  as  pr  ditto     17     00 

Wm.  Nicolls  for  one  Cow  pr  do         11     0     0 

2  Ebenezer  Woodhull  for  twenty  Bullocks  pr  do       815     0     0 

3  Nathan  Smith  for  ten  Cows  pr  do       150     0     0 

4  State  of  N.  York  for  ten  Cows  pr  do      170     0     0 

5  James  Gage  for  two  Steers  pr  do        23     0     0 

6  George  Denniston  for  331  Ib.  of  Beef  at.lOd  13  15  10 

7  Jonathan  Belknap  for  five    Steers 

.&  one  Cow 

,8 ,     Wm.  Rider  for  one  CoW 
9       Jacob  Wiggins  for  one  Steer  .  ;-,  / 

10  David  Belknap  for  two  Oxen 

11  John  Mains  for  one  Steer 

12  Hezekiah  White  for  one  Cow 

13  Samuel  Clark  for  Provisions 

14  Colo.  Jonathan  Hasbrouck  for 

Provisions 

15  Jonathan  Belknap  for  Services 

16  Abel  Belknap  for  Flour  &c 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  651 

17  George  Hains  for  Flour  &c                         pr  do  910  15    9 

18  James  Jackson's  Store  for  six 

bbls.  Flour                  pr  do  27    2    6 


£2870     0     4 
To  Robert  Boyd,  Jun'r,  for  his  Trouble  and 

Expences  for  procuring  Provisions  for  the 
Troops  under  the  Command  of  His  Excell'y  Genl. 
George  Clinton  agreable  to  his  Order  and  the 
acc't  hereunto  annexed  17  14  6 


£2941  14  10 

Agreable  to  a  Resolve  of  the  hon'ble  the  Congress  of  the  30th 
Jan'}r  last,  I  hereby  certify  that  I  have  inspected  the  above  ac- 
counts &  carefully  compared  the  same  with  the  different 
Vouchers  &  issuing  Commissaries  Receipts  thereunto  annexed, 
&  that  I  find  the  several  Charges  therein  amounting  in  the  whole 
to  Two  thousand  nine  hundred  &  forty  one  Pounds  fourteen  shill- 
ings &  ten  Pence  to  be  justly  due. 
Given  at  Poughkeepsie  this  19th  March  1779. 

Geo.  Clinton,  Gov'r. 
To  the  Com'y  Genl.  or  either  of  his  Deputies. 


[No.  2159.] 
Claverack  Exempts. 

Peter  Loop,  David  Genness,  Ab'm  Vosburgh,  Henry  Miller, 
Win.  H.  Philip,  Jurra  A.  Smith,  Tobias  Legget,  Jacob  Carter, 
Wm.  Reese,  Peter  Hogeboom,  Corl's  S.  Muller  Capt.,  John 
T'Brook,  Stephen  Hogeboom,  Peter  A.  Fonda  Lieut.,  Ma.thise  Hal- 
lenbeck,  Gerrit  Hendrick,  Job's  Holsepple,  Peter  Hogeboom, 


652  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Jun'r,  Jeremiah  De  Lamater,  Gabrial  Esselstine,  Lawrance 
Conyn  Ens,  Wm.  Van  Ness,  Jun'r,  Bar.  V  Valkenburgh,  John 
Bay,  Samuel  J.  T'Brook,  Joh's  Kells,  Job's  Schorm,  Hendrick 
Clopper,  Richard  Blamly,  Joh's  Shult,  Lukes  Witbeck,  Philip 
IJautle,  David  Bonestel,  Bastian  Loop,  Andries  Cole,  James  At- 
water. 

Company  of  Exempts  in  Claverack.  March  19th  1779. 


[No.  2160.] 

Governor  Clinton  Notifies  His  Brother,  the  General,  of  the  Threatened 
Indian  Outbreak  on  the  Frontier. 

Pokeepsie  20"  March  1779. 

Dear  Brother,  Last  Night  I  rec'd  a  Letter  from  Genl.  Washing- 
ton in  which  he  expresses  some  apprehensions  founded  upon  In- 
telligence from  Genl.  Schuyler  that  an  attack  is  meditated  by  the 
Savages  ag't  the  Frontiers  of  the  State.  I  have  transmitted 
Copies  of  this  Letter  &  its  Inclosures  to  Genl.  Ten  Broeck  &  re- 
quested him  to  consult  you  &  Genl.  Schuyler  upon  the  Propriety  of 
ordering  out  such  a  Proportion  of  his  Brigade  as  may  be  deemed 
necessary  to  reinforce  the  Continental  Troops  &  to  enable  them, 
as  far  as  may  be  practicable,  to  protect  &  defend  the  Inhabitants 
on  the  western  Frontier  &  to  prevent  the  Enemy  from  drawing 
Supplies  from  thence.  I  could  wish  Colo.  Willett  might  be  per- 
mitted (if  he  will  consent)  to  take  the  Command  of  whatever 
militia  might  be  ordered  out  for  this  Purpose. 

Colo.  Lush  will  deliver  this,  who  is  directed  to  assist  in  making 
the  necessary  arrangements  for  this  Purpose.  I  am  &c. 

Geo:  Clinton. 
Brig'r  Genl.  [James]  Clinton.* 

•For  James  Clinton's  reply  see  page  663. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  653 

[No.  2161.] 
For  the  Relief  of  the  Frontier  Sufferers. 

Pokeepsie  March  20  1779. 

Sir,  It  is  impossible  for  me  to  appropriate  the  Monies  granted 
by  the  Legislature  for  the  use  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Frontiers 
distressed  by  the  Incursions  of  the  Enemy  without  being  pos- 
sessed of  a  List  of  such  as  are  intended  to  be  relieved  by  the  Law 
for  that  Purpose  made.  You  will,  therefore,  be  pleased  to  obtain 
from  the  respective  Neighbourhoods  of  Lackawack  &  Pienpack, 
with  the  utmost  Dispatch,  exact  Returns  of  the  Persons  within 
the  above  Description,  who  are  incapable  of  gaining  a  Livelihood 
and  transmit  me  the  same  immediately  after  your  Receipt  of 
them.  You  will  also  be  so  obliging  as  to  recommend  such  Person 
willing  to  undertake  this  Charitable  Office,  as  you  think  best 
qualified,  for  distributing  the  Money  to  the  different  Sufferers  or 
supplying  them  with  Provission.  Your  Complyance  with  the 
above  Request  will  greatly  oblidge  D'r  Sir  Your  most  Obed't 

Serv't 

[G.  C.] 
I  have  no  news  to  be  relied  on  worth  communicating. 

[To  Judge  Pawling.] 


654 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


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PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  655 

[No.  2163.] 
ORGANIZING  THE  MILITIA. 

Clinton  Notifies   Washington   of  Arrangements  Made  to  Repel  an 
Attack  of  the  Enemy — Reduction  of  the  Infantry  Quota. 

Poughkeepsie  21st  March  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  In  consequence  of  your  Excellency's  Letter  of  the 
15th  Instant,*  I  have  ordered  General  Ten  Broeck  of  Albany, 
to  confer  with  Generals  Schuyler  and  Clinton  on  the  matters 
contained  in  it,  and  to  call  out  such  proportion  of  the  militia  of 
that  and  Tryon  County  as  they  may  on  such  Conference  esteem 
necessary,  to  cover  the  western  Frontier  and  thereby  prevent 
the  Enemy  drawing  supplies  from  thence.  Similar  Orders  ace 
dispatched  to  the  militia  in  the  vicinity  of  Col.  .Cortland's  Regi- 
ment. 

Previous  to  the  Receipt  of  your  Excellency's  Letter,  I  had 
(a>t  the  Request  of  General  McDougall)  so  far  placed  the  militia 
of  Westchester  County  and  the  southern  part  of  Orange  under 
his  Direction  as  to  enable  him  to  call  the  whole  of  them  to  his 
immediate  assistance,  in  case  any  movement  of  the  Enemy  should 
render  it  necessary  and  the  militia  of  Ulster  Dutchess  &  the 
northern  part  of  Orange  are  under  Orders  to  hold  themselves 
in  the  most  perfect  readiness  to  march  on  the  Signal  of  alarm 
(fixed  by  Genl.  MeDougalFs  Orders  &  communicated  'to  them) 
being  given;  Those  of  Ulster  &  Orange  (the  frontier  Companies 
excepted)  to  strengthen  the  Post  at  West  Point  &  those  of 
Dutchess  to  rendesvouz  at  Fishkill  &  there  wait  for  further 
Orders.  This  appears  to  me  the  best  disposition  that  can  be 
made  at  present. 

I  observe  by  a  Resolve  of  Congress  of  the  9th  Inst.  trans- 
mitted me  by  the  President,  that  the  Infantry  of  the  United 

*  See  page  636. 


656  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

States  for  the  next  Campaign  is  to  consist  of  80  Battalions; 
whence  I  conclude  the  sixteen  additional  Regiments  are  to  be 
reduced.  If  this  is  the  Case,  I  beg  leave  to  remind  your  Excel- 
lency that  Colo.  Warner's  &  a  considerable  part  of  Colo.  Mai- 
comb's  were  raised  in  this  State,  as  [and]  if  they  are  to  be 
annexed  to  other  Regiments,  those  of  this  State  appear  to  me 
to  have  the  most  equitable  Claim,  especially  to  such  of  them  as 
were  Inhabitants  of  this  State.  I  have  the  Honor,  to  be  &c.  &c. 

Geo:  Clinton. 
His  ExcelPcy  Genl.  Washington. 


[No.  2164.] 
COLONEL  WILLETT  DECLINES. 

Because  He  Ranks  Colonel  Regnier  de  Roussi  who  has  Been  Promoted 
Over  Him  to  the  Command  of  a  Continental  Regiment. 

Albany  March  22d  1779. 

Dear  Governor,  Your  letter  of  the  15th  Instant*  did  not  come 
to  my  hands  untill  yesterday,  too  late  for  me  to  answer  by  the 
Post.  Permit  me  to  thank  you  for  the  honor  you  do  me  in  think- 
ing that  this  State  would  receive  essential  Service  by  my  taking 
the  Command  of  one  of  the  Militia  Regiments  to  be  embodied 
for  the  defence  of  the  Western  Frontiers.  This  consideration 
would  go  far  towards  Inducing  me  to  accept  of  this  Command,  tho 
in  itself  it  may  not  appear  desirable.  There  is,  however,  a  difi- 
culty  which  I  am  not  at  present  able  to  Surmount,  nor  do  I 
expect  it  can  be  removed  so  as  to  enable  me  to  Comply  with  your 
proposal.  The  bear  Idea  of  being  Lt.  Col.  Com'dt  of  a  Regiment 
of  Militia,  while  Lt.  Col.  Regnier,  who  stands  much  lower  in  the 
N.  York  Line  than  I  do,  is  Commandant  of  a  Continental  Regt. 
in  the  same  State  is  attended  with  very  dissagrea.ble  Sensations. 

*See  Clinton  to  Willett,  page  635. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  657 

By  the  advice  of  Genii.  James  Clinton  I  am  going  to  see  Col. 
Wisenfelts,  (who  is  not  only  in  Justice,  but  by  the  most  exprers 
Laws  of  Congress  Intitled  to  the  Command  of  that  Regt.,  unless 
an  Interposition  is  made  by  the  State)  in  order  to  know  his  mind 
upon  the  Subject  of  Colonel  Begnier's  appointment.  When  I 
purpose,  likewise  by  the  advice  of  Genii.  Clinton  to  ride  round 
to  pay  your  Excellency  a  Visit  at  Poughkeepsie,  ,so  that  in  a  few 
days  I  hope  to  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you,  but  least  I  should 
not  be  with  you  in  time  I  have  thought  it  best  to  write  you  a 
few  lines  for  fear  the  business  might  be  retarded  on  my  account. 

I  have  from  what  appeared  to  me  Sufficient  Foundation,  ex- 
pected Col.  Wisenfelts  would  have  the  Command  of  Col.  Liv- 
ingston's Regt,  and  that  I  would  have  been  the  Candidate  for 
the  next  Vacancie.  By  the  arrangement  from  the  Board  of  War, 
Col.  Regnier*  is  placed  to  the  Command  of  that  Regt.  General 
Washington  has  directed  Genii.  James  Clinton,  that  if  any  objec- 
tions lay  against  that  arrangement  they  are  to  be  made  with 
the  return  of  it  as  soon  as  may  be,  in  order  for  procuring  the 
Commissions,  after  the  Issuing  of  which  no  Claims  will  be  ad- 
missable.  Against  the  Promotion  of  Col.  Regnier  I  purpose  to 
object,  nor  can  I  see  how  I  can  except  of  any  appointment  in 
the  Interim. 

I  think  it  also  necessary  to  inform  you,  that  if  the  Promotion 
of  Col.  Regnier  is  confirmed,  it  is  my  Intention  to  retire  to 
some  business  where  I  may  have  an  opportunity  of  freeing  my- 
self from  such  dissagreable  embarrasements  as  I  unfortunatly 
Labour  under  at  present.  I  am  Sir  Your  most  Obedient  &  Very 

Humble  Serv't, 

Marinus  Willeit. 

Governor  Clinton. 

*This  officer's  name  appears  as  Pierre  Regnier  and  as  Pierre  Regnier  de  Roussl.— 
STATE  HISTORIAN. 

42 


658  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  2165.] 
Governor  Clinton  and  Francis  Leicis  Interchange  Views. 

Phila.  13th  March  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  I  was  this  day  favored  with  your  letter  of  the  6th 
Instant  by  Mr.  Sands.  You  do  me  honor  in  requesting  a  con- 
tinuance of  my  correspondence,  which  I  shall  with  the  greatest 
pleasure  Cultivate. 

By  this  conveyance  I  transmit  you  the  latest  public  newspapers 
which  contains  everything  of  consequence,  except  one  favorable 
account,  which  I  am  not  as  yet  at  liberty  to  devulge,  when  that 
restraint  is  recinded  by  Congress,  you  shall  have  the  earlest  in- 
tillegence,  from  him  who  has  the  honor  to  subscribe  himself  with 
the  utmost  Regard  &  Esteem,  Your  Excellency's  most  Obedient 

Humble  Servant 

Fra'  Lswis. 
His  Excellency  Geo.  Clinton  Esqr. 


Poughkeepsie  March  22d  1779. 

D'r  Sir,  I  have  rec'd  your  favor  of  the  13th  Inst.  with  ths 
News  Papers  inclos'd  for  which  I  return  you  Thanks.  Altho'  1 
would  wish  for  a  continuance  of  your  favors,  yet  you  will 
readily  perceive  that  from  our  difft  situations,  I  have  it  not  in 
my  Power  in  return,  to  send  you  any  but  the  common  occurrences 
of  our  State.  Our  Legislature  after  having  passed  ab't  26  Laws, 
the  Titles  of  which  I  have  transmitted  to  your  Presid't,  &  in  one 
of  which  they  have  raised  the  Delegates  allowance  to  12  Do'lars, 
have  adjourned  to  meet  at  Kingston  on  the  1st  Tuesday  in  June 
next.  The  Confiscation  Bill  which  originated  in  the  Assembly, 
was  returned  by  the  Council  of  Revision  w'th  Objections;  that 
House  on  reconsideration  resolved  it  to  be  a  Law  notwilhstand- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  659 

ing;  but  on  being  sent  to  the  Senate  it  fell  through  by  not  being 
approved  of  by  two  thirds  of  the  members  then  present.  Our 
People  are  very  impatient  to  know  the  Important  Intelligence 
which  remains  a  Secret  in  Congress.  I  wish  it  may  not  so  tran- 
spire as  that  when  communicated  to  them  they  should  not  view 
it  in  that  important  light  it  deserves. 

I  enclose  you  Hobbs  last  Paper  and  remain  D'r  Sir  &c.  &c. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
The  hon'ble  Francis  Lewis  Esqr. 


[No.  2166.] 
Act  of  Congress  as  to  the  Clothing  Department* 

IN  CONGRESS. 
March  23,  1779. 

ORDINANCE  for  regulating  the  Cloathing  Department  for  the  Armies  of  the  United 
States. 

There  shall  be  a  cloathier  general,  a  sub  or  state  cloathier  for  each  state,  and  a 
regimental  cloathier. 

The  cloathier  general  is  to  be  subject  to  the  orders  of  the  board  of  war  and  com- 
mander in  chief.  He  is  to  furnish  estimates  of  the  supplies  wanted  for  the  army;  to 
apply  to  the  commander  in  chief  and  board  of  war  for  assistance  therein;  to  make 
returns  of  such  estimates  to  them  respectively;  to  receive  all  supplies  imported  from 
abroad,  and  purchased  in  the  country  by  continental  agents;  to  superintend  the  dis- 
tribution thereof  to  the  state  cloathiers;  to  settle  accounts  with  them  at  least  every 
six  months;  to  keep  regular  accounts  of  all  the  cl-oathing  he  shall  receive,  as  well  as 
of  the  distribution  thereof  among  the  state  cloathiers;  and  to  transmit  his  accounts 
twice  in  every  year  to  the  board  of  treasury,  and  settle  them  in  the  chamber  of  ac- 
counts when  required;  and  generally  to  take  care,  on  the  one  hand,  that  justice  i3 
done  to  the  public,  and  on  the  other,  that  the  army  receive  whatever  shall  be  allowed 
to  them  in  a  regular,  direct  and  seasonable  manner;  and  at  the  same  time,  so  to 
act  between  the  continent  and  each  particular  state,  that  equal  and  impartial  justice 
may  be  done  on  all  sides. 

The  SUB  or  STATE   CLOATHIER. 

A  sub  or  state  cloathier  is  to  be  appointed  by  each  state  respectively,  to  reside  with 
or  near  the  army,  or  such  detachment  thereof  in  which  the  troops  of  the  said  state 
may  be,  as  the  commander  in  chief  shall  direct,  the  better  to  know  and  supply  their 
wants.  The  state  appointing  him  is  to  be  answerable  for  his  conduct.  In  case  of 
neglect  or  misbehaviour,  he  is  to  be  displaced  by  the  commander  in  chief,  and  his 
successor  to  be  appointed  by  the  state  to  which  he  belonged.  He  is  to  receive  from 
the  cloathier  general  the  proportion  of  cloaihing  assigned  for  the  troops  of  his  state, 
out  of  the  public  cloathing  imported  or  purchased  by  continental  agents;  and  from 
the  state  for  which  he  is  appointed,  all  the  cloathing  which  may  at  continental  expence 
be  purchased  in  such  state;  of  the  latter,  their  quality  and  price;  he  shall  transmit 
exact  accounts  to  the  cloathier  general,  and  when  required,  submit  the  several  articles 
to  the  inspection  of  the  cloathier  genera;,  or  any  person  for  that  purpose  deputed  by 
him:  he  is  to  issue  all  cloathing  supplied  as  aforesaid  to  the  regimental  cloathiers, 
on  returns  signed  by  the  commanding  officers  of  regiments:  he  is  to  keep  exact  returns 
with  each  regiment,  inspect  those  of  the  regimental  cloathiers,  see  that  the  articles 

*See  page  701  and  foot  note.  - 


660  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

delivered  them  are  duly  Issued  to  the  troops,  and  that  all  the  cloathing  procured  at 
continental  expence,  above  the  allowance  made  by  Congress,  drawn  by  non-commis- 
sioned officers  and  privates  is  charged  to  them,  and  credited  to  tbe  pay-roll;  and  that 
the  commissioned  officers  receive  what  is  credited  to  them,  and  no  more:  he  is  to 
keep  exact  accounts  with  the  cloathier  general  in  behalf  of  the  publick,  charging  the 
United  States  only  with  what  is  allowed  to  the  officers  and  men.  Whenever  the  troops 
of  any  state  shall  have  received  their  proportion  of  cloathing  from  the  continental 
stores,  the  supplies  purchased  at  continental  expence  by  the  state  to  which  they 
belong,  or  from  both,  and  there  shall  remain  a  surplus  which  may  be  wanted  for  other 
troops  not  fully  supplied,  the  sub  cloathier  possessed  thereof  is  to  deliver  over  the 
surplus  to  such  other  state  cloathier  as  the  cloathier  general  shall  direct,  taking  dupli- 
cate invoices  and  receipts  from  the  state  cloathier  to  whom  they  shall  be  transferred, 
one  sett  of  which  he  is  to  deposit  with  the  cloathier  general,  and  the  other  to  retain 
as  his  own  voucher:  the  cloathier  general  t>n  his  part  making  proper  entries  in  his 
accounts,  to  do  justice  to  all  concerned. 

When  from  a  deficiency  in  the  public  stores,  the  troops  of  any  states  shall  not  have 
received  their  allowance  of  cloathing,  the  state  cloathier  is  without  delay  to  repre- 
sent their  wants,  particularly  enumerated  in  return  for  that  purpose,  to  the  executive 
authority  of  the  state  to  which  he  belongs,  requesting  a  speedy  and  adequate  supply. 

And  in  case  a  state,  at  its  own  expence,  shall  give,  and  depcsite  with  him,  any 
cloathing,  for  the  more  comfortable  subsistence  of  its  quota  of  troops,  in  addition  to 
the  allowance  made  by  Congress,  he  is  strictly  to  pursue  the  directions  of  such  state, 
as  well  with  respect  to  the  distribution,  as  the  vouchers  for  the  delivery,  and  the  man- 
ner and  time  of  settling  his  accounts;  transmitting  once  in  every  six  months  a  copy 
of  such  accounts  to  the  cloathier  general,  and  as  often,  and  whenever  required,  to  the 
state  in  which  he  belongs. 

The  REGIMENTAL  CLOATHIER. 

The  office  of  regimental  cloathier  shall  always  be  executed  by  the  regimental  pay- 
master. 

He  is  to  be  furnished  by  captains  or  officers  commanding  companies  with  returns, 
specifying  the  mens  names  and  the  particular  wants  of  each;  these  he  is  to  digest 
into  a  regimental  return,  which,  being  signed  by  the  officer  commanding  the  regiment, 
and  countersigned  by  himself,  with  a  receipt  upon  it  of  the  supplies  delivered  to  the 
regiment,  is  to  be  lodged  with  the  state  cloathier,  and  become  to  him  a  voucher  for  the 
delivery  in  his  settlement  with  the  cloathier  general. 

He  is  to  keep  an  account  with  each  officer  and  so'ldler  for  every  article  delivered, 
taking  a  receipt  from  them,  as  his  voucher  for  the  delivery:  He  Is  to  credit  them  for 
the  continental  allowance,  and  to  charge  them  for  every  thing  they  receive,  making 
stoppages  in  the  monthly  pay-rolls  for  whatever  they  may  fall  in  debt  to  the  public 
beyond  the  allowance. 

And  to  prevent  in  future  unequal  distribution  of  cloathing  either  to  the  officers  or 
soldiers,  and  the  confusion  and  complaints  which  have  heretofore  been  occasioned  by 
irregular  applications  from  commanding  officers  of  regiments  to  public  agents  in  dif- 
ferent posts,  it  is  hereby  strictly  enjoined  on  those  agents,  the  cloathier  general,  and 
the  sub  or  state-cloathier,  to  issue  no  cloathing  on  any  pretence  whatsoever,  but  in  the 
manner  before  prescribed;  nor  shall  any  article  be  credited  to  either  of  them  on  settle- 
ment of  their  accounts,  which  is  not  so  issued  and  vouched. 

And  whereas  discretionary  changes  of  the  uniforms  of  regiments  have  proved  incon- 
venient and  expensive;  the  commander  in  chief  is  therefore  hereby  authorised  and 
directed,  according  to  the  circumstances  of  supplies  of  cloathing,  to  fix  and  prescribe 
the  uniform,  as  well  with  regard  to  the  colour  and  facings,  as  the  cut  or  fashion  of 
the  cloaths,  to  be  worn  by  the  troops  of  the  respective  states  and  regiments,  which  shall, 
as  far  as  possible,  be  complied  with  by  all  purchasing  agents  employed  by  Congress, 
as  well  as  particular  states,  by  the  cloathier  general,  sub  or  state  cloathiers  and  regi- 
mental cloathiers,  and  all  officers  and  soldiers  in  the  armies  of  the  United  States.  And 
when  materials  can  be  purchased  instead  of  ready  made  cloaths,  it  shall  always  be 
preferred,  in  order  that  they  may  be  made  up  by  the  taylors  of  the  several  regiments, 
to  save  expence  and  prevent  the  disadvantages  which  the  soldiers  frequently  suffer 
from  their  unfitness:  and  instead  of  breeches,  woolen  overalls  for  the  winter,  and  linen 
for  the  summer,  are  to  be  substituted. 
Extract  from  the  Minutes, 

Charles  Thomson,  Secretary. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.        661 

[No.  2167.] 
HANDICAPPED  BY 'TORIES  AND  JOBBERS. 

Commissary  Reed  Reports  Progress  to  Governor  Clinton  on  the  Flour 
Question — The  Governor's  Reply. 

Amenia  March  23d  1779. 

Sir,  Since  I  left  Poughkeepsie  I  have  been  Closely  attending 
to  your  advise,  which  was  to  Raise  the  Price  to  Ten  Dollars  for 
Wheat  and  so  in  Proportion  for  Flour,  and  Purchase  all  I  Could 
&  Seize  what  Ever  I  found  in  the  hands  of  Jobbers  which  Plan  I 
have  been  Pursuing  Every  Day  since,  Untill  I  have  got  Nearly 
through  niy  whole  District,  &  with  Tollerable  Success. 

I  have  Purchas'd  &  Seiz'd,  'Since  I  have  been  Pursuing  the  last 
Plan,  as  much  Wheat  as  will  make  ten  or  Twelve  Hundred  Bar's 
Flour,,  Including  what  I  Bo't  in  Flour, — !S'r,  I  find  two  Sets 
People  that  will  not  Sell  their  Crops  of  New  Wheat  one  is  the 
Toreys,  who  Insist  on  hard  money,  the  other  is  those  worse  than 
the  Toreys,  (the  Jobbers)  who  are  not  only  Keeping  back  their 
own,  but  assisting  the  Torys  to  Run  theirs  over  the  line  or  hide 
it  in  Barns,  out  houses  and  in  the  Woods,  of  which  Several  large 
Quantities  has  Come  to  my  Knowledge  already;  but  it  is  out 
of  my  Power  to  Secure  the  Same,  Unless  Some  Person  were 
appointed  in  this  Quarter  to  Seize  the  New  Crops,  which  I  must 
beg  might  be  Done  Soon,  or  we  Shall  not  be  able  to  feed  the 
army  two  months  longer. 

I  would  beg  leave  to  Recommend  to  your  Excellency,  some  Per- 
sons who  I  think  would  answer  that  Purpose  in  my  District, 
which  are  Colo.  Wm.  Barker  &  Mr.  Danl.  'Shepherd  and  to  be 
Under  the  Inspection  and  Direction  of  Judge  Paine.  I  Should 
like  to  Pay  them  for  their  Trouble  out  of  my  Commissions  & 


662  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Recieve  the  Wheat  into  Common  Stock  for  the  Public,  as  keep- 
ing that  Wheat  Separate  at  the  Same  mills  where  I  have  other 
Public  Wheat  will  be  attended  with  Some  Difficulty.  I  Could 
also  wish  either  Esquire  Lawrence  or  Capt.  Hartwell,  Could  be 
appointed  in  the  Neighbourhood  of  Spencers  as  Great  abuses  are 
Commited  in  that  Quarter.  I  am  Sir  your  Humb'e  Sev't 

James  Reed  A.  C.  P. 
Governor  Clinton. 


GOVERNOR  CLINTON'S  REPLY. 

Poughkeepsie  March  23d  1779. 

Sir,  I  have  this  moment  rec'd  your  Letter  of  the  23d  Inst.  I 
have  sent  out  expresses  for  six  members  of  the  Legislature  to 
meet  me  without  Delay  for  the  purpose  of  appointing  proper  Per- 
sons to  carry  the  Law7  into  execution  &  fixing  the  Prices  of  Flour 
&  wheat.  As  I  have  not  been  able  to  learn  what  are  the  Prices 
in  Connecticut,  I  must  request  of  you  to  procure  &  send  me  an 
acc't  of  them  [if]  possible  by  Express.  Without  this  we  shall 
not  be  able  to  proceed  in  the  Business  with  any  Degree  of  cer- 
tainty. I  am  &c. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Mr.  Jas.  Reed  A.  C.  P. 

P.  S.  You  will  please  to  observe  that  the  Law  directs  that 
the  Price  of  Flour  &  Wheat  to  be  seized  by  it,  is  to  be  fixed  at 
the  averaged  Prices  in  Connecticut  &  New  Jersev. 


[No.  2168.] 

Returns  of  Colonel  Harderibergh's  Regiment. 

A  Return  of  Colo.  Johannes  Hardenbergh  Ju'r  his  Regement 
of  Militia  (agreeable  to  Genl.  Orders,)  Taken  from  the  several 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


663 


Returns,  from  the  Commanding  officers  of  Companies  of  said 
Regement,  &  of  the  Field  &  Staff  as  it  Now  Stand,  March  23, 1779. 


Officers  Present 

None  Com- 
missioned 

Rank& 

Commissioned 
officers 

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Officers. 

file. 

Officers  Names. 

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3apt  John  Gill-spy 

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^apt.  Math    J  arisen 

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3apt.  Clark's  Comp'y 
"'apt.  Will'm  •  Toss 

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41 

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3apt.  Jacob  Conklin 

2 

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88 

/apt.   Arthur  Smith 

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3apt.  David    >strander 

2 

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42 

3apt.  ('orn's  Masten 

2 

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3 

53 

3apt.  Robison 

2 

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3apt.  t-tephen  Case 

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Pr  Joh's  Hardenbergh,  Ju'r,  Colo. 
To  Hie  Excellency,  Geo.  Clinton. 


[No.  2169.] 
James  Clinton,  the  Western  Frontier  and  Colonel  Willctt. 

Albany  March  24th  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  Your  favour*  was  handed  me  yesterday  by  Col.  Lush. 
In  consequence  of  your  request  contained  in  it,  I  waited  on  Genl. 
Schuyler  in  company  with  Gen.  Ten  Broeck,  who  were  of  opinion, 
that  as  the  present  Season  was  rather  unfavourable  for  an  im- 
med.'ate  attack,  and  as  the  militia  of  this  State  hath  been  very 
much  harrassed,  it  was  most  prudent  to  order,  that  that  Part  of 
the  militia  which  are  nearest  the  Object  of  the  Enemy's  atten- 
tion, shou'd  keep  themselves  in  readiness  to  act  on  the  shortest 
notice;  and  that  two  hundred  Men  from  Livingston's  Mannor  who 

*See  page  652. 


664  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

have  done  the  least  Duty,  shou'd  hold  themselves  in  readiness 
to  march  on  the  shortest  notice  of-  the  Enemy's  movements, 
which  we  expect  can  be  easily  discouvered,  as  Genl.  Schuyler  hath 
engaged  a  number  of  friendly  Indians,  who  are  actually  employed 
on  that  Business. 

I  shou'd  be  pleased  if  Col.  Willet  wou'd  take  the  Command  of 
any  Body  of  Militia  that  may  be  raised  for  the  Defence  of  the 
Frontiers  of  this  State:  but  I  fear  that  unless  the  Dispute  be- 
tween Lt.  Cols.  Weisenfels  and  Begnier,  in  which  he  conceives 
himself  interested,  shoud  be  decided  in  favour  of  the  former,  we 
shall  lose  his  Services  altogather,  and  if  otherwise,  it  is  more 
than  likely  Begnier  will  resign,  who  is  a  valuable  Officer. 

An  unfortunate  affair  happened  a  few  days  past  at  Fort 
George.  Twenty  three  men  of  a  Detatchment  of  Col.  Gansevort's 
Begt.  commanded  by  Capt'n  Aorsen,  deserted  to  the  Enemy;  the 
Party  which  had  been  sent  in  pursuit  of  them,  overtook  one  who 
had  fallen  behind,  and  brought  him  back.  I  am  with  great 
Esteem,  Dear  Sir,  Your  most  obedient  hum.  Se't, 

James  Clinton. 

P.  S.     I  have  lately  stoped  issuing  Provision  to  the  Inhabitants 
of  Cherry  Valley  &  doubt  they  will  suffer. 
Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  2170.] 
LOATH  TO  CALL  ON  THE  MILITIA. 

General  McDougall   Also    Compelled   to   Stop   Furloughs — Dismal 
Prospects  from  His  Point  of  View. 

Head  Quarters  Pecks  Kill  March  24th  1779. 
My  Dear  Sir,    Your  Favor  of  the  18th*  has  come  to  Hand. 
I  am  informed  my  Friend  Governor  Clinton  likes  short  Letters. 

•See  page  644. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  665 

He  will  in  future  have  them  so.  The  order  of  the  5th  of  Decem- 
ber respecting  the  Disposition  of  your  militia  on  the  west  Side, 
in  Case  of  alarm  has  not  reached  me.  By  the  inclos'd  Copy  of 
a  Letter  from  the  Commander  in  chief*  you  will  be  inform'd  of 
what  is  in  Contemplation.  Advices  from  New  York  correspond; 
as  do  those  this  Day  received  from  General  Putnam,  it  seems 
the  Enemy  has  detained  his  Privateers  for  some  Expedition,  and 
I  am  persuaded  New  London  is  the  Object. 

We  have  several  Frigates,  and  other  arm'd  Vessels  there;  and 
I  am  not  without  some  Suspicion  that  the  Enemy  have  received 
Intelligence  of  there  being  provisions  and  Stores  in  that  Town. 
I  have  orders  to  enlist  the  Troops  at  these  Posts  during  the  war, 
which  I  fear  will  be  longer  than  is  imagined.  It  goes  on  but 
slowly  as  I  am  obliged  from  the  State  of  my  Force  to  stop  Fur- 
loughs. If  I  could  get  three  or  four  hundred  good  militia  to  aid 
the  Garrison  at  West-Point  for  two  months,  I  am  confident  all 
the  Troops  would  be  reinlisted.  Could  this  be  done?  I  am  very 
loth  to  call  on  the  Militia,  but  I  fear  at  any  Rate  some  must 
aid  us,  as  the  lines  take  so  many  of  our  best  and  pick'd  men. 
There  have  been  more  than  three  Hundred  Rank  and  File  there 
for  two  months  past. 

I  am  astonish'd  at  General  Scott's  Conduct,  nor  can  I  conceive 
on  what  Ground  he  could  oppose  a  measure,  which  had  a  fixed 
and  determined  Object.  But  I  hope  the  Business  will  go  on  not- 
withstanding his  opposition. 

Captain  Gilbert  Deane  is  in  the  Plan  I  mentioned  to  you  some 
Time  ago  for  obtaining  Intelligence.  Mention  his  Name  also  to 
the  attorney  General. 

I  always  imagined  this  Country  was  in  a  bad  state.    But  since 

*See  page  642. 


666  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

I  plann'd  this  Business,  I  find  it  infinitely  more  than  I  conceived. 
The  twentieth  man  in  it  is  not  a  real  Friend  to  the  Country. 

If  Serjeant  Williams  of  Robinson's  Regiment  should  be  appre- 
hended, for  God  sake  dont  let  the  villian  escape.  I  shall  send 
for  him  the  moment  I  am  advis'd  he  is  secured.  I  have  many 
things  to  say  to  you  of  the  Fruits  of  my  new  System,  which  I 
cannot  put  to  paper.  If  the  Enemy  is  not  routed  from  New  York, 
we  shall  ultimately  be  ruined,  if  he  carries  on  only  a  defensive 
war,  unless  we  quit  all  Trade  and  Navigation.  I  am  my,  Dear 

Sir,  in  Haste  Your  Humble  servant, 

Alex'r  McDougall.* 

P.  S.  I  beg  to  know,  whether  there  are  any  more  spears  which 
can  be  had  for  the  Redoubts?  If  so,  where  I  can  have  them? 
Since  I  began  this,  advice  is  brought  me  from  the  Lines  of  Gen- 
eral Clinton's  non  appearance  in  New  York.  He  is  gone  on 
Long  Island.  Was  the  Flag  sloop  detained  from  this  state,  in 
New  York  returned? 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  2171.] 
McDougall  Apprehensive  for  the  Highland  Forts. 

fHead  Quarters  Peekskill  May  25th  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  By  late  intelligence  received'  by  the  Commander  in 
chief  and  myself  from  New  York,  I  have  reason  to  conclude  that 
the  Enemy  have  in  contemplation  some  secret  Expedition;  and 
there  is  great  reason  to  suppose  his  Design  is  against  these 
Posts.  The  Commander  in  chief  is  so  perswaded  of  it,  that  he 
has  ordered  me  to  call  in  all  the  out  Posts.  If  an  attack  should 
be  made  on  West  Point  I  am  afraid,  in  spight  of  all  my  Exer- 


*For  Governor  Clinton's  reply  see  page  671. 

tThis   document  was   wrongly   placed   by   the   original   editor  of  the   MSS.    It   should 
follow  Document  No.  2316. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  667 

tions  since  I  have  been  at  this  Post,  that  a  sufficient  Quantity 
of  Provissions  has  not  been  got  in.  I  must  therefore  intreat  your 
assistance  to  the  Deputy  Quarter  Master  General,  with  respect 
to  his  collecting,  in  the  Country,  the  Teams  necessary  for  the 
transporting  Provission  to  that  Post;  and  the  carrying  cff  the 
superfluous  Stores  should  the  Enemy  come  up  in  great  Force. 
I  make  no  doubt  you  will  excuse  this  application  as  upon  such 
an  Event  the  utmost  Exertions  are  necessary.  I  am  with  much 

Esteem  D'r  sir  Your  obedient  servant 

Alex'r  McDougall. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


.    [No.  2172.] 

In  Relation  to  a  Pass. 

25th  March  1779. 

I  have  no  objection,  to  any  persons  ^oing  to  New  York,  you 
may  think  proper  to  permit.  B.  Genl.  Huntington  applies  to  me, 
for  leave  for  Stephen  Curry  wife  to  go  in  to  see  her  relation, 
in  order  I  beleive,  to  get  some  thing  from  them.  If  you  give  her 

a  permit,  I  will  let  her  pass. 

Alex'r  McDougall. 

His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton,  Poughkeepsie. 

Colonel  Hay  will  please  to  forward  this  by  a  safe  opportunity. 

R.  S.  McDougall,  A.  D.  Camp. 


[No.  2173.] 

Governor  Clinton  Adopts  Plans  to  Protect  the  Frontier. 
*Sir,    In  consequence  of  your  Letter  of  yesterday  just  now  re- 
ceived I  have  issued  a  General  Impress  warrant  to  enable  the 

"This   document   was   wrongly   placed   by   the.  original   editor  of  the   MSS.    It   should 
follow  Document  No.  2318. 


668  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Qu'r  Mr.  Genl.  to  convey  to  the  different  Posts  sufficient  supplies 
of  Provision,  and  you  may  rely  upon  every  other  Exertion  in 
my  Power  to  forward  this  Business.  This  is  the  third  General 
Impress  warr't  I  have  granted  for  this  service  and  it  is  to  be 
lamented  that  upon  every  fresh  alarm  the  same  want  of  Pro- 
visions still  remains. 

I  inclose  you  an  Extract  of  a  Letter  from  Colo.  Pawling  with 
some  intelligence  from  the  westward  which  as  it  seems  to  cor- 
respond with  other  Keports  and  also  with  the  accounts  contained 
in  your  Letter  may  be  true.  I  have  therefore  ordered  the  Regi- 
ments of  Colo.  Cantine  &  Colo.  Snyder  of  Ulster  and  Genl.  Ten 
Broeck's  Brigade  of  Albany  County  in  Case  of  an  alarm  to  march 
to  and  cover  the  Frontier,  the  Rest  of  'the  Militia  to  strengthen 
the  Posts  under  your  Command.  I  am  &c. 
May  26  1779.  [G.  C.] 

[To  Gen.  McDougall.] 


[No.  2174.] 
Jonathan  G.  Tompkins  Accepts  as  an  Assistant  Commissary. 

Paulings  Precinct  March  25th  1779. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency,  I  have  now  the  pleasure  to  in- 
form you  that  I  have  happily  succeeded  in  engaging  Mr.  Tomp- 
kins as  Henry  Schenck's  Successor  &  he  has  agreed  to  go  to 
Poughkeepsie  next  Monday,  I  shall  also  desire  Maj'r  Strang 
to  go  with  him,  to  meet  Messrs.  Smith  &  Reed  &  Settle  their 
respective  districts.  I  shall  desire  them  to  apply  to  your  Excel- 
lency, in  case  they  disagree,  to  fix  their  Limits  for  them.  I  have 
the  honor  to  be  your  Excellency's  most  obed't  very  humble 

Serv't 

Jas.  Lockwood, 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  G69 

[No.  2175.] 
JELLES  FONDA  OFFERS  .SUGGESTIONS. 

Necessity  of  Forming  the  Militia  on  New  Lines — Tryon  County  in  a 
State  of  Uncertainty. 

Caughnawaga  26  March  1779. 

Hon'ble  Sir,  I  have  Just  received  your  Esteemed  favor  of  the 
15th  lust,  and  notes  the  Contents.  The  map  you  mention  does 
not  fully  Comprehend  a  draft  of  Tryon  County,  but  the  map  you 
mean,  I  believe  Doct'r  Stephen  McCrea  Purchased  at  Vandue  and 
I  think  Contains,  what  you  Immagined  in  mine.  I  have  wrote  to 
Mr.  John  Taylor  of  Albany  to  go  and  view  Mr.  McCrea's  map, 
and  if  it  answers  your  directions  to  purchase  it  for  you;  but 
should  he  not  Succeed,  you  may  have  mine  if  you  think  proper. 

I  hope  that  there  is  a  Return  sent  to  you  of  all  the  militia  Regi- 
ments before  now,  and  am  glad  to  here  that  this  County  is  to  be 
put  in  a  posture  of  defence,  which  God  knows  is  much  wanted, 
and  I  think  is  in  great  Danger  from  our  Inveterate  Enemys,  from 
the  Northward,  Westerd,  and  iSoutherd,  and  here  living  the 
utmost  frontiers  of  the  State.  Our  people  here  are  much  affraid, 
occationed  by  the  Barbaritys  Committed  last  summer  in  this 
County  by  the  Indians  and  Torys;  and  now,  Numbers  of  Family s 
are  prepareing  to  move  downward,  which  may  be  prevented  by 
our  geting  a  Reinforcement  of  men  sent  to  us  soon.  I  could  wish 
that  there  were  orders  sent  up  to  this  County  for  to  have  at  least 
500  able  bodyd  men  of  the  militia  to  be  always  in  Readyness  at  a 
moments  warning  with  Eight  Days  Provisions  &c.,  that  when  the 
Enemy  would  Invade  any  part  of  our  County,  that  those  men 
were  ready  to  follow  them,  but  not  to  have  things  carried  on  as 
formerly  has  been,  to  have  the  militia  to  get  together  when  the 
Enemy  was  amongst  us,  murdering,  burning,  and  Plundering,  and 


670  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

before  they  got  to  the  place  wanted,  the  Enemy  was  gon  out  of 
reach  with  their  Booty;  we  have  upwards  of  300  Disafected 
familys  back  of  us,  mostly  tenants  of  Sir  John  Johnson  &  Colo. 
Buttler's,  where  the  Enemy  frequently  comes  to  from  Canada  and 
other  places.  Our  Mohawk  Indians  that  left  us,  are  now  with 
them  and  are  now  our  worst  Enemys,  and  am  much  ajffraid  will 
bring  party s  through  that  way  to  distroy  and  plunder  us.  There 
has  been  3  of  them  home  a  few  days  ago,  and  have  taken  Eight 
of  the  Disafected  People  with  them  to  Canada;  if  there  was  a 
Scouting  party  ordered  to  Sacondaga  of  about  50  men,  it  would 
Cut  off  the  Communication  between  the  Enemy  and  those  Dis- 
affected familys  and  be  a  great  safe  guard  to  us.  I  have  wrote 
to  General  Clinton,  Concerning  having  a  Blockhouse  built  at 
Sacondaga,  and  a  Scouting  party  kept  there  Constantly  but  as 
yet  have  not  Eeceived  his  answer.  I  have  no  Indian  Curiosities 
at  present,  as  the  upper  Nation  Indians  dos  not  come  this  way 
as  usual ;  all  I  had  I  have  disposed  of,  if  you  Inform  me  what  kind 
you  want,  I  may  perhaps  get  some  made  for  you.  I  am  with 

Respect,  Sir,  your  most  Obdt.  Humble  Serv't 

Jelles  Fonda. 
His  Exellency  Georg  Clinton,  Esqr. 


[No.  2176.] 
Ruinous  Prices  for  the  Necessaries  of  Life. 

Amenia  March  27th  1779. 

Sir,  I  Recvd.  your  Favour  of  the  24th  Instant,  Requesting  me 
to  advise  your  Excellency  by  Express  what  are  the  General 
Price  given  in  Connecticut  for  Produce,  in  answer  to  which,  one 
of  my  Neighbours  has  this  Moment  Returnd  from  Hartford,  also 
a  Gentleman  who  lives  at  Hartford  has  been  with  me  a  few  Hours 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  671 

ago,  from  whom  I  can  learn  that  Wheat  has  Sold  from  20  to  25 
Dolls,  p  Bus'l,  in  Sharon;  and  Salisbury  from  12  to  15  Dolls, 
mostly  the  Latter,  Doct'r  Shepherd  of  Sharon  has  been  with  me 
this  Day  and  Says  he  has  been  Offerd  16  Dolls,  p  Bus'l  for  20 
Bus'ls  this  morning;  at  Boston  flour  has  Rais'd  to  100  Dolls, 
p  C  wt.  I  am  Told  by  a  Purchasing  Com'sy  Near  Litchfield,  that 
for  some  time  he  had  Bo't  Beef  at  40  Dolls,  p  Hund.  but  that  he 
must  Eaise  to  50  for  the  Future,  which  is  as  Nearly  a  true  State 
of  the  Prices  as  I  am  able  to  Collect  at  Present.  I  am  S'r  your 

Humb.  Serv't 

James  Reed,  A.  C.  P. 

Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  2177.] 
PREPARING  TO  PROTECT  THE  FRONTIERS. 

Governor   Clinton  Directs   General  McDougall   to   Call    Upon  the 
Militia  if  Necessary — Opposes  Trusting  Women  with  Passes. 

Poukeepsie  27th  March  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  I  was  favoured  with  yours  of  the  24th*  late  last 
Evening.  Your  Informant  was  misstaken  with  respect  to  my 
Dislike  of  long  Letters;  you  may  be  assured  I  shall  never  be  dis- 
pleased at  the  Lenghth  of  yours,  provided  I  may  be  permitted  to 
give  Concise  Answers  &  this  will  not  be  an  unreasonable  In- 
dulgence when  it  is  considered  that  I  have  seldom  any  News  to 
communicate  &  you  are  in  the  way  of  obtaining  the  earliest  & 
most  important  Intelligence  which  I  shall  always  be  much 
obliged  to  you  for. . 

I  perfectly  agree  with  you  as  to  the  Designs  of  the  Enemy  being 
ag't  New  London,  but  that  this  ought  not  however  to  divert  us 
from  a  proper  Attention  to  the  safety  of  the  Posts  in  the  High- 

*See  page  664. 


672  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

lands.  I  now  inclose  you  the  Order  aluded  to  on  my  last,  which  I 
thought  had  been  transmitted  to  you  before,  with  an  Order  of  the 
18th  Insitant  giving  the  Militia  your  new  Signal  of  Alarm  &  for 
inforcing  my  former  Order;  from  these  you  will  fully  learn  the 
Disposition  made  of  the  Militia  of  the  State  who  are  so  situated 
as  to  be  able  on  a  sudden  Emergency  to  assist  you  &  I  trust  you 
will  approve  of  it. 

I  am  now  making  the  necessary  Preparations  for  drafting  the 
Militia  to  fill  up  our  five  Continental  Battallions  &  raise  a  small 
Body  of  men  for  the  Defence  of  our  Northern  &  Western  Frontiers 
agreable  to  a  Law  passed  at  the  late  meeting  of  the  Legislature. 
'Till  this  Business  is  compleated  it  will  be  extreamly  inconvenient 
if  not  impracticable  to  draw  out  any  Part  of  the  Militia  for  any 
other  Service  unless  from  the  lower  End  of  Orange  &  West  Ches- 
ter County  which  will  be  exempted  from  the  proposed  Draft  as 
well  in  Consideration  of  the  Aid  which  you  may  require  of  them 
being  in  your  Vicinity  as  of  their  exposed  Situation.  These  being 
by  my  late  Orders  placed  under  your  immediate  Direction  you  can 
call  for  or  such  Proportion  of  them  as  the  Service  &  Safety  of 
the  Country  may  require.  I  am  perswaded  you  will  make  the 
Duty  as  easy  to  them  as  possible. 

WThen  I  have  the  Pleasure  of  seeing  you  I  will  explain  the  Eea- 
sons  of  Genl.  Scott's  Conduct  on  a  late  Occassion.  In  the  mean 
Time  I  think  it  necessary  to  inform  you  that  I  did  not  think  proper 
to  acquaint  either  House  with  the  Object  you  had  in  View,  lest 
it  should  get  abroad  &  mar  the  Business. 

I  will  mention  Capt.  Deane  to  the  Atty.  Genl.  in  a  manner  that 
will  render  him  safe.  I  have  not  been  able  to  obtain  the  least 
Intelligence  of  Williams  since  Jaycock  was  taken.  I  am  informed 
his  Parents  live  about  6  Miles  from  Albany  &  I  have  wrote  to  the 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  673 

Com'rs  at  that  Place  respecting  him.  If  there  are  any  more 
Spears  belonging  to  the  State  they  may  be  had  by  applying  to 
Colo..  Lasher  at  Wallkill.  There  has  been  no  Flagg  Sloop  de- 
tained by  the  Enemy  that  I  know  of,  except  one  which  went  down 
last  Fall,  was  a  year  under  the  Direction  of  one  Brooks  who 
joined  the  Enemy  as  they  say,  &  I  believe  to  be  true.  The  Sloop 
however  as  it  was  not  his  Property  ought  to  have  been  returned. 

I  woud  not  be  understood  from  what  I  have  said  that  if  there 
is  an  absolute  Necessity  for  Militia,  they  cannot  be  had;  in  such 
Case  they  must  be  drawn  out  however  inconvenient.* 

I  cannot  think  of  permitting  Mrs.  Currey  or  any  other  Person 
to  go  into  New  York  &  Eeturn  but  on  the  most  urgent  Occassion, 
as  if  I  yield  to  one  Application  it  brings  on  a  hundred  others  & 
gives  me  infinite  Trouble,  besides  it  is  at  best  a  Dangerous  Prac- 
tice. The  Women  who  sollicit  to  go  down  to  continue  there,  will 
wait  on  you  one  of  these  Days;  it  will  be  best  to  change  the 
drivers  who  may  go  down  with  them  &  put  trusty  Hands  in  their 

room.    I  am  with  great  Eegard  Yours  Sincerely, 

Geo.  Clinton. 
[To  Gen.  McDougall.] 


[No.  6419.]* 

Governor  Clinton  Promises  to  Add  a  Few  Curiosities  to  du  Simitiere's 

Collection. 

Poukeepsie  27th  March  1779. 

Sir,  I  have  to  thank  you  for  your  obliging  Favours  of  the  2d 
Feb'y  &  2d  Instant  &  for  the  Magazines  &  Pamphlets  which 
accompanied  them.  Ousted  of  our  Metropolis  &  cut  off  as  we 
are  of  all  Intercourse  with  Foreign  States,  we  are  intirely  be- 
holden to  our  Neighbours  for  Litterary  Productions  &  News, 

»From  Volume  XXIV  of  the  Clinton  MSS. 

43 


674  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

except  such  as  are  merely  domestic;  under  these  Circumstances 
I  feel  myself  particularly  oblidged  to  you  for  your  early  & 
Friendly  Communications  &  I  shall  be  happy  when  it  is  in  my 
Power  to  make  suitable  Return. 

I  am  not  without  hopes  of  being  soon  able  to  present  you  with 
a  few  Curriosities  worthy  of  a  Place  in  your  Collection,  as  my 
Friends  in  Tryon  County  have  promised  to  procure  me  some  of 
those,  which  belonged  to  the  late  Sir  William  Johnson,  which  tho' 
well  worth  preserving  are  wantonly  scattered  abroad,  many  of 
them  losst,  &  others  in  the  Hands  of  Clowns  who  know  not  their 
Value.  I  am  perswaded  you  will  esteem  this  a  Sin  not  far  short 
of  Sacralege  &  that  too  much  Pains  cant  be  taken  to  correct  it.  I 
had  formerly  collected  a  few  Articles,  which  I  esteemed  as  valu- 
able as  the  Rust  of  American  Antiquity  could  make  them,  which 
I  promised  myself  the  Pleasure  of  transmitting  you,  but  on  the 
unfortunate  Loss  of  the  Posts  in  the  Highlands  these  were  sent 
with  my  Books  Papers  &  other  Personal  Property  to  Kingston  & 
with  them  shared  in  the  General  Conflagration  of  that  Place. 

I  am  much  pleased  with  the  Addition  you  have  made  to  your 
Paintings.  The  Profile  of  our  American  Hero  wTill  be  in  future 
Ages  esteemed  an  inestimable  Jewel.  I  am,  Sir,  with  great 

Regard  Your  most  Obed't  Serv't 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Mr.  Du  Simitiere.] 


[No.  2178.] 

List  of  Cherry  Valley  Sufferers. 

A  List  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Cherry  Valley  the  number  in 
family  and  number  in  Each  family  that  is  not  able  to  Support 
them  Selves  viz. 

Taken  by  James  Scott  &  James  Rickey  Mar.  27th  1779. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


675 


- 

Numb-  r  in 
Kami  y 

Not  able  to 
Support 
them  oelvrs 

Jeramiah  Bakon 

n 

4 

Nathaniel  Hainel 

4 

1 

Will'm  Dickson 

9 

3 

Wil  iam  Gait 

9 

7 

James  Scott 

6 

5 

James  Willson 

S 

6 

Will'm  Thompson 

18 

9 

Wirtdow  Rebeckab  Thompson     . 

ii 

8 

Will'm  McOonnal 

8 

2 

James  Moor  4  prisnors* 
CoL  Sam.  Campbell  6  prisn's 

7 

a 

i 

Rev'd  Wm  Johnston 

9 

4 

James  C  mpbell 

8 

6 

Th'im  18  Ramsey 

i 

1 

Will'm  McClelon  8  prisoners 

e 

a 

Jonathan  Ogdon 

8 

4 

James  ylara 

4 

2 

John  McCollom 

1 

1 

Alex'r  McCollom 

1' 

*      6 

Daniel  McColJom 

7 

4 

Wm.  Hal 

1 

1 

Widow  Willson 

1 

1 

Col.  Sam  Clyde 

Id 

5 

Widow  Henderson 

a 

1 

Rev'a  Sam.  Dunlope 

2 

1 

[No.  2179.] 
Commissary  Leek  Makes  a  Requisition  for  More  Flour. 

Bedford,  30th  March  1779. 

Dear  S'r,  The  permit  your  Excellency  gave  me  for  transporting 
One  Hundred  Barrels  Flour  to  Northwalk  and  Horseneck  for  the 
JJse  of  the  Troop  there,  Is  out  and  the  Troops  at  those  Posts 
have  no  Other  Eesourse  for  Bread  at  Present. 

I  have,  therefore,  to  Beg  your  Excellency  would  Grant  a  Per- 
mit for  the  other  Hundred  Barrels  and  I  Belive  that  will  be  as 
Much  as  I  Can  Procure,  Exclusive  of  What  I  must  Send  on  to 
the  Lines  in  this  County,  as  many  of  our  Principal  Farmers  Seem 
Determined  not  to  Sell  their  Last  Crops  untill  they  are  Compell'd 
to  By  Law. 

Your  Compliance  will  Oblige  the  Publick  and  Your  Excel- 
lencies Very  Humble  Servant, 


Governor  Clinton. 


Philip  Leek,  A.  C.  P. 


676  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  2180.] 

Commissary  Leek  Requests  Egbert  Benson  to  Intercede  in  His  Behalf 
with  Governor  Clinton. 

Bedford  30th  March  1T79. 

S'r,  I  am  directed  by  Colo.  Colt  D.  C.  G.  of  Purchases  -to 
Supply  the  Troops  at  Horseneck  and  North-walk  with  Flour  and 
I  have  had  a  Permit  to  Carry  one  Hundred  Barrels  out  of  this 
State  and  Have  Compleated  the  Same,  I  have,  Therefore,  to  Beg 
the  Favour  that  you  and  one  other  Gentleman  of  the  Assembly 
(Whom  I  Wish  you  to  Name  to  the  Bierer)  Will  Bequest  his 
Excellency  to  Grant  me  a  Permit  for  one  Hundred  Barrels  to 
Be  Transported  to  the  Places  affore  Mention'd  as  they  Cannot 
Procure  Flour  from  any  other  Quarter. 

Your  Compliance  Will  Greatly  oblige  your  Humble  Servant 

Philip  Leek,  A.  C.  P. 
Egbert  Benson,  Esqr. 


[No.  2181.] 
Drafts  to  6c  Made  from  the  Militia. 

Poukeepsie  30th  March  1779. 

Sir,  The  Legislature  were  adjourned  (to  the  1st  Tuesday  in  June 
next)  some  Days  before  I  had  the  Honor  of  receiving  your  Excel- 
lency's Letter  of  the  12th  covering  the  Act  of  Congress  of  the 
10th  Instant  for  recruiting  the  Army.  I  am  happy,  however,  in 
being  able  to  inform  your  Excellency  that  the  Legislature  im- 
pressed with  the  Necessity  of  compleating  the  Battallions  raised 
under  the  Direction  of  this  State  had  at  their  late  meeting  in 
some  Measure  anticipated  the  Intentions  of  Congress  by  directing 
Drafts  to  be  made  from  the  Militia  for  this  Purpose  to  continue 
in  Service  till  the  1st  of  Jan'y  next.  The  most  vigorous  Exer- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  677 

lions  will  be  made  to  carry  the  Intentions  of  the  Legislature  into 

speedy  &  effectual  Execution.     I  am  Sir  &c. 

[G.  0.] 

Since  writing  the  above  I  am  honored  with  your  Excellency's 
Letter  of  the  22d  Instant  inclosing  the  Proclamation  of  Congress 
of  the  20th  Inst.  recommend'g  to  the  several  States  to  appoint 
the  first  Tuesday  in  May  next  to  be  a  Day  of  Humiliation  Fast'g 
&  Prayer. 
[To  John  Jay  Esq.] 


[No.  2182.] 

Governor  Clinton  Authorized  to  Procure  an  Immediate  Supply  of 

Flour. 

At  a  Meeting  of  his  Excellency  the  Governor  and  several  Mem- 
bers of  the  Legislature  at  Poughkeepsie  on  the  31st  Day  of  March 
1778  pursuant  to  "  an  Act  for  procuring  an  immediate  Supply  of 

Flour  for  the  Army." 

Present. 

His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton 

John  Morin  Scott  Zephaniah  Platt 

Esqrs.  Members  of  Senate 

Dirck  Eirinckerhoff  Samuel  Dodge 

Jacobus  Swartwout  Egbert  Benson 

Robert  Van  Eenselaer  William  Boerom 

Esqrs.  Members  of  Assembly. 

His  Excellency  the  Governor  opened  to  the  Gentlemen  present 
the  occasion  of  the  present  meeting  and  produced  to  them  such 
Evidence  as  induced  them  to  be  and  they  are  accordingly  unani- 
mously of  Opinion  that  an  Emergency  does  now  exist  which  ren- 
ders it  necessary  that  the  aforementioned  act  be  carried  into 


678  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

immediate  execution.  His  said  Excellency  by  and  with  the  ad- 
vice and  Consent  of  the  said  members  having  estimated  the  Prices 
of  Flour,  meal,  and  wheat  to  be  taken  for  public  use  by  virtue 
of  the  said  Act  as  near  as  may  be  at  the  average  of  the  Prices 
in  the  States  of  New  Jersey  &  Connecticut  does  hereby,  by  and 
with  such  advice  and  Consent  as  aforesaid,  ascertain  and  deter- 
mine the  same  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  the  said  Act  into 
Execution  at  the  following  Bates  vizt. 

Good  Flour  and  well  bolted  meal  respectively  at  sixteen 
Pounds  per  hundred  weight;  and  wheat  at  sixteen  Dollars  per 
bushel.  In  Testimony  whereof  as  well  his  said  Excellency  the 
Governor  as  the  said  members  have  hereunto  subscribed  their 
names  the  Day  &  year  above  written. 

Geo:  Clinton,  Jno:  Morin  Scott,  Zepha.  Platt,  Dirck  Brincker- 
hoff,  Jacob's  Swartwout,  Bobt.  V'n  Bensselaer,  Saml.  Dodge, 
William  Boerum,  Egb't  Benson. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON, 


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'PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  681 

[No.  2185.] 
Petition  of  Andrew  Layton  and  Others  for  Pardon,* 


[No.  2186.] 

Dragoons  and  Citizens  Quarrel  Over  Flour. 
(Copy)  Armenia  1  April  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  Capt'n  Macklef  this  morning  informs  me  a  part  of 
his  Dragoons  are  taken  and  put  under  Guard  at  Sheron  for  tak- 
ing some  wheat  &  bringing  it  back,  after  it  had  Crost  the  Line 
into  Sharon  in  Connecticut,  which  mistep  has  caused  a  very  great 
Fire  to  be  kindled  between  the  two  states,  altho'  I  beleive  the 
Dragoons  are  not  so  much  to  blame  as  the  Inhabitants.  But  I 
cannot  conceive  they  will  be  of  any  great  service  for  the  future 
unless  a  greater  number  as.  the  People  in  Salsbury  have  come 
over  in  mobs  to  our  state  of  30  or  40  men  under  arms  &  Carry 
O'ut  whatever  they  please,  notwithstanding  the  Guards.  Unless 
you  or  our  Governor  will  take  up  the  matter  &  Quell  those 
Tumults  I  fear  there  will  be  Blood  shed.  Capt'n  Mackle  begs 
your  advice  in  the  affair.  I  am  D'r  S'r  Your  Hum.  Ser. 

James  Reed,  A.  D.  P. 
Copy. 

General  McDougall. 


[No.  2187.] 

Captain  Merely  Reports  to  General  McDougall  that  'His  Men  Are 
Gaoled  for  Stopping  Flour. 

Oblong  1  April  1779. 

General,    I  have  this  moment  receiv'd  news  that  One  of  my 
Guards  is  taken  prisoners  that  was  Stationed  at  Mr.  Johnson's, 

*  Omitted. 
tSee  page  687. 


682  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CL-INTON. 

one  mile  &  an  half  from  Sharron,  One  serjt.  One  Corporal  &  four 
Privates,  &  those  six  men  are  to  be  carried  to  Litchfield  Goal, 
and  its  reported  that  they  intend  to  have  me  there  too  if  they 
can.  get  me,  because  all  the  Connecticut  people  are  against  those 
Orders  for  to  stop  Flour  or  Grain;  they  will  not  beleive  that  you 
have  any  right  to  give  such  orders;  they  will  not  be  bound  to 
the  military  Law  or  Orders.  Likewise  I  am  imformed  of  Esqr. 
Lawrence,  that  one  major  Stodder,  is  to  raise  One  hundred  men 
&  to  kill  every  one  that  has  Orders  to  stop  Flour. 

But  these  six  men  what  are  taken  Prisoners  now  is  done  by 
Esqr.  Canfield  in  Sheron  but  to  do  with  them  I  don't  know. 

I  have  informed  Commissary  Reed  of  it — what  has  happened; 
he  will  give  more  particulars  of  it.  I  am  very  sorry  to  trouble 
you  in  that  Case  but  I  am  obliged  to  it  because  my  men  is  in 
riske  to. lose  their  Lives  if  no  other  method  is  taken,  they  Trans- 
port Flour  thro'  the  Guards  by  force  of  their  arms. 

Here  inclossed  two  Permits  according  to  your  Orders.    I  am 
Your  most  Obedient  and  humble  servant 
Copy.  Charles  Merely,  Capt'n. 

N.  B.    You  will  excuse  111  spelling.     I  am  in  great  hurry  to 
send  the  Express  to  your  Honour. 
Alex.  McDougall,  Major  General.* 


[No.  2188.] f 

Relating  to  the  sale  of  goods  belonging  to  Samuel  Hake,  con- 
fiscated under  an  act  of  the  Legislature,  and  sold  in  detail  by 
Peter  Tappen  and  John  Ferris,  at  Poughkeepsie  May  12,  1779, 
under  authority  of  the  Legislature. 

*See  pages  681  and  687. 
tOmittefl, 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  683 

[No.  2189.] 

List  of  Sufferers  on  the  Ulster  Frontier  Entitled  to  Bounty. 

-  Peenpeck  1st  April  1779. 

Hon'd  Sir,  The  30th  Ult.  I  received  yours  of  the  26th  of  the 
same  of  the  Donation  intended  to  those  your  Letter  Describes. 
Having  endeavoured  to  inform  myself  of  the  unfortunates,  which 
comes  under  that  Denomination,  from  the  Strictest  Scrutiny  of 
Circumstances  I  find  the  following  comes  under  that  Description; 
Viz 

John  Wallace — in  family  4.  These    persons    are    wholly 

Jonathan  Pass — in  family  6.  and    severally   Distress't   by 

Mathew  Trewilliger — in  fam'y.          the    enemy — and  wholy  un- 
Petrus  Gumaer — in  family  5.  able  to  get  their  livelyhood 

Abraham  Venauker — in  family  9.    and  must    be    Supported  by 
Abel  Sprege — in  family  8.  Some    way — for    which    I'm 

Widow  Barber — in  family  6.  happy  to  find  this  offered. 

Caleb  Chase — in  family  6. 
Bezaleel  Tyler  Sen'r — in  family  5. 
Jossiah  Parks — in  family  6. 
Sarah  Cuddeback — in  family  5. 
John  Williams — in  family  3. 
Rebeca  Groom — in  family  3. 

Sir,  Agreeable  to  your  request  I  have  the  Good  Intentions 
of  Jacob  Rutsen  Dewitt  to  serve  his  Disstress't  neighbours  by 
Distributing  such  Charitable  Donations  as  may  be  appointed  for 
this  Settlement. 

I  must  for  the  further  good  of  these  unhappy  Sufferers  beg 
the  favour  of  you  to  Lay  out  such  monies  so  appointed  in  Bread 
Grain  in  your  parts — As  it's  not  to  be  gotten  in  our  Quarter; 
For  such  has  been  the  Destruction  in  our  Setlement  that  many 


684  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

of  us  (not  herin  retturn'd)  will  find  it  very  hard  to  make  out  till 
harvest. 

As  it  is  not  to  be  gotten  from  those  arround  us  that  has  not 
been  Destroyed — such  Source  being  Supply  to  the  troops  in  this 
Quarter,  I  would  beg  the  Acceptance  of  my  hearty  thanks  (oppor- 
tunly)  to  the  Hon'd  Legeslature  for  the  Condesending  Conde- 
sederation  of  the  unfortunate  and  am  Hon'd  Sir,  Your  most 

Obeid't  &  very  Hum'e  Sevt. 

Ben j 'in  Depuy. 

P.  S.  By  authentic  intelegence  from  Sisquenna  we  have  the 
following:  The  enemy  attack't  the  Inhabitants,  who  fled  to  the 
Fort  took  one  man  prisoner,  137  head  of  Cattle  &  70  Horses. 
Colo.  Butler  Sallied  out  of  the  Fort  with  a  party  at  which  the 
enemy  made  off.  We  hourly  expect  further  particulars  from  that 
Quarter. 
To  Levi  Pauling  Colo.,  Marbletown. 


A  list  of  such  persons  who  have  been  Distressed  by  The  Incur- 
sions of  the  Enemy,  now  liveing  in  Rochester. 

Children 

Catharine  Graham  5     1    Husbands  all  Kill'd 

Helena  Tack  4         Very  poor  and  nothing  to  Sup- 

Margeret  Miller  2     j    port  themselves  &  Children. 

Maria  Baker  3        her  husband  Taken  prisoner  In 

the  same  Condition  as  above. 

The  Widdow  Cole  Lost    all     she    had    Excepting 

her  land. 

John  Mullen 

Lost  their  Crops  and  Very  poor. 
Cornelius  Chambers  j 

•1  Hoornbeek's  house  &  bam  burnt 
Eliza  Hoornbeek 

!  Clarwater's  barn  burnt,  and 
Abraham  Clarwater 

j    their  Crops  Lost. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  685 

I  Recommend  Capt.  Benjaman  Kortreght  and  Andries  A.  De 

^. 

Witt  as  persons  willing  to  Distribute  the  money  &c. 

Levi  Pawling. 


[No.  2190.] 

Francis  Lewis  Reports  the  Loss  of  British  Transports  at  Egg  Harbor 
and  Fisher's  Island. 

Phil'a  3d  April  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  I  have  been  favoured  with  your  letter  of  the  22d 
uUimo,  with  the  Inclosed  Newspapers  for  which  I  return  you  my 
thanks. 

On  the  1st  Instant  Congress  Resolved  that  the  1000  Men 
draughted  out  of  the  Militia  of  our  state  for  the  defence  of  the 
frontiers,  should  be  on  Continental  pay  &  rations. 

By  the  last  storm  a  Transport  ship  was  drove  on  shore  near 
Egg  Harbour  with  about  200  British  Troops,  from  Hallifax  for 
N'w  York  of  which  only  44  saved  their  lives  &  are  now  prisionera 
in  this  City. 

By  advices  from  New  York  we  are  informed,  that  the  enemy's 
troops  in  Georgia  are  very  Sickly,  &  through  the  same  Ghannell,. 
that  in  the  West  Indies  Genl.  Grant  has  been  beat  by  the  French, 
and  We  received  advice  yesterday  from  Head  Quarters,  that  14 
Sail  of  British  Transports  were  totally  lost  on  Fisher's  Island 
in  the  sound  by  the  late  Storm,  by  which  means  their  expedition 
(supposed)  against  New  London  is  rendered  abortive. 

The  Express  waiting  obliges  me  to  conclude  with  assuring  you 
that  I  am  with  profound  respect  Your  Obedient  Humble  Servant. 

Fra'  Lewis. 
His  Excellency  Geo.  Clinton  Esqr. 


686  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  2191.] 

Commissions  for  Commissary  Agents  Under  the  Act  of  the 
Legislature. 

By  his  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esquire  Governor  of  the  State  of  New  York  General 
and  Commander  in  Chief  of  all  the  militia  and  admiral  of  the  nary  of  the  same. 

To  Henry  Wyckoff  Esquire — Greeting: 

Whereas  by  an  Act  of  the  Legislature  of  the  §aid  State,  entitled  "  An  act  for  pro- 
curing an  immediate  supply  of  Flour  for  the  army,"  it  is  declared  that  it  shall  be 
lawful  for  the  Person  administring  the  Government  of  the  said  State  for  the  Time 
being  by  writing  under  his  Hand  from  Time  to  Time,  to  appoint  such  and  so  many 
diligent  honest  Inhabitants  of  the  said  State  to  procure  flour  for  the  Army  as  he  shall 
think  proper  and  from  Time  to  Time  in  his  discretion,  to  supercede  such  appoint- 
ments, and  that  the  said  Persons  so  to  be  appointed  shall  be  vested  with  all  the  Powers 
and  authorities  granted  by  one  other  act  of  the1  said  Legislature  entitled,  "An  Act 
more  effectually  to  provide  supplies  of  Flour  meal  and  wheat  for  the  Army  "  passed 
the  thirty  first  Day  of  October  last,  to  the  Commlss'y  Genl.  of  Purchases  his  Deputies 
or  Assiss'ts. 

And  whereas,  it  is  by  the  said  first  above  mentioned  act,  further  declared,  that  it 
shall  be  lawful  for  the  said  Persons  administring  the  Government  of  the  said  State 
for  the  Time  being,  by  and  with  the  advice  and  Consent  of  six  members  of  the  Legis- 
lature, whenever  he  shall  conceive  the  Emergency  to  require  it,  to  authorize  the  sev- 
eral Persons  whom  he  shall  so  from  Time  to  Time  appoint,  to  seize  all  or  any  Part 
of  the  Flour  meal  or  wheat  in  the  said  State  for  the  use  of  the  army,  with  such  fur- 
ther Powers,  and  under  such  Restrictions  and  Regulations  as  are  in  the  said  act  men- 
tioned; and  also  that  the  said  Person  administring  the  Government  of  the  said  Stale 
for  the  Time  being  by  and  with  such  advice  and  Consent  as  aforesaid  be  authorized 
to  ascertain  and  determine  the  Price  which  shall  be  given  for  the  Flour,  meal,  or 
wheat  so  to  be  taken  as  last  aforesaid,  to  be  estimated  as  near  as  may  be,  at  the 
average  of  the  Prices  in  the  States  of  New  Jersey  and  Connecticut. 

And  whereas,  his  said  Excellency  the  Governor  with  six  members  of  the  Legisla- 
ture on  the  31st  Day  of  March  last  by  writing  under  their  Respective  Hands,  did  declare 
it  as  their  Opinion  that  an  Emergency  exists,  which  renders  it  necessary  that  the 
said  last  mentioned  Act  should  be  carried  into  immediate  Execution;  and  his  said 
Excellency,  the  Governor,  by  and  with  the  Advice  and  Consent  of  the  said  Six  mem- 
bers of  the  Legislature,  did  thereupon  pursuant  to  the  Directions  of  the  said  last 
mentioned  act,  ascertain  &  determine  the  Prices  of  Flour,  meal  and  wheat  to  be  taken, 
by  virtue  of  the  said  last  mentioned  act,  as  near  as  may  be  at  the  average  of  the 
Prices  in  the  States  of  New  Jersey  and  Connecticut,  at  the  following  Rates  vizt.  "Good 
Flour  and  well  bolted  meal  respectively  at  Sixteen  Pounds  per  hundred  weight;  and 
wheat  at  Sixteen  Dollars  per  bushel:" 

Now,  therefore,  by  virtue  of  the  Power  and  authority  in  me  vested,  aa  aforesaid, 
reposing  Confidence  in  your  Diligence  and  Honesty,  I  do  by  these  Presents,  appoint 
you  the  said  Henry  Wykoff,  to  procure  Flour  within  this  State  for  the  Army,  with 
all  the  Powers  &  Authorities  granted  by  the  said  act,  entitled  "  an  act  more  effectu- 
ally to  provide  supplies  of  Flour  meal  &  wheat  for  the  Army  "  to  the  Com'y  Genl.  of 
Purchases,  his  Deputies,  or  Assis'ts,  and  by  Virtue  of  the  Power  and  authority  in  me 
vested,  as  aforesaid,  by  the  said  act,  entitled  "  an  act  for  procuring  an  Immediate  Sup- 
ply of  Flour  for  the  army,"  I  do  further  by  these  Presents  authorize  you,  the  said 
Henry  Wykoff,  besides  the  Flour,  Meal  &  Wheat  subject  to  seizure  by  the  said  act, 
entitled  "  An-Act  more  effectually  to  provide  Supplies  of  Flour  meal  &  wheat  for  the 
army  "  to  seize,  at  the  Prices  and  Rates  above  ascertained  and  determined,  all  other 
Flour  Meal  and  Wheat,  within  the  County  of  Dutchess  in  this  State,  for  the  use  of  the 
said  Army  beyond  what  shall  be  necessary  for  the  Subsistence  of  the  respective  Fami- 
lies of  the  Proprietors  thereof,  to  be  estimated  at  the  rate  particularly  mentioned  & 
expressed,  in  the  said  Act  for  procuring  an  immediate  Supply  of  Flour  for  the  army; 
and  the  same  to  deliver  to  the  Commissary  General  or  his  Deputies  or  Agents,  they 
paying  for  the  same  the  Prices  ascertained  &  determined  as  aforesaid,  together  with 
such  satisfaction  for  Services  and  incidental  Charges  as  by  the  said  last  mentioned  act 
is  directed;  governing  yourself  in  the  Execution  of  the  Powers  hereby  vested  in  you. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


687 


agreeable  to  the  Directions  of  the  said  two  acts  of  the  Legislature  respectively.  Given 
under  my  Hand  at  Poughkeepsie  In  the  County  ef  Dutchess  this  third  Day  of  Anrll 
1779. 

"  Dr.  of  Appointment  to  Henry  Wykoff  to  execute  the  Act  for  procuring  an  immediate 
supply  of  Flour  for  the  Army.  The  like  to  Eben'r  Purdy  of  Westchester,  Walter  Liv- 
ingston, Root.  Van  Rensselaer  for  Albany  County,  Jno.  Haring,  Orange  County,  Isaac 
Stoutenbergh  for  Albany  &  Ulster,  Dirck  Wynkoop,  Danl.  Graham  &  James  Hunter  for 
Ulster,  Benj.  Tusten,  for  Orange,  Henry  Oothout,  for  Albany,  Herman  Hoffman, 
Dutchess." 


[No.  2192.] 

Returns  of  Colonel  Tan  Bergen's  Regiment. 
Return  of  Colo.  Anthony  Van  Bergen's  Reg'mt  of  militia. 

Coxseghkie  3rd  April  1779. 


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The  Above  Return  is  the  pres't  State  of  my  Reg'mt,  Together 
with  the  former  Exempts  &  the  persons  between  the  ages  of  fifty 
&  fifty  five — Being  the  llth  Reg?mt  in  Genl.  Ten  Broeck's  Brigade. 

Anthony  Van  Bergen,  Collo. 


[No.  2193.] 
THE  ENEMIES  IN  THE  REAR. 

General  McDougaU  Calls  Attention  to  the  Trials  Imposed  Upon  Him 
for  Obeying  Orders  and  Enforcing  the  Laics. 

Head  Quarters  Pecks  Kill  April  3rd  1779. 
Sir, 

I  forgot  to  warn  you,  in  my  former  Letters,  to  take  Care 
of  yourself.  Be  assured,  you  are  one  of  those  Victims,  to  be  de- 
stroyed by  any  means.  To  prevent  the  abuses,  which  large  Per- 


688  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

mits  have  created;  and  to  enable  the  public,  to  judge  what  Pro- 
vision go  to  the  Eastward,  as  for  the  Continent,  I  have  been 
obliged  to  open,  a  Custom  House  Office.  The  Guards  may  be 
impos'd  on,  by  Permits  from  the  civil  authority,  if  they  serve  for 
more  than  one  Team.  The  Supplies  for  the  army  are  so  alarming, 
that  no  pains  should  be  left  unessayed,  to  defeat  the  arts  of  the 
Jobbers.  The  Consequence  to  this  State  will  be  very  awfull,  if 
the  Enemy  should  operate  in  it,  before  the  next  Crop  comes  in. 
It  is,  to  prevent  this,  I  have  taken  the  Liberty,  to  order  the 
Guards  to  stop  all  Grain  and  Flour,  which  have  not  printed  Per- 
mits of  the  Tenor  inclos'd.  These  I  have  sent  for  your  use.  The 
army  is  now  served  with  one  quarter  of  a  pound  of  flour  less,  than 
last  Campaign.  The  object  of  those  measures  I  am  persuaded,  re- 
quire no  apology  to  you. 

You  will  be  inform'd  by  the  Inclosures,  contained  in  the 
Letters,*  which  accompany  this,  the  means  practis'd  by  our  Neigh- 
bours, to  defeat  those  measures,  and  the  salutary  Laws  of  this 
State,  calculated  for  their  own  Security,  as  well  as  the  United 
States  in  general.  I  wish  you  to  write  to  Governor  Trumbull,  on 
this  Subject;  and  give  Mr.  Reed  and  the  Captain  of  Dragoons  all 
the  advice  and  assistance  you  can.  Please  to  seal  the  Letters  for 
the  other  Persons,  when  you  have  perused  them.  Divine  civil,  or 
military  Law,  is  not  in  this  Day  regarded.  God  only  knows,  what 
will  be  the  Consequence.  It  has  a  dangerous  and  baneful  aspect, 
for  the  Euin  of  America.  The  Enemy  and  the  Line,  of  our  own 
army,  takes  up  but  very  little  of  my  Time,  compared  with  what 
is  engross'd  by  internal  Enemies,  and  pretended  Whigs.  Indeed, 
Sir,  it  is  a  Task,  which  I  cannot  long  support,  unless  the  civil 
authority  and  Congress  will  do  their  own  Duty.  The  most 
virtuous  man  in  America,  cannot  expect  the  army  to  exist,  under 

*  See  page  681  et  seq. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  689 

present  Circumstances,  to  be  made  Scape  Goats  of,  to  bear  the 
Iniquities  of  the  Country,  to  support  them  in  Ease  and  Liberty, 
and  to  lay  a  foundation  for  Riches  and  opulence  for  America,  sub- 
ject at  the  same  Time,  to  the  civil  Prosecution  of  every  vile  Job- 
ber, who  is  seeking  his  own  Interest,  at  the  Expence  of  the 
public's,  cannot  much  longer1  be  born  to  support  even  those 
miscreants.  The  Confiscation  of  the  Flour,  &c.,  will  never  re- 
strain the  Wicked,  from  the  violation  of  Laws  so  important  in 
their  Nature.  A  soldier  receives  thirty  nine  Lashes,  for  absent- 
ing himself  without  Leave;  and  yet  a  Citizen,  not  better  born 
than  him  shall  pass  without  any  Corporal  punishment,  altho  he 
shall  do  his  utmost  to  starve  that  very  Soldier. 

Inclos'd  I  send  you  an  Extract  of  Intelligence  the  person  from 
whom  it  is  received  may  be  relied  on.  If  the  act  of  Parliament, 
alluded  to  is  pass'd,  they  may  raise  as  many  Catholicks  in 
Ireland,  as  Britain  can  support.  I  want  exceedingly  to  converse 
two  or  three  Hours  with  you,  and  Mr.  Benson,  on  Subjects  of 
great  moment  respecting  the  present  and  future  Security  of  this 
state.  But  I  find  it  next  to  impossible  to  leave  this.  Every 
moment  I  can  spare  from  my  quarters,  is  necessary  to  view  and 
direct  the  Works.  I  am,  Sir,  In  great  Haste  Your  humble  servant 

Alex'r  McDougall.* 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  2194.] 
THE  DEFENCE  OF  NEW  YORK'S  FRONTIER. 

President  Jay  Furnishes  Governor  Clinton  with  a  Copy  of  the  Act 

of  Congress. 

Philadelphia  4th  April  1779. 

Sir,  Herewith  enclosed  is  a  Copy  of  an  Act  of  Congress  of  the 
1st  Inst,  respecting  the  Body  of  men  ordered  by  the  State  of  New 
York  to  be  raised  for  the  Defence  of  their  Frontiers. 

*For  Governor  Clinton's  answer,  see  page  692. 

44 


690  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

I  have  the  Honor  to  be  with  great  Respect  and  Esteem  Your 

Excellency's  Most  Obedient  Serv't 

John  Jay  Presid't. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


Whereas  the  delegates  of  the  state  of  New- York  have  repre- 
sented to  Congress,  that  the  legislature  of  that  state  taking  into 
consideration  the  ravages  committed  by  the  Indians  last  fall,  and 
the  distresses  occasioned  thereby  to  a  great  number  of  families 
as  well  as  the  state  at  large;  and  that  the  said  legislature  con- 
sidering the  extreme  difficulty  and  expense  of  covering  an  exten- 
sive frontier  by  posts  against  future  incursions,  have  turned  their 
attention  to  a  western  expedition  against  the  Senecas,  &c.  as  the 
cheapest  and  more  eligible  mode  of  securing  the  frontiers,  and 
that  they  have  empowered  their  governor  to  raise  1000  men  by 
drafts  from  the  militia  for  the  defence  of  the  frontiers : 

Resolved,  That  Congress  do  approve  of  the  spirited  exertions 
df  the  said  legislature,  and  the  measures  by  them  adopted  to 
facilitate  such  enterprise:  that  the  militia  so  to  be  raised  shall  be 
allowed  continental  pay  and  rations  during  their  continuance  in 
the  said  service;  and  that  the  commander  in  cheif  be  immediately 
informed  of  the  said  levy,  and  be  directed  to  give  orders  for  their 
pay  and  subsistence  accordingly. 


[No.  2195.] 

Governor  Clinton's  Instructions   to   One  of  the  New  Commissary 

Commissioners. 

Poughkeepsie  April  5th  1779. 

Sir,  Relying  on  your  Zeal  &  Readiness  to  promote  the  public 
Service  I  take  the  Liberty  to  send  you  the  enclosed  appointment 
which  I  must  intreat  you  to  accept.  I  also  inclose  you  a  Copy  of 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  691 

the  last  Act  of  the  Legislature  referred  to  in  the  appointm't  the 
other  you'l  find  among  the  late  printed  Laws.  I  am  informed  con- 
siderable quantities  of  Flour  has  been  lately  purchased  up  at 
Verplanck's  &  other  mills  in  your  neighbourhood  for  the  Purpose 
of  Commerce.  It. is  absolutely  necessary  that  all  the  flour  & 
wheat  you  can  lay  your  hands  on,  should  be  immediately  seized 
for  the  use  of  the  army.  I  doubt  not  but  you  will  exert  yourself 
in  the  execution  of  this  Business.  I  am  with  great  Regard,  Your 

most  Obed't  Serv't, 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Major  Ebenezer  Purdy,  of  Westchester.]* 


[No.  2196.] 
His  Instructions  to  Walter  Livingston. 

Poukeepsie  6th  April  1779. 

Sir,  Relying  on  your  zeal  &  Readiness  to  promofe  the  public 
Service  I  take  the  Liberty  of  inclosing  you  an  Appointment  im- 
powering  you  to  seize  Wheat,  Flour  &  Meal  in  the  County  of 
Albany,  for  the  Use  of  the  Army,  with  a  Copy  of  the  Act  on  which 
the  Appointment  is  founded.  The  other  Act  referred  to,  you 
will  find  among  the  late  Printed  Laws  of  this  State.  You  will 
please  to  observ  i.  that  I  am  directed  by  the  inclosed  Act,  out  of 
the  Wheat,  Flour  &  Meal  to  be  procured  to  retain  for  the  Use 
of  the  Militia  &c.,  Eight  thousand  Bushells  of  Wheat,  or  a  pro- 
portional Quantity  of  Flour.  I  have,  therefore,  to  request  & 
pursuant  to  the  said  Act  do  hereby  direct  you  out  of  the  Quantity 
you  may  procure,  to  deposit  in  some  safe  Place  or  Places  in  the 
Manor  of  Livingston,  a  proportional  Quantity  of  Flour,  to  one 
thousand  Bushells  of  Wheat,  there  to  remain  untill  you  receive 

*See  page  692. 


692  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

my  further  Orders  respecting  the  same,  any  Thing  contained  in 
your  Appointment  herewith  transmitted  to  you  to  the  Contrary 

notwithstanding.     I  am  Sir  Your  Most  Obed't  Serv't 

G.  C. 
Walter  Livingston,  Esqr. 


[No.  2197.] 
REPUDIATES  A  GUARD. 

Governor  Clinton  Declares  it  Is  Inconvenient  to  Keep  One — What  Is 
Expected  of  the  Netc  Commissary  Commissioners. 

Poukeepsie  6th  Apl.  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  I  have  but  a  Moment  to  answer  yours*  of  the  3d 
Instant.  The  Letters  it  inclosed  I  immediately  sealed  and  for- 
warded by  your  Express.  I  am  surprized  to  hear  of  the  attempts  , 
made  by  the  People  of  Connecticut  to  violate  the  Laws  of  this 
State,  in  taking  Flour  out  of  it  by  armed  Force,  as  I  have  not 
been  informed  by  the  Civil  Magistrates  residing  near  the  Line 
have  been  silent  on  this  Subject  tho  they  are  expressly 
charged  to  see  to  the  faithful  Execution  of  the  Embargo  Law. 
Colo.  Robert  Renselaer  &  Colo.  Brown  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay 
have  Permission  in  Consequence  of  the  advice  of  a  Committee 
of  the  Legislature  appointed  for  the  Purpose,  to  export  out  of 
this  State  one  Thousand  Barrels  of  Flour  for  the  use  of  the 
Inhabitants  of  Massachusets  Bay.  It  will  be  impossible  to  fur- 
nish them  with  your  printed  Permits,  &  will  be,  therefore,  neces- 
sary that  your  Officer  on  the  Line  be  instructed,  to  suffer  this 
Quantity  to  pass  his  Guard.  They  are  both  sworn  not  to  export 
a  greater  Quantity. 

I  inclose  you  an  Appointment  to  Major  Purdyf  to  seize  all  the 
Wheat  &  Flour  in  West  Chester  County  for  the  Use  of  the  Army 

*See  page  687. 

tSee  pages  686  and  690. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  693 

with  a  Copy  of  the  act  for  warranting  the  Appointment,  which 
when  you  have  perused,  you  will  please  to  seal  up  &  forward  to 
him.  There  are  fifteen  other  active  Persons  &  of  the  most  reput- 
able Charecters  appointed  in  different  Parts  of  the  State  for  the 
same  Purpose,  so  that  I  am  in  hopes  we  shall  soon  have  the  whole 
Collected  &  delivered  over  to  the  Different  Commissaries,  nor 
do  I  despair  of  finding  a  Competent  Supply  for  the  Army,  untill 
the  new  Crops  come  in,  if  we  can  for  a  few  Weeks  prevent  any 
being  run  out  of  the  State. 

I  must  trust  to  Providence  for  my  own  personal  Safety  ag't 
any  Secret  Attempt  of  the  Enemy,  as  it  is  not  convenient  to  keep 
a  Guard.  I  am  in  great  Haste,  Dear  Sir,  Yours  Sincerely 

Geo:  Clinton. 

I  have  just  received  the  enclosed  affidavits  of  some  of  the  In- 
habit'ts  of  the  lower  part  of  Orange  County  cornplain'g  of  Wm. 
Simmons  in  the  Commiss'y  of  Forage  Department.     I  must  beg 
you  to  cause  an  Enquiry  to  be  made  into  this  matter. 
Genl.  McDougal. 


[No.  2198.] 
MAGISTRATE  GROUT  IN  DURESS. 

Micah  Toicmsend  Brings  the  Matter  with  the  Papers  in  the  Case  to 
the  Attention  of  Governor  Clinton. 

Brattleborough  April  7th  1779. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency,  In  my  last,  with  the  view  of 
shewing  that  the  State  of  New  Hampshire  had  it  under  Contem- 
plation to  revive  its  ancient  Claim  west  of  Connecticut  River, 
I  mentioned  Judge  Clay's  going  in  Company  with  Lieut.  Governor 
Marsh  &  Colo.  Olcott  to  Exeter:  This  Information  I  received  in 
such  a  manner  that  I  thought  there  was  no  doubt  of  the  Fact; 
But  having  since  seen  Mr.  Clay,  Justice  to  his  Character,  obliges 


694  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

me  to  mention  his  acquainting  me,  he  went  upon  his  private 
Business  only,  and  that  not  in  the  Company  of  the  above  named 
Persons,  but  with  three  of  the  New  Hampshire  General  Court, 
one  of  whose  Names  was  Marsh;  and  that  he  is  opposed  to  that 
Court's  reviving  their  Claim  but  he  has  good  reason  to  suppose 
they  will. 

The  inferior  Court  of  the  County  opposite  to  us  (as  I  have  been 
informed  by  several  Persons  of  Credit  who  have  seen  the  Letters 
and  Notifications  for  Town  Meetings)  have  written  to  the  several 
Towns  in  their  County  to  instruct  their  Deputies  with  respect 
to  claiming  the  Grants  west  of  the  Kiver,  and  some  of  them  have 
instructed  in  favor  of  the  Claim.  How  this  will  terminate  I 
know  not,  but  many  are  of  Opinion  that  the  eastern  Part  of  the 
State  will  oppose  it  for  the  same  reason  that  the  western  desire 
it,  vizt,  that  it  will  occasion  a  Removal  of  the  Seat  of  Govern- 
ment. I  shall  go  to  No.  4*  next  Week,  and  as  Hampshire  General 
Court  is  now  sitting,  or  has  lately  adjourned,  suppose  I  shall 
then  be  able  to  inform  your  Excellency  of  the  Intentions  of  that 
Court. 

The  inclosed  Letter  from  Justice  Grout  came  to  hand  soon  after 
I  had  sent  my  last.  Should  have  forwarded  it  sooner,  but  was  in 
hopes  to  have  seen  him  first,  or  have  received  the  Papers  he  men- 
tions. 

The  Officers  of  Vermont  have  lately  made  a  Draft,  in  which 
they  have  not  spared  those  who  deny  their  authority.  Judge 
Clay  is  one  of  the  Persons  drafted.  Whether  they  will  proceed 
so  far  as  to  distrain  for  Fines  I  know  not,  but  expect  it  will  make 
a  Disturbance  if  they  do.  This  Draft,  the  orders  say,  is  made  by 
the  advice  of  Genl.  James  -Clinton. 

*  Charlestown,  New  Hampshire. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  '  695 

I  inclose  a  Pamphlet,  a  Passage  in  which  will  corroberate  an 
affidavit  I  formerly  transmitted  your  Excellency,  and  will  serve 
to  set  the  Characters  of  either  Colo.  Allen  or  some  Members  of 
Congress  in  their  true  light.  It  also  contains  a  Copy  of  a  Letter 
from  President  Weare,  which  may  be  of  Use  in  a  Contention 
with  New  Hampshire.  The  signers  of  the  Performance  acted  as 
part  of  a  Committee  appointed  by  the  Legislature  of  Vermont, 
tho  they  now  dissent  from  them  unless  they  keep  up  their  Claim 
East  of  Connecticut  River. 

Those  who  adhere  to  the  Interest  of  New  York  here,  will  this 
Month  elect  Representatives;  and  if  the  'Sheriff  should  season- 
ably get  word  from  the  Clerk  of  the  Senate,  will  vote  for  a 
Senator,  if  there  is  any  to  be  chosen  in  this  District. 

It  appears  very  strange  to  me,  and  those  with  whom  I  con- 
verse, that  Congress  have  not  yet  interfered  in  a  matter  which  so 
greatly  affects  the  Confederation,  and  has  so  immediate  a  Ten- 
dency to  disturb  the  Peace  and  Unity  of  the  States,  as  the  present 
Revolt.  I  cannot  but  think  that  Justice  to  this,  and  the  Preced- 
ent it  will  make  for  the  refractory  Subjects  of  other  States,  will 
at  length  induce  that  honorable  Body  to  interpose;, and  yet  they 
delay  their  Interposition  so  long  without  apparent  Reasons,  that 
they  appear  indirectly  to  countenance  Vermont,  — who,  by  being 
in  Possession  of  the  Powers  of  Government,  must  gain  Strength, 
and  Consequence  the  longer  they  are  let  alone.  I  have  not  the 
least  doubt  but  Judge  Jay  and  the  other  Delegates  from  New 
York,  will  do  what  can  be  done  to  induce  Congress  to  recommend 
to  the  revolted  Subjects  to  return  to  their  Duty.  If  they  are 
unsuccessful  at  Philadelphia,  it  only  remains  for  the  Legislature 
'to  determine  whether  they  will  give  us  up,  or  keep  us  at  all 
Events,  and  protect  the  Persons  &  Property  of  those  who  con- 


696  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

tinue  their  faithful  Subjects.  This  is  bringing  the  matter  to  a 
Crisis,  but  if  Congress  will  not  interfere,  the  sooner  in  my 
Opinion  these  Points  are  settled  the  better,  as  the  Country  in- 
creases very  rapidly,  and  those  who  now  become  Settlers  gen- 
erally do  it  under  the  Notion  of  being  in  a  fourteenth  State. 

Mr.  Lush's  Letter,  inclosing  some  Copies  of  the  Election  act, 
came  very  seasonably;  for  which  and  the  Promise  of  future  In- 
telligence respecting  Vermont,  I  am  much  obliged  both  to  your 
Excellency  and  Mr.  Lush.  I  am  Your  most  Obedient  'Serv't 

Micah  Townsend. 
His  Exc'y  Governor  Clinton. 


HILKIAH  GROUT'S  STATEMENT  TO  MICAH  TOWNSEND. 

S'r,  Last  weak  on  Tuesday  morning,  I  set  out  from  home  with 
a  gentleman  from  the  State  of  New  Hampshire,  who  had  a  case 
Depending  in  the  Superiour  Court  at  Exeter,  in  Said  State  of  con- 
siderable consequence  and  Depended  altogether  upon  evidences 
from  Otercrick  [Otter  Creek]  and  to  have  them  taken  by  known 
Athority  for  Vermont  athority  has  been  Refus'd  in  their  court. 
It  was  agreed  that  I  should  go  to  the  westerly  part  of  this  county 
and  there  remain  whilst  he  should  go  into  the  Crick  and  Bring 
the  People  out  to  me  to  be  sworn;  on  Wednesday  eve  they  came 
out  and  were  sworn;  about  two  o'clock  the  same  night  the  house 
was  surrounded  By  seaven  men,  armed  with  guns,  sword  Bayo- 
nets, and  entered  the  Room  where  I  Lodged,  and  made  me  their 
prisoner,  and  carried  me  to  Rutland  (and  shew  me  no  abuse  except 
it  was  in  surly  Look),  before  one  Capt.  Brownson  Belonging 
to  Colo.  Warner  Rigement,  who  command  a  post  their,  to  answer 
to  a  complaint  of  two  of  the  Inhabitants,  complaining  that 
Hilkiah  Grout  and  his  associates,  were  planing  something  verry 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  697 

enemical  to  the  United  States  of  America.  A  court  of  enquirery 
was  immediately  call'd  and  I  was  Brought  to  treat  and  Dis- 
[  charged;]  I  was  then  taken  with  a  warr't  from  one  of  their 
Justises,  complaining  that  the  said  Grout  had  been  officiateing 
as  a  Justice  of  the  peace  without  the  approbation  of  there  Free- 
men, &c;  after  holding  me  a  prisoner  two  days,  they  made  out  to 
prove  that  I  had  administered  the  oath  to  five  men ;  the  Judgment 
of  court  was,  that  I  should  find  sureties  for  my  appearance 
Before  their  Sup  [reme]  court  to  be  holden  in  Rutland  next  June, 
or  be  commited  to  close  goal.  I  gave  bond,  and  am  now  at  home 
and  have  neither  been  whipt  nor  Insulted;  the  New  Hamshire 
gent,  whome  I  went  to  assist  was  taken  as  a  prisoner  and  Brought 
to  tryal.  Judgment  was  that  he  pay  five  pound  fine,  and  thre 
pound  cost  of  court  for  Introduceing  an  unconstitutional  Justice 
into  the  state  of  Vermont.  The  copyes  of  the  whole  will  be 
brought  to  me  By  a  friend  as  soon  as  they  can  be  made  out  and 
then  you  may  expect  to  see  me  at  Brattleborough.  I  am  but  this 
minit  come  home  and  Mr.  Whipple  the  Bearer  now  waits.  I  am 

S'r  your  most  Humble  Serv't. 

Hilkiah  Grout. 
To  Mr.  Micah  Townsen,  Esqr. 

February  ye  21  1779. 


THE  COURT  MARTIAL  PROCEEDINGS. 

Fort  Ranger,  Feby.  18  1779. 
Gerreson  orders. 

A  Court  martial  of  Enquery  to  set  att  twelve  oclock  this  Day 
to  Examen  and  here  the  Evidence  for  and  aganst  Such  Prisoners 
as  shall  be  Brought  Before  them,  whereef  Capt.  Thomas  Lee  is 
Pre'dt — members,  Lt.  Marin,  Lt.  Mott,  Ensign  Beach,  Ensign 
Bruesh. 


<698  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

By  order  of  Ged'n  Brownson,  Capt.,  the  Count  being  met,  and 
Duly  sworn,  Proced  to  try  Melkiah  Grout;  the  Prisinors  being 
brougt  before  the  Court  Pleads  not  Guilty;  the  Court  after  hear- 
ing the  Evidence  for  and  against  the  Prisiners  it  is  the  opinion 
of  the  Court  that  the  Crime  is  not  suported. 

pr  Thomas  Lee,  Pr'dt. 

The  above  Judgment 'is  aproved  of  by  Commanding  officer  and 
orders  the  Prisiner  to  be  set  at  Librty.  • 

Pr  Ged.  Brownson,  Capt.  Comdt. 


TESTIMONY  HOSTILE  TO  GROUT. 

The  Evidence  of  Eeuben  Squires,  in  a  case  Depending  Between 
the  freemen  of  the  State  of  Vermont  and  Helkiah  Grout,  viz., 
that  on  the  17th  day  of  Instant  February  Mr.  William  Oliver, 
Intredused  Helkiah  Grout  Eecommending  him  in  Caracter  of 
Justice  of  the  Peace  unto  'Said  Keuben  Squires,  Desireing  Said 
Squires's  wife  and  Daughter  to  give  their  Evidence  before  said 
Grout  consarning  a  certain  Peace  of  Holland  Cloath. 

The  Evidence  of  Charles  Button :  Charles  Button  of  Lawf  ull  age, 
under  oth  testafyes  and  says,  that  in  the  Evening  of  the  Seven- 
teenth Instant,  upon  the  Desire  of  Mr.  William  Oliver,  he  the 
e'd  Button  went  to  the  house  of  Lemuel  White  in  Shrewsbury, 
aoid  gave  his  affidafit  conserning  a  case  depending  Between  said 
Oliver  and  one  West  before  Helkiah  Grout,  who  took  the  said 
Button's  affidafit  and  administred  an  oth  to  him  with  several 
others  in  caracter  of  Justice  of  the  Peace. 

The  Evidence  of  Abel  Spencer:  Abel  Spencer  of  Lawf  ull  age 
under  oth  testifyes  and  Declairs,  that  he  also  took  Ms  oth  before 
Helkiah  Grout,  acting  in  the  caracter  of  Justice  of  the  Peace, 
and  that  he  saw  him,  the  said  Grout,  administer  oths  to  a  num- 
ber of  others  at  the  same  place  and  time  that  Charles  Button 
Evidence  Kefers  to. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  699 

The  Evidence  of  Lemuel  White:  Lemuel  White  of  Lawfull  age 
under  oth  Testifys  and  Declairs  to  the  same,  that  Charles  Button 
and  Abel  Spencer  testafyed  to  or  to  the  same  purpose. 
Rutland,  Feby.  ye  19:  1779.  These  are  a  trew  and  Just  Coppy 
of  the  Evidences  of  Reuben  Squires,  Charles  Button,  Abel  Spen- 
cer and  Lemuel  White  as  taken  under  oth. 

Before  me  Benj'n  Whipple,  Justice. 


THE  WARRANT  FOR  GROUT'S  ARREST. 
State  of  Vermont,  County  of  Bennington  ss. 

To  the  Sheriff  of  the  County  of  Bennington  his  Depute  of 
Either  of  the  Constabels  of  the  town  of  Rutland  Greeting. 

In  the  Name  of  the  Free  men  of  the  State  of  Vermont  you  are 
hereby  authorized  to  take  and  in  safe  custody  keep  Helkiah  Grout 
a  transient  Person  who  pretends  to  officiate  in  this  State  in  the 
character  of  Justice  of  the  Peace,  not  haveing  athority  Derived 
from  the  free  men  of  this  State,  as  Stipulated  by  Constitution: 
and  as  soon  as  conveniently  may  be,  bring  him  before  me,  the 
subscriber,  at  the  house  of  William  Robarts,  in  Rutland,  to 
answer  for  his  said  conduct  aganst  the  Peace  and  Dignity  of 
this  State. 

Given  under  my  hand.  Rutland,  Feby.  ye  18th  1779  in  the  third 
year  of  Amarican  Independenc  and  secont  of  the  State  of  Ver- 
mont. 

Benj'n  Whipple,  Justice  Peace. 

a  trew  coppy — attest — B.  Whipple. 


GROUT  PLACED  UNDER  BONDS  TO  APPEAR  IN  COURT. 
Rutland  Feby.  ye  19th  1779 — At  a  court  held  before  Benj'n 
Whipple,  Justice  of  the  Peace,  Helkiah  Grout  is  convicted  of 
acting  in  the  caraeter  of  Justice  of  the  Peace  contrary  to  the 


700  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Constitution  of  this  state.  Said  Grout  is  ordered  by  this  court  to 
procure  Bonds  of  one  thousand  Pounds  Lawfull  money  for  his 
appearance  at  the  next  superiour  court,  to  be  held  within  this 
State  at  Rutland,  on  the  second  Thursday  in  June  next  for  Trial 
or  in  Defalt  to  be  commited  untill  then. 

Benj'n  Whipple,  Justice  Peace, 
a  Trew  coppy  — attest —  B.  Whipple. 


Mem.  Mr.  Grout  wants  Gov'r  Clinton's  advice  in  what  manner 
to  conduct  himself — Whether  the  State  will  protect  him — If 
Court  fines  him  whether  to  pay  ye  Fine  or  Go  to  Goal — Will  not 
ye  State  allow  Counsel  to  Mr.  Grout — Get  something  from  ye 
Gov'r  to  show  Mr.  Grout  is  a  Magistrate. 


[No.  2199.] 

List  of  Distressed  Families  in  Alohawk  District. 

Memorandom  the  Distressed  famelys  iti  Tryon  County,  Mohok 
District  1779  Apl.  7  Day. 

Gotfret  Shonn  in  His  famely  9 

John  Potman's  wedo  [widow]  1 

John  Rese,  wife  2 

Harmanes  Salesberry,  Do  4 

George  Kugs  7 

Yebler  Alger  5 

Joseph  Schot,  7 

The  wedo  Cetchain,  5 

Andres  Bowman,  5 

Charels  Morenes  wedo,  3 

Hendrick  Kelly,  5 

Rachel  Hansen,  6 

Totel  59 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  701 

The  above  Persons  have  mostly  all  Lost  the  Personal  Property. 
(On  back  of  document) 

Sir:  I  have  Packed  two  hodsed  of  oats  and  have  had  them 
Cupered  in  good  order  to  Send  Down — one  hodsed  No.  1  Contanes 
18  Schepl  and  No.  2  Contanes  23  Verry  Large,  in  all  41 — now 
there  is  about  two  Schepl  over — your  was  gone  and  Mr.  Snell 
nor  my  wife  Cant  tell  wot  is  become  of  them. 


[No.  2200.] 

John  Jay  Transmits  Two  Acts  of  Congress  to  George  Clinton. 

Philadelphia  7th  April  1779. 

Sir,  Herewith  enclosed  are  Copies  of  two  Acts  of  Congress — 
one  of  the  *23rd  Ult,  for  regulating  the  cloathing  Department, 
the  other  of  the  f5th  Inst,  providing  for  the  Pay  of  the  Officers 
employed  in  it. 

You  will  perceive  that  the  first  refers  the  appointment  of  the 
Sub,  or  State-Cloathiers  to  the  different  States,  &  that  the  Second 
leaves  their  Salaries  to  be  ascertained  &  paid  by  the  States  ap- 
pointing them. 

Such  has  long  been  the  deranged  State  of  this  Department,  & 
such  is  the  importance  of  immediately  carrying  the  present  Sys- 
tem into  Execution,  that  Congress  hope  it  will  meet  with  the 
earliest  attention. 

*  See  page  659. 

*  Resolved,    That   until    the    further  order   of    Congress    the   clothier-general    have    a 
salary  of  5000  dollars  per  annum. 

Whereas  the  duties  of  the  sub  or  state-clothiers  who  are  to  be  appointed  according-  to 
the  late  regulations  of  the  clothier's  department  will  be  very  unequal,  the  quota  of  bat- 
talions of  the  several  states  differing? 

Resolved,  That  each  state  determine  and  pay  the  salary  proper  for  Its  clothier,  and 
that  each  state-clothier  shall  be  allowed  two  rations  and  forage  for  one  horse  per  day 
during  the  time  he  is  in  actual  service  with  the  army,  and  going  to  and  returning  from 
the  same: 

That  the  regimental-clothiers  have  an  allowance  of  30  dollars  per  month  in  addition 
to  their  present  appointment:  « 

That  the  clothier-general  be  authorized  to  employ  one  clerk,  who  shall  receive  the 
same  allowance  as  the  clerks  of  the  auditors  of  the  army. 


702  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

I  have  the  Honor  to  be  with  great  Respect  your  Excellency's 

Most  Obedient  Serv't 

John  Jay,  Presid't. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  2201.] 
WAR  AGAINST  THE  ONONDAGAS. 

A  Secret  Expedition  Sent  to  Attack  their  Castle — Failure  of  a  Flag 

to  Niagara. 

Albany  April  8th  1779. 

Dear  Brother,*  Yours  of  the  1st  Instant  came  safe  to  hand;  in 
consequence  of  its  contents,  I  have  ordered  John  Storms  of 
Duboys's  Regiment,  and  a  certain  Nelson  of  the  Train  to  attend 
immediately  as  Witnesses  against  Jaycocks. 

Inclosed  I  send  you  a  copy  of  the  return  of  the  Flag,  which  was 
sent  to  Niagara,  in  pursuance  of  your  Directions.  I  consulted 
Genl.  Schuyler  on  the  Propriety  of  sending  a  Duplicate  of  the 
Inclosures  to  Congress,  but  he  is  of  opinion,  that  it  woud  come, 
best  from  you,  as  we  acted  immediately  under  your  orders. 

The  repeated  applications  that  are  daily  and  hourly  made  to 
me  by  the  distressed  Famelies  from  the  Frontiers,  for  Provision, 
and  the  feelings  of  Humanity,  have  induced  me,  I  believe,  to 
exceed  the  Bounds  of  my  authority  in  relieveing  their  Wants,, 
which  are  truly  melancholy.  I  shoud  be  glad  to  have  your 
directions  in  a  matter  of  such  moment.  If  the  assembly  have 
made  Provision  for  them,  no  time  is  to  be  lost,  in  the  dis- 
tribution of  it — if  they  have  not,  the  dreadfull  consequence  willl 
be  that  they,  or  many  of  them  must  inevitably  perish. 

A  detatchment  of  five  hundred  Men  commanded  by  Col.  Vi. 
Schaick  and  Willet,  are  just  marched,  with  a  View  of  surprising 
and  destroying  the  Onondaga  Castle,f  and  of  making  as  many 

*For  Governor  Clinton's  reply,  see  page  711. 

t  April  24.— This  afternoon,  the  detachment  sent  out  last  Monday  [April  19th]  on  an 
expedition  against  the  Indians  at  Onondaga,  returned  to  Fort  Schuyler.  The  following 
account  of  It  is  given  by  a  writer  in  the  New  York  Packet:—"  An,  enterprise  against  the-. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  703 

Prisoners  as  possible.  The  Plan  lias  the  Sanction  of  His  Excel- 
lency,  and  if  properly  conducted,  I  think  cannot  fail  of  Success; 
as  Secrecy  is  absolutely  necessary,  no  Individual  hath  the  least 
Intimation  of  it  except  the  Officers  commanding  the  Party,  and 

Onondaga  settlements  of  the  Indians  having  been  projected  and  approved  o>f  by  hia. 
Excellency  General  Washington,  and  the  direction  of  it  committed  to  Brigadier-General 
James  Clinton,  commanding  in  the  northern  department,  he,  on  the  seventh  of  April,, 
issued  his  orders,  and  gave  the  execution  oif  them  to  Colonel  Van  Schaack,  commander 
of  the  1st  battalion  of  New  York  Continental  troops,  appointing  as  second  and  third, 
in  command  Lieutenant-Colonel  Willet  and  Major  Cochran.  of  the  3d  New  York  bat- 
talion, all  officers  of  approved  courage  and  abilities.  The  detachment  for  the  service 
consisted  of  six  companies  of  New  York,  one  of  Pennsylvania,  one  of  Massachusetts 
troops,  and  one  of  riflemen,  amounting,  in  the  whole,  to  five  hundred  and  four  rank  and 
file,  and  fifty-one  officers. 

"  Fort  Schuyler  being  appointed  the  place  of  rendezvous,  from  thence,  early  on 
Monday  morning,  the  nineteenth  of  April,  the  whole  party  began  their  march,  provision 
for  eight  days  having  been  previously  sent  off  in  twenty-nine  batteaux  into  Wood. 
Creek. 

"  After  a  march  of  twenty-two  miles,  the  troops  arrived  about  three  o'clock  in  the- 
evening  at  the  old  Scow  Place,  but  the  boats  having  much  farther  to  come,  did  not 
arrive  till  ten  o'clock.  As  soon  as  the  boats  arrived,  the  whole  of  the  troops  embarked, 
and,  upon  entering  the  lake,  were  much  impeded  by  a  cc-ld  head  wind. 

"  At  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  twentieth,  the  troops  halted  at  Pisser's  Bay 
till  all  the  boats  came  up,  and  then  proceeded  to  the  Onondaga  landing,  opposite  to  old 
Fort  Brewerton,  which  they  reached  at  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  From  thence, 
after  leaving  all  their  boats  with  a  proper  guard,  they  marched  eight  or  nine  milea 
on  their  way  to  the  Onondaga  settlement,  and,  not  being  able  to  continue  their  march 
in  the  dark,  lay  on  their  arms  all  night,  without  fire. 

"  Very  early  on  the  twenty-first  they  proceeded  to  the  Salt  Lake,  an  arm  of  which, 
(two  hundred  yards  over,  and  four  feet  deep)  they  forded,  with  their  pouches  hung  to 
their  fixed  bayonets,  and  advanced  to  the  Onondaga  Creek,  where  Captain  Graham  took 
prisoner  an  Onondaga  warrior.  The  creek  not  being  fordable,  the  troops  crossed  it  on  % 
log,  and  as  soon  as  they  were  over,  the  utmost  endeavors  were  used  to  surround  the 
settlements,  but  as  they  extended  eight  miles,  besides  some  scattered  habitations  lying 
back  of  the  castles,  it  was  impossible;  and  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  creek,  though 
our  troops  entered  their  first  settlement  wholly  undiscovered  by  them,  they  soon  dis-_ 
covered  some  of  our  advanced  parties,  and  took  the  alarm  in  all  their  settlements.  The 
colonel,  however,  ordered  different  routes  to  be  taken  by  different  parties,  in  order  to 
surround  as  many  of  their  settlements  as  possible  at  the  same  time;  but  the  Indians 
fled  precipitately  to  the  woods,  not  taking  any  thing  with  them.  Our  troops  took 
thirty-three  Indians  and  one  white  man  prisoners,  and  killed  twelve  Indians.  The  whole 
of  their  settlements,  consisting  of  about  fifty  houses,  with  a  large  quantity  of  corn  and 
beans,  were  burnt,  a  number  of  fine  horses,  and  every  other  kind  of  stock  were  killed. 
About  one  hundred  guns,  some  of  which  were  rifles,  were  among  the  plunder,  the 
whole  of  which,  after  the  men  were  loaded  with  as  much  as  they  could  carry,  was 
destroyed,  with  a  considerable  quantity  of  ammunition;  one  swivel,  taken  at  the  council 
house,  had  the  trunnions  broken,  off,  and  was  otherwise  much  damaged,  and,  in  fine, 
the  destruction  of  all  their  settlements  was  complete. 

"  After  this,  the  troops  began  to  march  on  their  return,  recrossed  the  creek,  and 
forded  the  arm  of  the  lake,  on  the  side  of  which  they  encamped  on  a  good  ground. 
They  had  only  been  once  interrupted  by  a  small  party  of  Indians,  who  fired  upon  them 
from  the  opposite  side  of  the  creek,  but  were  soon  beaten  back  by  Lieutenant  Evans/ 
riflemen,  who  killed  one  of  them. 

"  On  the  twenty-second  the  troops  marched  to  the  landing,  embarked  in  good  order, 
and  rowed  to  Seven  Mile  Island;  on  the  twenty-third  crossed  the  lake,  and  landed  two 
miles  up  Wood  Creek.  On  Saturday,  the  twenty-fourth,  at  twelve  o'clock,  the  whol$ 
detachment  returned  in  safety  to  Fort  Schuyler,  having  been  out  five  days  and  a  half."^ 
New  Jersey  Gazette,  May  12,  177D. 


704  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

those  whose  duty  intitled  them  to  know  it.     I  am,  Dear  Brother, 

Yours  affectionately 

James  Clinton. 
Gov'r  Clinton. 


COLONEL  CAMPBELL  REPORTS  THE  FAILURE  OP  His  MISSION. 

Report  of  Col.  John  Campbell  of  Cherry  Valley,  on  his  return 
from  Connesaraga. 

Whith  the  dispatches  I  received  from  Generals  Schuyler  and 
Clinton  I  proceeded  in  company  with  Jacob  Newkerk  to  the 
Oneida  Castle,  after  requesting  a  Guide  to  pilot  me  to  Niagara; 
the  Chiefs  called  a  Council,  in  which  it  was  determined,  that  it 
was  impossible  for  us  to  proceed,  as  there  was  a  Council  then 
sitting  at  Keuga  [Cayuga]  who  were  unacquainted  with  the 
nature  of  a  Flag,  and,  therefore,  might  treat  us  as  Enemies. 
Nevertheless,  being  deeply  concerned  in  the  Business  I  was  on, 
I  ventured  to  proceed  as  far  Connesaraga;  after  making  the  same 
demand  there,  the  Chiefs  called  a  Council,  and  determined  as  the 
Oneidas  had  done,  alledging  that  they  cou'd  not  be  answerable 
to  the  American  Chiefs,  for  any  misfortune  that  might  befall  us, 
that  they  woud  very  justly  incur  the  Displeasure  of  their 
Brothers,  the  Americans,  if  they  permitted  us  to  proceed,  when 
they  knew  the  Consequences  that  woud  ensue — they  therefore  in- 
sisted on  us  to  return,  promising  that  they  woud  forward  the 
Letters  to  Captain  Butler,  with  more  Expedition  &  safety  than 
if  we  went  ourselves. 

In  Consequence  of  which  I  thought  it  best  to  return. 

signed,  John  Campbell. 

Copy. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


705 


[No.  2202.] 
Returns  of  Dutches*  Brigade  under  Colonel  Swartwout. 

A  Return  of  the  Brigade  of  Militia  of  the  County  of  Dutches,  Commanded  by  Colo.  Comdt.  Jacobus  Swartwout, 
agreeable  to  the  Returns  of  the  Commanding  Officers  of  the  Several  Regiments  of  said  Brigade. 

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PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  ,707 

[No.  2203.] 
Governor  Clinton  Indulgent  in  the  Case  of  Mrs,  Cregier. 

Poughkeepsie  April  9th  1779. 

Sir;  Mr.  Harpur  applied  to  me  in  behalf  of  Mrs.  Cregier  for  pir- 
mission  for  her  to  go  to  New  York  for  the  Purpose  of  conveying 
a  Child  thither,  which  she  took  to  nurse  several  years  ago  & 
which  is  now  become  burthensome  to  her.  As  Dr.  Bruce  who  en- 
gaged in  behalf  of  its  father,  to  pay  her  for  keeping  it,  is  there, 
she  intends  leaving  the  Child  with  him.  Altho'  I  had  determined 
not  to  give  Permission  to  any  Person  to  go  into  New  York,  with 
an  Intent  to  return,  yet  in  consequence  of  Mrs.  Cregier's  Private 
as  well  ae  political  Character  I  submit  it  to  your  Consideration 
whether  good  Purposes  might  not  be  affected  (in  procuring  In- 
telligence) by  granting  her  request.  If  you  approve  of  the 
measure  I  have  no  Objection  to  her  being  permitted  to  go.  I  have 
directed  her  to  attend  you  with  this  Letter  &  wait  your  Directions 

on  the  subject.    I  am  &c. 

Geo:  Clinton. 
Genl.  McDougall. 


[No.  2204.] 
Richard  Harison,  Tory,  Makes  an  Appeal  in  Behalf  of  His  Family. 

N.  York  9  April  1779. 

Sir;  Having  obtained  Permission  from  General  Jones  to  remove 
my  Family  &  Effects  to  this  Place  by  a  Vessel  now  going  up  the 
River  with  a  Flag,  I  cannot  entertain  a  Doubt  of  your  not  only 
allowing,  but  forwarding  that  measure.  To  accumulate  Distresses 
upon  those,  whom  for  Reasons  of  mere  Policy,  it  has  been  thought 
proper  to  banish  under  the  circumstances  in  which  we  were, 
would  be  such  a  Violation  of  Humanity  as  I  cannot  in  Justice, 


708  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

think  you  capable  of.  On  the  contrary,  I  shall  want  no  Induce- 
ment to  suppose  that  you  will  chearfully  promote,  what  may  in- 
deed conduce  to  the  private  Happiness  of  an  Individual,  but  can 
have  no  Influence  as  to  what  regards  the  Public.  Actuated  by 
these  Sentiments,  I  beg  Leave  to  request  that  the  inclosed  Letters 
may  be  forwarded  to  my  Family,  with  such  further  Instructions 
as  you  may  thing  proper;  &  permit  me  (in  confidence  that  those 
Sentiments  are  well  founded)  to  subscribe  myself  with  all  due 
Respect,  (Sir,  Your  most  humble  &  obedient  Servant 

Rich:  Harison. 
Gov'r  Clinton. 


[No.  2205.] 
Peter  Colt  Reforms  His  Opinion  of  Mr.  Leek. 

Hartford  Apr.  10:  1779. 

Sir,  On  Mr.  Lockwood's  return,  I  had,  from  his  representation, 
given  over  the  thoughts,  at  this  Time,  of  removing  Mr.  Leak.  I 
have  never  been  able  to  discover  any  knavery  in  his  dealings. 
My  objection  to  him  is  a  want  of  that  determined  Spirit  &  resolu- 
tion which  seems  necessary  to  insure  success  in  Business  at  this 
Critical  Juncture.  I  am  a  Stranger  to  Capt.  Townsend's  place 
of  abode;  however,  will  enquire  him  out,  &  if  possible  engage  him 
in  the  service.  If  not  shall  continue  Mr.  Leak. 

Your  Excellency  will  please  to  accept  my  acknowledgments  for 
your  kind  &  ready  attention  to  the  Business  of  my  Department, 
I  cant  but  flatter  myself  that  the  late  alterations  in  the  Officers 
of  the  Dept.,  in  your  State,  will  advance  the  public  service.  I 
shall  endeavour  to  support  those  Gentlemen  with  Cash.  I 

am  with  due  Esteem,  Your  Excel'y  most  obd.  Ser. 

Peter  Colt. 
His  Excellency  Gov'r  Clinton. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  709 

[No  2206.] 
FOR  THE  AID  OF  THE  FRONTIER  SUFFERERS. 

Governor  Clinton  Calls  Major  Lush's  Attention  to  the  Necessity  of 

Prompt  Action. 

Poukeepsie  llth  March  [April]  1779. 

Dear  Sir,*  I  expected  before  this  to  have  heard  from  you  &  to 
have  received  thro  you  as  well  Genl.  Ten  Broeck's  Return,  as  a 
Return  of  the  Persons  in  the  County  of  Albany  &  Tryon,  who  are 
objects  of  the  Law  for  granting  three  Thousand  Pounds  for  the 
Relief  &  Support  of  those  who  have  had  their  Possessions  de- 
stroyed by  the  Enemy  &  are  incapable  to  support  themselves.  The 
Want  of  the  former  only  occassions  a  Delay  in  raising  the  Men 
for  the  Defence  of  the  Frontiers  of  the  State,  which  may  be  at- 
tended with  fatal  Consequences  &  Subject  both  Genl.  Tenbroeck 
&  me  to  much  Consern. 

I  suspect  that  the  procuring  the  other  Return  may  be  attend 
with  more  Trouble  &  Delay  than  I  at  first  apprehended.  I  have, 
therefore,  thought  it  most  adviseable  to  attempt  a  Distribution 
of  the  Money  without  it.  And,  for  this  Turpose,  I  desire  you  will 
borrow  of  your  County  Treasury,  or  of  Jacob  Cuyler,  Esqr.,  D. 
C.  Genl.,  of  Purchases,  twenty  two  hundred  &  fifty  Pounds  &  de- 
posit it  in  the  Hands  of  such  Person  or  persons  as  shall  be  re- 
commended to  you  by  Genl.  Tenbroeck  &  the  Members  of  Senate 
&  Assembly  for  the  County  of  Albany,  residing  in  the  City,  to  be 
distributed  agreable  to  the  Directions  of  the  Law  to  those  in  the 
County  of  Albany  &  Tryon  who  are  the  proper  Objects  of  it  taking 
proper  Receipts. 

If  you  obtain  the  Money  from  your  Treasurer,  I  will  replace  a 
like  iSum  in  the  State  Treasury,  which  will  save  him  the  Trouble 

•See  page  724  for  Major  Lush's  reply. 


710  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

of  conveying  it  thither.  If  from  Mr.  Cuyler,  I  will  repay  it  to 
his  order  in  Favour  of  his  Deputy  at  Kingston.  I  begg  you  to  pay 
particular  &  early  Attention  to  this  Business  &  let  me  hear  from 

you  by  the  first  Opportunity.    I  am  &c. 

Geo:  Clinton. 

Major  Fonda  informs  me  Doct'r  McCrea  has  a  Map  of  the  State 
or  Part  of  it  which  I  wish  you  to  endeavour  to  procure  for  me. 
To  Major  Lush. 


[No. -2207.] 

#. 

ARRANGING  FOR  THE  EXCHANGE  OF  PRISONERS. 

Governor  Clinton  Submits  the  Proposition  of  Walter  Butler  to  the 
New  York  Delegates  in  Congress. 

Poughkeepsie,  llth  April  1779. 

Gentlemen,  Soon  after  the  desolation  of  the  Settlement  of 
Cherry  Valley  by  the  Savages  under  the  Command  of  Brandt  & 
Butler,  some  of  the  Inhabitants  who  were  captured  by  the  Enemy 
at  that  Place  were  released  &  permitted  to  return  home  on  Parole. 
They  brought  with  them  written  proposals  made  by  young  Butler 
&  directed  to  Genl.  Schuyler  for  an  exchange  of  the  Inhabitants 
of  this  State  who  were  Prisoners  with  the  Savages,  for  Butler's 
mother,  &  other  disaffected  Persons  in  our  Possession.  In  Conse- 
quence of  which,  I  requested  Brig'r  Genl.  Clinton  then  command- 
ing at  Albany,  to  confer  with  Genl.  Schuyler  on  the  Subject  &  to 
pursue  the  most  proper  measures  to  effect  so  desirable  an  object. 
I  now  enclose  you  a  Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Butler  in  answer  to 
one  addressed  to  him  by  Genl.  Clinton  on  that  Subject  with  the 
Papers  referred  to  in  it.  You  will  please  to  observe  that  the  pro- 
posals now  made,  are  more  extensive  than  those  first  stated,  and 
as  in  the  exchange  now  offered,  continental  officers  &  soldiers  & 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  711 

Inhabitants  of  other  States  are  comprehended,  I  am  not  author- 
ized to  agree  to  the  present  Proposals.  An  insolent  Expression 
in  Butler's  Letter  prevents  my  laying  it  (officially)  before  Con- 
gress. But  as  the  Releasements  of  the  unhappy  Subjects  of  this 
State  who  experience  the  most  distressing  Captivity  with  the 
Savages,  is  a  matter  I  have  much  at  heart,  I  have  taken  the 
liberty  of  addressing  you  on  this  occasion  in  hopes  you  may  be 
able  to  fall  on  some  mode  of  obtaining  such  genl.  Directions  from 
Congress  on  this  Subject  as  will  enable  us  to  accomplish  this 
Business  without  taking  any  public  notice  of  Butler's  impertinent 

Epistle.    I  am  &c.  &c. 

Gteo:  Clinton. 

The  hon'ble  the  Delegates  from  the  State  of  New  York  in  Con- 
gress. 

[No.  2208.] 

Governor  Clinton  Believes  the  Legislative  Appropriation  for  the 
Frontier  Sufferers  Inadequate. 

Poukeepsie  IHh  April  1779. 

Dear  Brother,  I  am  favoured  with  your  Letter*  of  the  8th  In- 
stant. The  Papers  it  inclosed  respecting  an  Exchange  of  Prison- 
ers taken  on  the  Western  Frontier  shall  be  transmitted  to  Con- 
gress by  the  first  Conveyance  for  their  Consideration  &  further 
Direction.  The  Legislature  at  their  last  Meeting  granted  three 
thousand  Pounds  for  the  Relief  of  the  distressed  Families  on  the 
Western  Frontiers.  This  Sum  when  distributed  among  the  Num- 
ber who  are  rendered  by  the  Depredations  of  the  Savages  in- 
capble  of  supporting  themselves,  will  be  found  very  incompetent. 
The  Law  granting  it  is  not  yet  printed  &  I  am  not  possessed  of  a 
Copy  of  it,  neither  have  I  been  able  to  obtain  Returns  from  the 
different  Districts  which  have  been  destroyed,  of  the  Number  of 

*See  page  702. 


712  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

the  Inhabitants  of  each  which  are  the  Objects  of  the  Law,  and 
have,  therefore,  not  been  able  to  make  a  proper  Distribution  of 
the  Money.  Major  Lush  is  now  in  Albany  &  to  prevent  further 
Delay,  I  have  directed  him  to  borrow  from  the  County  Treasury, 
twenty  two  hundred  &  fifty  Pounds  &  to  deposit  the  same  in  the 
Hands  of  such  Person  or  Persons  as  shall  be  recommended  by 
Genl.  Ten  Broeck  &  the  Members  of  Senate  &  Assembly  for  the 
County  of  Albany,  residing  in  the  city,  to  be  expended  in  Support 
of  the  unhappy  Sufferers  in  the  County  of  Albany  &  Tryon  agro- 
able  to  the  Direction  of  the  Law.  I  cannot  pretend  to  advise  you 
further  to  exceed  your  Authority  in  supplying  them  with  Pro- 
vision from  the  Public  Stores,  least  you  shoud  incurr  Blame.  I 
wish  Success  to  the  Detachment  you  mention  as  having  marched, 

&  am  Yours  Sincerely, 

Geo:  Clinton. 
The  hon'ble  Brig'r  Genl.  Clinton.* 

[No.  2209.] 

Petition  in  Behalf  of  Sundry  Convicts,  viz.    Andrew  Layton,  Peter 
Lansing,  Jacobus  Kidney  and  Samuel  Johnston.^ 


[No.  2210.] 

EXPERIENCES  OF  VATHER  AND  RODINGBURG. 
Judge  William  Harper  Sends  their  Depositions  to  Governor  Clinton. 

Mohock  destrict,  Tryon  County,  12  Aprl.  1779. 
Sir;  I  inclose  to  you  the  Deposisonens  of  Abart  Vather  and 
Androus  Rodingburg,  Both  my  near  nibours,  who  ware  taken 
prisener  by  the  Enimy  yesterday  in  the  afternnne;  Samawell 
Kenady  is  likewise  my  near  nibour's  son  he  with — Longs  and  the 
young  man  from  Sconackendy  are  carryed  of.  I  knew  nothing 

•For  James  Clinton's  answer,  see  page  736. 
t  Omitted. 


PUBLJ£  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  713 

of  the  mater  till  mr.  Vather  returned  this  morning,  thogh  the 
afare  hapened  on  the  farm  that  Jockapie  and  Rodingburg  pased 
by  my  Doer  within  fore  minets  after  he  was  relased,  As  Sune  as 
I  hard  of  it,  I  sent  for  him  and  Examened  him  and  my  Brother 
Dispatched  a  later  Express  to  the  Genarall  at  Albany ;  my  Brother 
is  Gon  to  Johnstown  with  a  party  of  young  men  in  hopes  to  gate 
a  party  of  Contanentale  to  Join  him  and  pursue  them;  if 
Rodingburg  had  informed  us  last  night  wee  might  have  got  be- 
for  them,  but  Vathers  ascaping  will  undoubtedly  hasten  them. 
Colnoll  Williet  naraly  mised  being  taken  as  he  pased  that  way 
but  a  short  time  before  my  Nibours  ware  taken. 

I  was  informd  by  a  offecer  from  Johnstown,  thare  was  one 
Hans  Helmer,  a  Tory  taken  yesterday,  by  one  Solleman  Wod- 
ward,  a  true  whig  in  Johnstons  bush;  this  Helmere  was  taken  in 
the  party  that  was  taken  back  of  Ball  Town,  going  to  the  Enimy 
in  Seventy  seven,  and  is  now  a  solder  in  Sir  John  Johnston's 
Ridgment,  and  is  home  on  his  perole;  he  sayes  Sir  John  is  made  a 
brigader  Genarall,  and  that  this  part  of  the  cuntry  will  be  cut  of 
this  Spring;  thare  is  severall  partyes  of  To  ryes  gone  to  Canady 
latly  from  theas  parts,  and  severall  Toryes  and  Tory  women 
have  advised  thier  frinds  to  take  care  of  thare  selves,  as  thar  will 
be  a  party  of  five  or  Six  hundred  from  Canady  as  sune  as  the  wods 
and  waters  are  pasable.  The  fue  tru  whigs  amongst  us,  are  in- 
tierly  discureged  and  dar  not  medel  with  the  Toryes,  as  almost 
everry  one  that  has  ben  taken  up  by  the  sivel  or  millatery  athor- 
aty,  has  ben  set  at  liberty  or  have  made  thier  ascape  out  of  Gale 
[gaol]  and  wee  are  so  thretened  by  sum  of  the  Commsoners  of 
Conspiresies,  and  others  prosecuted  for  seasing  thar  property, 
so  that  all  most  the  wholl  of  the  popell  that  have  ben  tru  to  the 
Caus,  cry  out  that  the  Toryes  are  protected  &  the  whigs  are 


714  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

oprest.  Sir,  I  know  many  that  have  ben  astemad  Enemies  to  the 
Cuntry  ever  since  the  contest  began,  and  have  ben  sent  to  the 
Commisoners  at  Albany,  and  have  bin  set  at  Liberty,  or  on  thare 
perole,  without  ever  caling  for  any  evidence  aganst  them,  and, 
sir,  the  popell  are  very  uneasey  at  Justice,  or  rither  unjustice  as 
thay  call  it,  being  huger  mugered  so,  and  thay  exposeed  to  thare 
enimies  over  agane  when  thay  Exasperateed  and  protected. 

Sir,  I  wroght  you  sum  time  ago,  that  I  was  of  opinon  that  thare 
would  not  be  one  whig  living  on  the  Mohock  Rever  above  Sco- 
nackendy  by  the  first  of  May,  and  I  am  prety  shuer  it  will  be  so ; 
as  to  my  selfe  and  all  the  whigs  that  are  in  my  nibourhude  must 
move  dyrectly.  It  is  a  grate  pitty  thate  thes  Rever  shuld  be 
vackaated  for  the  whate  [wheat]  hath  not  ben  known  to  luck  so 
well  at  this  time  of  the  year  as  it  now  doeth. 

Thare  was  three  Indens  went  to  Sacondago  sum  dayes  ago;  we 
are  all  convins  thay  ware  spies  and  parhaps  in  this  party  that 
tuck  the  priseners.  Mager  Fundew  tells  me  that  thay  Had  Mr. 
Hanry  Glen's  pas  as  frinds,  and  that  he  essued  provisen  to  them 
and  orders  to  Draw  more  at  Johnstown,  all  go  unmolested  &  pro- 
tacted  amongst  us  Toryes  and  Indens  and  in  the  very  hants  whare 
wee  expect  and  whar  the  Enemy  do  cum. 

Sir,  I  am  harttily  Sorry  that  I  have  not  more  agrable  Subjects 
to  [write]  you  on  but  beleve  me,  Sir,  a  sincer  Frind  to  my  Cuntry 

and  your  Sincer  frind  and  harty  well  wisher. 

William  Harper. 
To  his  Exselency  Georg  Clenton. 


DEPOSITION  OF  ALBERT  H.  VATHER. 

The  Deposesition  of  Alburt  H.  Vather,  Living  in  the  Mohock 
distrect,  Tryon  county,  Taken  before  me,  Wm.  Harper  Esqr. 
April  12,  1779. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  715 

The  Deponant  saeth  that  Sunday,  ye  11  instant,  about  son  a 
howr  high  in  the  after  nune,  he  left  his  hows  at  Fort  Johnston 
to  go  to  the  hows  of  Coin.  Closs,  whare  Wm.  Harper,  Esqr.,  and 
Coin.  Harper  dwels,  about  one  mill  distante  from  Fort  Johnston, 
to  hear  what  nues,  as  he  expected  that  Coin.  Harper  was  cum 
Albany;  that  he  went  along  the  publick  rod  about  one  thurd  of 
the  way,  till  he  came  to  a  bruck  whare  he  see  severall  Indens 
runing  towards  him,  naked  with  thier  guns  in  thier  hands;  thay 
layed  hold  of  him  and  tuck  the  handcurch  from  his  nack,  and 
the  buckells  out  of  his  knes  &  Shues,  &  then  convayed  to  the 
rest  of  thier  party,  who  Lay  at  a  small  distance  from  the  rode. 
When  he  came  to  the  rest  of  the  party,  he  found  Andres  Roding- 
burg,  Samawell  Kenady  a  sartan  Mr.  Longs  that  lives  at  the  No  a 
&  a  yong  man  that  Lived  with  Andro  McFarland,  of  Sconackendy, 
all  priseners;  from  thence  thay  moved  up  the  hill  a  small  distance 
whare  thay  halted  &  eate  sum  vitells. 

The  Deponant  saeth,  he  knew  one  of  the  Indens  named  Peter, 
liaveing  but  one  hand  who  belongs  to  Fort  Hunter,  and  two 
white  men  that  ware  with  them,  John  Rotch  and  Barnet  Wem- 
pell ;  thate  one  of  the  white  men  asked  him,  the  Deponant,  whare 
he  lived,  and  how  many  men  was  at  his  hows,  and  how  many 
Guns  he  had,  and  if  he  did  kepe  Taveron,  and  that  thay  inquired 
who  lived  in  Coin.  Closses  hows  that  Sml.  Kenady  told  them 
Esqr.  Harper  &  Coin.  Harper,  but  that  Coin.  Harper  was  not  at 
home  then;  thay  inquired  how  many  men  was  at  the  hows;  Sad 
Kenady  told  them  that  Esqr.  Harper  and  two  boys;  thay  Likewise 
ast  how  many  guns  thay  hade  in  the  hows;  to  which  he  answered 
Eaght  or  nine;  whiche  he  the  Deponant  thinkes  prevented  them 
from  atemting  any  thing  farther;  from  thence  thay  Set  out  in 
to  the  wods,  and  he,  Vather,  did  not  See  Rodingburg  after  that; 


716  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

thay  martched  about  three  miles  till  thay  got  in  to  a  thick  ham- 
lock  wood,  whare  thay  kindeled  a  fier  about  darke,  &  about  bad 
time  thay  Pinyoned  him  and  the  rest  of  the  prisoners,  and  gave 
him  the  Deponant,  his  Grate  Cote,  to  kiver  him,  which  thay  had 
taken  from  him  when  thay  furst  tuck  him  prisenner  and  thay  mad 
him  Ly  down  between  the  two  white  men  Botch  and  Wempell. 
The  Deponant  farther  Saeth  that  he  inquired  of  sad  Wempell 
whare  thay  came  from,  &  how  many  thay  ware,  to  which  he 
answered  from  Canady  and  thate  thay  ware  sprad  all  over. 

And  the  Deponant  [saith]  that  the  Enimy  asked  him  if  he  had 
hard  of  any  partyes  of  Indens  on  the  fruntears,  and  whether 
thare  was  not  ane  Expaditison  going  on  aganst  Canady  last  win- 
ter, and  whether  he,  the  Deponant,  had  not  a  Commison  among 
the  Rebles;  and  farther  that  one  of  the  white  men  told  him  that 
the  Indens  belonged  to  Fort  Hunter  and  that  the  Capts.  name 
is  John;  &  he  farther  Saeth,  about  midnight  as  he  suposeth,  find- 
ing that  the  enimy  ware  all  aslepe,  he  got  up  very  softly  and 
moved  very  sloly  for  sum  distance,  and  then  got  of  his  pinyon 
and  ascaped  as  fast  as  the  darkness  of  the  night  would  parmit, 
and  arived  at  home  this  morning,  and  farther  Saeth  not. 

Sworn  befor  me  Wm.  Harper  Justice. 


TESTIMONY  OF  ANDREAS  RODINGBURG. 

The  Examenation  of  Andres  Rodingburg*  taken  before  Wil- 
liam Harper  one  of  the  Justices  for  Tryon  County :  Sad  Roding- 
burg,  was  at  Albany  bush  the  11  instant;  that  on  his  return 
home  as  his  hors  was  Drinking  in  the  Bruck  betwean  Fort  Johns- 
ton and  the  Hows  of  Colonall  Gloss  [Glaus]  he  was  taken  pres- 
oner;  that  Albart  Vather,  Samawell  Kenady,  a  young  man  from 
Sconackendy,  and  a  man  from  the  Nose  or  thare  about,  was 

*See  page  736. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  717 

prisoners  at  the  same  time;  the  party  Consisted  of  ten  Indens 
and  two  white  men;  one  of  the  white  men  was  John  Rotch 
and  the  other  Barnet  Wempell;  thay  inquired  whoo  Lived 
in  Coin.  Glosses  hows,  and  if  thay  war  at  home,  and  how  thay 
war  armed;  the  party  was  Commanded  by  Catreans  John  of 
Fort  Hunter;  thar  was  also  one  Peter  a  Inden,  with  one  hand; 
after  John  the  Inden,  who  Commanded  the  party,  had  thretened 
sad  Rodingburg  with  his  hatchet  over  his  hade  to  kepe  the  mater 
sacret  for  three  or  for  dayes  thar  to,  he  let  him  go. 
Swor  before  me  this  12  of  Aprile,  1779. 

Wm.  Harper,  Justice. 


[No.  2211.] 
Commissary  Cuyler  Urges  the  Seizure  of  Wheat  in  Albany  County. 

Albany  12th  April  1779. 

Sir:  I  have  reason  to  believe  from  good  information,  that 
Several  persons  in  Tryon  County  and  some  at  Schoharie,  are  Still 
possessed  of  some  new  wheat,  and  who  are  endeavouring  to  hold  it 
privately  after  all  our  application;  they  are  in  Expectation  I 
understand  to  Sell  for  hard  money,  which  perhaps  they  may  now 
soon  have  an  opportunity  to  those  who  are  buying  for  Col.  Robert 
Van  Renselear,  who  I  understand,  has  got  a  permit  to  purchase 
a  Certain  quantity;  if  he  gives  hard  money,  those  who  buy  for 
the  army  cannot  pretend  to  buy  any  till  he  is  supplied.  I  under- 
stand, Sir,  that  the  legislature  have  passed  a  law  at  their  last 
Session,  by  which  your  Excellency  with  the  advice  of  some  of 
its  members,  can  grant  warrants  to  impress  wheat  and  flour  of 
the  growth  of  1778.  I  could  wish  that  proper  persons  were  ap- 
pointed for  the  purpose.  The  Service  stands  in  great  need  of  it. 
If  proper  persons  were  appointed  for  Tryon  County  &  Schoharie, 
I  am  in  hopes  they  wou'd  procure  a  Supply  for  the  troops  Can- 


718  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

toned  in  that  Country,  which  otherwise  must  be  brought  from 
the  lower  Part  of  this  County,  at  a  great  Expence  &c.  I  am, 
Sir,  with  respect  your  most  obt.  Servant 

Jacob  Cuyler,  D.  C.  G.  P. 
His  Excellency  George  Clinton. 


[No.  2212.] 

Governor  Clinton  Permits  Sheriff  Nicoll  to  Show  Leniency  to  Thomas 
Bull,  a  Sick  Prisoner. 

Goshen  April  13th  1779. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency;  Mrs.  Bull  wife  of  Thomas  Bull, 
Requested  of  Me  for  Liberty  for  her  husband,  to  take  a  Rume 
In  the  Township  of  Goshen,  as  he  is  in  a  pure  State  of  helth, 
the  Goal  Much  Crouded  and  the  Blody  Flux  amongst  the 
prisoners.  I  let  hur  know,  that  without  an  order  from  your  Ex- 
cellency, I  Could  not  give  any  such  Liberty;  last  Night  She  Caled 
again,  and  Let  me  know  that  She  had  wated  on  your  Excellency 
and  that  you  Told  hur  that  if  I  thought  it  Necessary,  you  would 
Grant  that  Liberty.  I  Can  Certyfy  that  Mr.  Bull  is  in  a  Pure 
State  of  health  and  has  bin  Confined  to  his  bed  a  Considerable 
part  of  the  Time  Since  he  has  bin  Confined  heare,  and  that  it 
tis  and  oncumfortable  place  for  any  Sick  person  to  be  in. 

Since  Matthew  Dolson  has  made  those  Discoveryes  in  New- 
boroug  precienct,  I  have  not  Confined  him  in  Goal  but  in  a  house. 
I  Should  be  glad  to  know  your  Excellency  pleashure  Conserning 
him  and  Ryan  under  Sentance  of  Death.  Mrs.  Mathews  has  had 
a  Sevear  Turn  of  the  Blody  Flux  in  Goal  and  hur  Husband  now 
has  it.  I  am,  Your  Excellency  Most  Obediant  Humble  Servent. 

Isaac  Nicoll. 
To  George  Clinton  Esqr.  Governor  of  the  State  of  New  York  &c. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  719 

Poughkeepsie  15th  Apl.  1779. 

Sir,  If  there  is  an  Infectious  Distemper  in  Goal  that  renders 
it  necessary  (to  prevent  it  spreading  among  the  Prisoners)  to 
confine  Bull  in  some  other  Place  in  Town,  I  have  no  Objection 
to  it,  provided  you  will  be  answerable  for  his  safety  &  Conduct, 
but  as  an  Indulgence  of  this  Kind  may  prevent  his  endeavouring 
to  have  himself  Exchanged  is  not  to  be  continued  longer  than 
the  State  of  Goal  renders  it  absolutely  necessary. 

When  your  next  Court  of  Oyer  &  Terminer  sits  you  will  have 
my  final  orders  respecting  Kyan  &  Dolson.  I  am  with  great 

Regard  yours 

[G.  0.] 
Colo.  Nicoll. 


[No.  2213.] 
Clothing  Accounts. 

Philadelphia  April  13th  1779. 

Sir,  I  am  directed  by  the  Honourable  Board  of  War  to  transmit 
to  your  Excellency  the  enclosed  Resolve*  of  Congress,  and  to  de- 

*"  The  board  of  war  having  represented  that  application  has  been  made  to  the  board 
for  arrearages  of  clothing  due  to  two  regiments  for  the  year  1777,  and  that  other  regi- 
ments in  the  service  have  similar  demands,  which  ought  to  be  adjusted  and  paid  with 
all  the  dispatch  compatible  with  the  prevention  of  frauds  to  the  United  States: 

Resolved,  That  a  proper  person  be  forthwith  appointed  and  commissioned  to  settle  and 
pay  all  accounts  of  arrearages  of  clothing  due  to  the  troops  of  these  states  for  the  year 
1777:  j| 

That  this  commissioner  be  authorized  to  call  on  the  clothier-general  and  his  deputies, 
for  immediate  and  exact  returns  of  all  clothing  by  them  issued  for  the  year  1777,  shew- 
ing at  what  times,  to  whom,  and  for  whose  use  the  same  was  issued;  which  returns  the 
clothier-general  and  his  deputies  are  directed  to  make  accordingly.  The  clothiers  In  the 
several  states  are  also  desired  to  make  to  the  said  commissioner  similar  returns  of  all 
the  clothing  by  them  issued  for  that  year,  on  account  of  the  United  States;  and  the 
governments  of  the  states  respectively  are  requested  to  give  the  orders  and  assistance 
necessary  for  this  end.  And  all  officers  of  the  army  who  have  received  clothing  for  the 
troops,  either  of  any  continental  or  state  clothier,  or  by  purchase  or  impressment,  are 
directed  to  render  to  the  commissioner  aforesaid  a  return  of  the  same,  and  account  with 
him  for  their  due  application: 

'That'  the  commander  in  chief,  and  officers  commanding  at  any  separate  posts,  do 
forthwith  cause  the  captains  and  officers  commanding  companies,  In  the  troops  under 
their  immediate  commands,  to  make  out  the  accounts  of  their  respective  companies, 
specifying  the  names  of  the  claimants  still  in  the  service,  where  they  are,  what  they 
have  received,  and  what  is  still  due;  these  points  in  cases  of  doubt  to  be  ascertained 
by  a  particular  enquiry  of  the  officers,  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates  of  each 
company.  The  accounts  thus  formed  and  ascertained,  shall  be  delivered  to  the  regl- 


720  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

sire  you  to  give  the  necessary  orders  to  the  Clothiers  and  other 
Persons  in  the  State  of  New  York,  who  have  supplyd  Cloathing 
to  any  of  the  Continental  Troops  for  the  [year]  1777,  on  account 
of  the  United  States,  that  they  make  Returns  of  the  same,  accord- 
ing to  the  Resolve. 

Have  also  to  request  that  the  Returns  may  be  sent  to  me  at 
Camp,  directed  to  the  Care  of  Royal  Flint  Esqr.  Assistant  Com- 
missary General  at  Head  Quarters. 

Permit  me  with  all  due  submission  to  urge,  that  the  Returns 
may  be  forwarded  with  all  possible  dispatch,  as  the  Payment  of 
arrearages  due  to  the  Troops,  on  Cloathing  Bounty  acct.,  for  the 

mental  pay-masters,  who  shall  draw  them  into  a  general  one,  and  settle  the  same  with 
the  commissioner  aforesaid,  and  the  commissioner  shall  certify  the  sums  due  on  such 
accounts,  and  to  whom;  whereupon  warrants  shall  be  issued  for  payment,  in  like  man- 
ner as  for  the  monthly  pay  of  the  troops : 

That  the  said  regimental  pay-masters  pay  the  arrearages  aforesaid  to  the  non-com- 
missioned officers  and  soldiers  themselves,  or  their  representatives,  to  whom  they  are 
due;  and  account  with  the  commissioner  aforesaid  for  the  monies  they  received  for  that 
use,  producing  the  receipts  of  the  non-commissioned  officers  and  soldiers,  or  their 
representatives,  as  vouchers.  And  if  upon  such  accounting,  there  shall  appear  to  be 
monies  in  any  pay-master's  hands,  received  for  non-commissioned  officers  and  soldier* 
who  afterwards  died  or  deserted,  the  said  commissioner  shall  certify  the  same  to  the 
pay-master-general,  or  his  deputy  at  the  post  where  the  regiment  of  such  pay-master 
is  stationed,  to  whom  he  shall  pay  over  all  such  monies  remaining  in  his  hands: 

That  all  non-commissioned  officers  and  soldiers  entitled  to  the  continental  bounty  of 
clothing,  who  served  in  the  year  1777,  but  are  not  now  in  the  service,  and  their  repre- 
sentatives in  case  of  death,  shall  also  receive  the  arrearages  due  for  such  clothing:  pro- 
vided they  produce  or  transmit  to  the  commissioner  aforesaid  accounts  thereof,  properly 
authenticated  by  the  certificates  of  the  officers  under  whom  they  immediately  served 
or  other  sufficient  evidence.  And  the  said  commissioner,  being  satisfied  therewith,  shall 
certify  the  sums  due  on  those  accounts;  whereupon  warrants  shall  issue  as  aforesaid 
for  payment: 

That  as  in  the  course  of  this  enquiry  it  may  appear,  that  the  clothing  issued  to  divert 
non-commissioned  officers  and  soldiers  for  the  year  1777,  exceeds  the  bounty  allowed  by 
Congress,  the  regimental  pay-masters  shall  enter  the  names  of  such  in  two  separate 
rolls,  for  the  inspection  of  the  commissioner  aforesaid,  who  shall  transmit  one  of  them 
to  the  pay-master-general,  or  his  deputy  at  the  post  where  the  regiments  may  happen 
to  be,  and  the  other  to  the  commanding-officers  of  the  regiments  to  which  such  non- 
commissioned officers  and  soldiers  belong,  who  shall  thereupon  be  put  under  stoppages 
by  order  of  such  commanding-officers,  to  the  amount  of  the  surplusages  of  the  allowed 
bounty;  for  which  the  regimental  pay-masters  shall  account  with  the  pay-master-general 
or  his  deputy  aforesaid,  upon  every  application  for  the  regiment's  monthly  pay: 

That  the  said  commissioner  be  permitted  to  employ  one  or  more  clerk  or  clerks,  to 
assist  him  in  executing  the  commission  aforesaid,  as  the  business  shall  require: 

That  the  said  commissioner  be  allowed,  while  in  actual  service,  the  same  pay  and 
subsistence  as  an  auditor  of  the  army;  and  that  he  be  appointed  by  and  accountable 
to  the  board  of  war,  and  continue  in  office  so  long  only  as  they  shall  think  proper;  and 
that  his  clerk,  if  the  board  of  war  shall  deem  it  to  be  necessary  he  should  be  allowed 
one,  have  the  same  pay  and  subsistence  as  is  granted  to  a  clerk  of  an  auditor  of 
accounts  in  the  army." 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


721 


year  1777,  too  long  delay'd  already,  must  be  tottally  Suspended, 
untill  the  Returns  in  Question  can  be  Collected.  I  am,  Sir,  your 
very  obedient  Servant, 

Ralph  Pomeroy,  Commissioner  of  Cloathing  Accounts. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


James  Ramsey, 
Thomas  Ramsey, 
James  Campbell, 


Nomber  la 
Eich  famely 


[No.  2214.] 

Lists  of  Sufferers  in  Tryon  County. 

Return  of  the  Distressed  Inhabitants  who  have  sufred  By  the 
Enemy  the  Last  Summar  in  Conejohere  Destrect,  in  the  County 
of  Tryon,  and  State  of  New  York. 

Chirry  Valley. 

HEADS  OF  FAMELES 

Rev'nd  Saml.  Dunlap, 
Saml.  Campbell,  Coll. 
Saml.  Clyde, 
Nathenel  Hamel, 
Jarimiah  Backen, 
Asariah  Holobord, 
William  Dixon, 
William  Gait, 
James  Scott, 
James  Willson, 
Samuel  Ferguson, 
Saml.  Warfield, 
Jane  McClellen, 
John  Campbell,  Jun'r, 


2 
2 

11 
4 

-  8 
1 
9 
9 
6 
8 
1 
3 
6 
9 
3 
2 
9 


46 


722  PUBLIC  PAI-EKS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Nomber  In 
HEADS  OP  FAMELBS  Bich  tamely 

John  Campbell,  Sen'r,  6 

Daniel  Ogden,  7 

Rev'nd  William  Johnston,  10 

James  Moor,  3 

James  McCollom,  3 

William  McConnal,  3 

William  Thompson,  12 

John  Foster,  6 

Abegill  Winston,  4 

Alex'dr  McCollom,  8 

Hugh  Mitchal,  3 

John  Thompson,  6 


Total  164 

Saml.  Clyde,  Lt.  Coll. 
Canejohery,  Aprl.  ye  13th  1779. 

The  above  Menchonad  Persons  heve  Lost  all  there  houses, 
Barns,  Green  Cattel,  Cloos,  and  mony  Except  John  Campbell, 
Jun'r.,  who  got  all  his  Stock  Seved. 


Return  of  Springfield,  that  was  Destroyed  By  the  Enemy  Last 
Summer,  in  Conejohere  Destrict,  Tryon  County  Aprl.  ye  13  1779. 

Nomb'r  In 
HEADS  OF  FAMELES  Eicb  famely 

George  Canouts,  8 

Isaec  Coller,  5 

William  Staneel,  9 

George  Mayer,  5 

Conrad  Picket,  10 

Herrey  Bratt,  7 

Devett  Teygert,  4 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.        723 

Nomb'r  in 

HEADS  OF  FAMELBS  Eich  famely 

Adolph  Wallrat,  4 

Isaec  Quack,  4 

John  Spallsbere,  6 

Josiah  Heeth,  5 

Henery  Deygert,  5 

George  Bush,                         *  4 

the  wedo  Davis,  4 


Total  80 


Return  of  Woonded  Men  in  Canejohery  Destrect  that  is  not 
abel  to  help  them  Sellves. 

Capt'n  James  Scott,  Jacob  Right,  Beral  Sparkes,  John  Picket. 

The  above  Menchoned  Inhabitants  of  Springfield  Lost  all  there 
Personal  Property,  Except  there  Clothing;  there  Buldings  was 
all  Burnt,  and  there  Cattel  allmos  Drove  of,  and  there  Green  and 
hay,  they  were  not  abel  to  Cutt. 


[No.  2215.] 

Johannes    Ball   Recommended    to    Distribute    the   Relief   for    the 
Cobleskill  Sufferers. 

Schoharry  April  14th  1779. 

D'r  Sir,  I  Rec'd  your  Letter  of  30th  of  March  desiring  a  Return 
of  the  sufferers  at  Cobus  Kill,  which  I  have  made  as  near  as  pos- 
sible. I  thought  it  unnecessary  to  remark  the  wounded,  as  there 
were  only  three  &  those  not  in  the  Least  Disabled:  You  Like- 
wise Mentiond  that  I  was  to  recommend  a  Proper  person  to  Dis- 
tribute the  Donation  among  the  Respective  Inhabitants.  I,  there- 
fore, Recommend  Mr.  Johannes  Ball,  who,  I  think,  a  proper  & 


724  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Judicious  person  for  that  purpose.    The  Return  here  Inclos'd  is 
an  Exact  Return  of  the  Sufferers.    I  am  D'r  sir,  with  Respect, 

Your  very  Hum'e  Serv't 

Peter  Vroman. 
Stephen  Lush  Esqr.  A.  D.  C.  to  Gov'r  Clinton. 


[No.  2216.] 
THE  ORIGINAL  SIXTEEN  TO  ONE. 

Major  Lush  Replies  to  His  Chief  in  Regard  to  the  Distribution  of 
Supplies  Among  the  Frontier  Sufferers. 

Albany  15th  April  1779. 

Much  respected  Sir,  Immediately  upon  the  Receipt  of  your 
Excellency's  Letter  of  the  llth  Instant*  (dated  by  Mistake  the 
llth  March)  I  waited  upon  Genl.  Ten  Broeck  and  he  has  this 
Morning  sent  off  by  Express  his  general  Return. 

I  wrote  a  few  Days  ago  to  Colo.  Benson  by  Mr.  Ab'm  P.  Lott 
informing  him  that  I  had  by  Letters  requested  of  Colos.  Bellinger, 
Fisher  &  Clyde  of  Tryon,  &  Colo.  Vrooman  of  Schohary,  Returns 
of  the  Persons,  objects  of  the  Law  granting  three  thousand 
Pounds  for  the  Relief  of  the  Sufferers  on  the  Frontiers,  incapable 
of  gaining  a  Livelihood.  I  have  not  yet  received  the  answers  of 
those  Gentlemen  but  daily  expect  them. 

Agreable  to  your  Excellency's  Directionsf  I  applied  to  the 
County  Treasurer  for  £2250  for  the  above  Purposes;  he  informed 
me  all  the  Money  in  his  Treasury  was  of  the  two  Emissions  called 
out  of  Circulation  by  Congress.  I  then  waited  upon  Mr.  Cuyler 
who  has  agreed  to  supply  me  with  the  Money.  This  Morning  I 
consulted  with  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Taylor  &  Mr. 
Gansevoort  as  to  the  Persons  most  proper  for  distributing  it;. 

*See  page  709. 

tFor  Governor  Clinton's  reply,  see  page  731. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  725 

they  recommended  Colo.  Vrooman  of  Schoharry  for  Cobus  Kill, 
but  think  it  adviseable  to  wait  for  his  Return,  and  they  further 
advised  me  to  write  to  Major  Fonda  &  request  him  to  consult  with 
the  other  Members  of  Tryon  County  as  to  the  Persons  most 
proper  to  be  appointed  for  this  Business.  I  have  accordingly 
wrote  to  him  on  the  Subject  &  pressed  his  earliest  attention  and 
immediate  answer.  As  the  Sum  to  be  distributed  will  support 
the  sufferers  but  a  short  Space  of  Time,  Gen.  Ten  Broeck  and  the 
Other  Gentlemen  are  of  Opinion  it  ought  to  be  divided  among 
them  according  to  their  respective  wants,  but  wish  to  know 
whether  the  Persons  who  garrison  Fort  Planck  (and  their 
Families)  and  who  agreable  to  Resolutions  of  both  Houses  still 
draw  Provisions  from  the  Continental  Stores,  are  included  within 
the  act. 

As  soon  as  I  draw  the  Money  from  Mr.  Cuyler  I  shall  write  to 
your  Excellency. 

Doct'r  McCrea  informs  me  that  he  has  given  the  Map  men- 
tioned in  your  Excellency's  Letter  to  Colo.  Hay,  D'y  Qu'r  Mr. 
Genl.  Fish  Kill;  that  it  was  drawn  by  Guy  Johnson  and  he  thinks 
the  western  Parts  of  this  State  are  laid  down  from  actual  Sur- 
veys. 

A  few  days  ago  a  scout  consisting  of  two  Indians  &  6  whites 
from  Canada,  took  off  five  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Tryon  County 
living  near  Johnstown;  one  of  them  made  his  Escape  and  says 
there  are  more  scouts  out  upon  the  same  Errand.  Lt.  Colo.  Wil- 
lett  passed  this  Place  on  his  way  to  Fort  Schuyler  but  about 
twenty  Minutes  before  the  Inhabitants  were  taken  off. 

I  would  wish  to  apologize  to  your  Excellency  for  the  Marks  of 
Haste  appearing  in  this  Letter.  The  Express  who  carries  it  goes 
off  Tomorrow  morning  early. 


726  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Perhaps  it  may  not  be  improper  to  mention  to  your  Excellency, 
that  the  People  murmur  and  blame  our  Legislature  at  the  raising 
the  Price  of  Flour  to  sixteen  Pounds;  the  Farmers  I  am  informed 
in  Consequence  of  it  have  made  the  Difference  between  Hard 
Money  &  Continental  as  16  to  one — 16  Dollars  or  one  for  a  Bushel 
of  wheat.  Taxes  are  nevertheless  paid  with  great  Keluctance; 
and  if  Congress  had  not  called  the  two  Emissions  out  of  Circula- 
tion I  imagine  the  Collectors  would  have  found  it  difficult  to  per- 
form the  Duties  of  their  Office. 

With  my  best  Respects  to  Mrs.  Clinton  &  Family,  I  am,  Sir, 
with  the  highest  Deference  and  Esteem,  Your  Excellency's  most 

obed't  ser't, 

Stephen  Lush. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  2217.] 

Jelles  Fonda  Calls  for  Troops  to  Protect  Try  on  County  from  Another 

Indian  Foray. 

Tryon  County  at  Cachnewago  15th  Apl.  1779. 

Honned  Sir,  I  Sapose  you  have  Before  this  Been  Informed 
that  the  Enemy,  Indians  and  Toryes,  have  Killed  two  men  and 
Taken  four  Preseners  at  Sacondago,  about  Eighteen  miles  to  the 
norward  of  me;  and  also  Tuck  five  Preseners  Below  fort  Johnson 
Last  Sunday  nune;  theay  had,  By  wat  we  Can  lern,  about  Sixty 
men  who  was  Divided  in  three  Partys;  this  is  wat  I  Expected,  as 
I  have  wrote  to  you  Sum  thime  ago,  and  By  the  Deferent  ac- 
counts I  have,  theay  will  Continue  and  Breack  up  all  [the]  Set- 
tlements in  Tryon  County  if  not  Prevented. 

For  God  Sake,  Do  all  you  Can  to  Send  our  Trupes  up  to  our 
Relefe;  we  Sertenly  live  in  Danger.  The  molise  [militia]  have 
Been  in  arms  Sence  last  Sunday  and  are  yet;  the  Enemy  Come 
from  Caneda,  Sum  By  the  way  of  Crown  Pinte  and  Sum  all  the 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  727 

way  True  the  woods  so.    I  Remane,  with  my  Kinde  wishes  for 

you,  Your  most  Humble  Serv't, 

Jelles  Fonda. 
To  George  Clinton,  Esqr.  Governer.* 

[No.  2218.] 
ABRAHAM  BININGER'S  ACCUSATION. 

In  Effect  that  the  Commissioners   of  Sequestration  have  Robbed 
Him — A  List  of  Goods  Stolen. 

To  his  Excelency  Govenor  Clenton  Esqr. 

The  petition  of  Abraham  Bininger,  freeholder  of  Cambden. 
humbly  shued,  That  your  petitioner  is  from  Switzerland,  Canton 
Zurich,  Setteld  here  on  the  Land  of  Mr.  Jeames  Duane,  Esqr.,  of 
N.  York.  I  have  to  the  best  of  my  knowlege  Tow  Sons  fighting 
under  Genl.  Washington's  Banner,  if  alive,  and  one  Son  near 
Three  years,  Clarke  in  Canada.  I  never  was  in  the  Enemies 
Camp,  or  any  way  assistded  them  yet.  Left  John  Barns,  Capt. 
Allex'dr  McNute,  of  New  Perth,  and  Ensen  John  McLong  of 
Cambrige,  have  Robed  me  at  diferent  Times  of  Goods  worth  near 
Three  hundert  poud,  in  Day  Time  with  an  Armed  Scout.  Your 
petitinor,  aged  60  years,  my  wife  about  57,  is  now  destitud  of 
ouer  Children,  and  Robt  of  ouer  property,  have  bin  nigh  2  year, 
in  very  Great  distress,  unable  to  persue  the  said  Robers  at  Law, 
McLong  and  McNute,  aforesaid  being  Commess's  of  Con- 
spiraceys.  May  it,  therefore,  please  your  Excelency,  who  is  by 
Nature  and  high  Office,  the  defender  of  the  Injurd  and  oppresed, 
to  direct  your  petitinor  how  to  be  Relivt,  and  send  such  advice  by 
the  worthy  Lt.  Colonel  Blare,  It  will  be  a  Great  act  of  Charity 
and  Compasion,  don  to  your  distitude  and  humble  petitinor. 

Abraham  Bininger. 
Cambden  Apil  16,  1779. 

•For  Governor  Clinton's  reply,  see  page  759. 


728  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

The  inclost  is  a  Last  of  Goods  taken  from  me,  and  now  the  said 
Robers  and  there  party  detain  my  property,  and  threaten  to  drive 
all  dos  [those]  they  have  robt,  in  to  the  Enemis  Lins,  under  the 
predended  Name  of  Torys,  to  prevent  ouer  pursuing  them  at  Law. 

THE  ARTICLES  STOLEN. 

Charlotte  County  Cambden. 

1777  in  the  Month  of  July.  Abraham  Bininger  had  the  follow- 
ing heads  of  Cattle  taken  from  him,  by  Order  of  Capt.  Joseph 
M'Craken  and  by  order  of  Generall  Schouylor  as  the  told  me: 

Viz:  A  yok  of  young  Stiers  in  there  4th  year;  Two  hifers  2 
years  old.  The  12  of  Sept.  the  same  year  Leftanad  Jn.  Barns, 
Jeames  More  his  Son  Jeames,  one  Ramage,  old  Alex'r  M'Nite 
and  his  Son,  young  Rowin  a  weafer,  from  New  Perth,  Ensign 
John  M'Long  and  Wealls,  from  Cambridge  with  some  more  of 
there  Companians  took  the  folloing  Goods  after  the  had,  in  my 
absence,  broke  oppen  a  good  Doble  Lock  of  the  House  door,  then 
a  Jest  well  Lockt,  a  Jest  of  Trawers  well  Lockt.  The  Robt  me  of 
the  following  goods;  the  told  me  the  had  leave  of  Gen.  Starks: 

Mens  Clothing,  A  good  brod  Cloth  cotte,  collor  Bown,  ditto  a 
weastcott,  blow;  a  new  pr.  of  Blush  breeches,  Black,  ditto  a  Good 
pr.  buck  Skin  Breech;  a  whit  corded  Jacked  good,  a  Stript  blue 
and  white  weastcotte,  good,  a  pr.  of  Jake  Trowsers,  Three  Nak- 
laces,  good.  Tow  pr.  of  thread  Stokins. 

Close  the  took  from  my  Tow  Sons:  a  suite  of  Brod  Cloth  cotte 
w't  cotte  and  Breeches,  collor  Brown,  ditto  a  blue  Brod  Cloth 
cotte  Good,  a  new  beaver  hate,  2  Sumer  w't  cotts  good,  ditto  a 
w't  cotte  read  stript,  A  new  pr.  of  Leader  Breeches,  a  darke  brown 
Jacked  new,  a  new  Linnen  Jacked,  Tow  pr.  of  good  Stokins,  a 
New  pr.  of  wousted  Stokins,  a  good  pr.  of  Shoes  ditto  Three  Neck- 
laces. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  729 

Womans  aparell  belonging  to  my  wife:  A  Russel  damaske 
new  rapper,  a  Short  chinze  Gowne,  good,  a  doble  Sattin  Bonnet 
new,  a  Vealwoud  hud,  ditto  a  Silk  Cloke,  Tow  pr.  of  Cloves,  a 
black  Barcalona  Hangertshif  most  new,  ditto  a  Gaws  hangert- 
shif,  ditto  2  read  and  whit  ditto -a  new  Backed  Hang't. 

Linnen  Shirts  and  other  valluable  things. 

Three  holand  shirts  Good,  ditto  a  new  holland  shirt,  ditto  6 
other  Good  Shirts,  Three  fine  hol'd  Shifts,  good,  a  Jake  apron,  a 
pr.  of  new  hol'd  Shietes,  wich  we  Laid  by  for  ouer  Burials,  ditto 
6  other  Shiets,  a  Large  fringe  dyaper  Table  Cloth  in  one  pise, 
ditto  a  smaller  Table  Cloth,  a  pr.  of  Gotten  Mens  Stokins  ribt,  a 
pr.  of  locked  slive  Bottens,  4  yards  of  read  and  whit  spoted  Cam- 
lot  new,  4  yds.  of  new  Cros  bard  Camlot,  a  pise  of  Brown  Brod 
Cloth,  An  Eivery  Fanne,  a  large  Green  Curtain,  4  breaths  bound 
with  yeallow,  a  read  damask  Needl  book,  silk,  ditto  a  damask 
Bocked  Book,  ash  Collor,  ditto  a  read  Leather  backed  Book,  a 
Tine  Box  with  5  or  6  hund'rd  Needles,  a  Scane  of  Sowing  Thread 
w't  about  |  lb.,  about  a  Ib.  of  Stoking  yarn,  difrent  Collor,  2 
yards  of  Flannel  new,  a  £  lb.  of  English  wosted  Black,  about  Six 
Shillings  in  Coppers,  Tow  new  pr.  of  Sissars,  ditto  2  pr.  of  old 
Sissars,  4  penn  knifs,  a  Quire  of  wrinting  paper,  a  parscell  of 
Taps  and  Bindings,  2  Snuf  Boxes,  6  Rows  of  pins,  ditto  more  of 
different  sorts,  Nine  yards  of  new  Flax  Linnen  cut  out  for  Shifts, 
a  Brass  kittle,  a  Copper  Sasband,  2  Quart  Bassons,  a  porringer,  a 
pewter  dis,  a  Tinn  pane,  one  Case  knif,  2  Clasp  knifs,  a  pewter 
Tea  pot,  Nine  Silver  Tea  Spoons,  2  lb.  of  hard  Sope,  a  Large  Rose 
planked,  a  Gold  Ring  taken  of  off  my  wifs  finger  by  one  Backer 
of  Erlington,  a  Good  Cow  about  Six  year  old,  a  yrd.  of  Tow  Lin- 
nen new,  a  hocoback  towell  a  yd.  and  half  long,  ditto  some  coars 
Towels,  one  Eyvry  Comb,  ditto  2  Coars  Combs,  a  New  billow 


730  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Case,  ditto  Three  more  Billow  Casses,  Good,  a  pr.  of  womans 
Gotten  Stokins  good,  6  or  8  Ribbunds,  2  point  Botts  Tinne,  a 
Tinne  Tonnel,  a  phisik  Book,  a  Farriers  Book,  a  Sermon  Book,  a 
wash  Lane  about  8  or  10  fadom  Long,  4  or  5  Ib.  of  Bakken,  4 
Cheeses  whait  about  12  or  14  Ib.,  a  Sampel  or  marking  Cloth 
about  a  foot  Square,  there  was  much  Labour  bestowd  on  it,  a 
side  of  a  round  pinn  Coushen  Needle  work. 

Tottal  vailed  at  that  Time  by  an  Impartial  Gentleman  £267-16- 
10. 

[No.  2219.] 

Returns  of  Captain  Israel  Young's  Troop  of  Horse,  of  the  Enemy's 
Militia,  on  Long  Island. 

A  Return  of  Capt.  Israel  Youngs  Troop  of  Horse,  Apriel  ye  16 
day  1779. 
Capt.  Israel  Youngs,         1  Philip  Youngs,  Clark  1 

Left.  Townsin  Hulett,         Penn  Weekes,  Ser. 

I  Belt  Swivel  & 
Cor.  Eldred  Van  Wyck,    J.  John  Walters,  Ser.       j. 


Qur't  William  McCoon, 


Cut  lash 


Vanaely  Robers,  Ser. 


William  Wright,  Ser.  ] 

Nethaniel  Weekes,  Carbine,  Belts,  Swivel,  &  Cutlash. 

Isaac  Wood, 
Thomas  Place. 

John  Williams,  doto      doto      doto  doto 

Benjamin  Burdsel,  doto      doto      doto 

Isaac  Robenson, 
Stephen  Hendrickson, 
Zebuland  Doty, 
William  Hopkins, 
John  Jones, 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  731 

Daniel  Lotten,  doto.     doto  do  to 

John  Hawhurst,  Miller, 

John  Wright,  doto      doto  doto 

George  Dryee,  doto 

leaac  Burr,  all  wontred,  Rob  by  the  Rebels 

Isaac  Smith,  doto      doto      doto 

Hulcutt  Dryee, 

Adorn  Lefford,  doto      doto      doto 

Jeams  Lefford, 

Titus  Lefford,  doto      doto      doto 

Daniel  Veluanson, 

Jeams  Place,  doto      doto      doto 

Samuel  Burdsell, 

Lemuel  Weekes. 

[No.  2220.] 
Petitions  for  the  Pardon  of  William  Jay  cocks.* 


[No.  2221.] 

The  Governor  Sends  Directions  to  Major  Lush  Relative  to  Supplies 
for  Frontier  Sufferers  and  the  Prices  of  Breadstuffs. 

Poughkeepsie  17th  April  1779. 

Dear  Sir:  Your  Letter  of  the  15th  Instantf  has  this  Moment 
come  to  Hand.  I  waited  till  the  13th  for  Genl.  Ten  Broeck's 
return  but  conceiving  no  Consideration  coud  Justify  a  further 
Delay  in  raising  the  Men  intended  for  the  Defence  of  the  Fron- 
tiers, I  ventured  to  fix  the  Quotas  the  different  Corps  are  to  fur- 
nish from  such  Returns  as  I  had  rec'd  &  my  Orders  are  accord- 


*  Omitted. 
tSee  page  724 


732  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

ingly  issued.  I  have  now,  therefore,  only  to  desire  that  while 
you  continue  in  Albany  you  will  afford  Genl.  Ten  Broeck  such 
assistance  as  you  can  with  Conveniency  to  [in]  expediting  the 
Levies  in  his  Brigade. 

It  is  impossible  for  me  to  give  any  Directions  more  particular 
than  those  contained  in  the  Law  as  to  the  distribution  of  the 
Money  granted  for  the  Relief  of  the  Frontier  Inhabitants  whose 
Property  has  been  destroyed  by  the  Enemy.  It  is  clear  that  those 
who  are  supplied  with  Provissions  by  the  Public  (if  this  is  to  be 
continued  to  them)  are  not  the  Objects  of  the  Law.  The  sum 
granted  I  know  is  very  inadequate.  It  must,  therefore,  be  well 
husbanded  &  no  Part  of  it  be  given  to  any  Person  who  can  by 
any  Means  subsist  without  it.  This  is  the  best  Rule  the  Persons 
appointed  to  this  Business  can  govern  themselves  by. 

I  am  sensible  the  High  Price  of  Wheat  &  Flour  will  be  severely 
felt  by  many  Individuals  &  it  will  of  Course  occassion  them  to 
murmur.  However,  if  they  coud  be  fully  informed  of  the  Reasons 
that  induced  the  fixing  of  the  present  Prices  of  those  Articles 
I  am  perswaded  they  woud  not  condemn  but  approve  the  measure. 
The  Common  Price  of  Wheat  in  Connecticut  Jersey  &  in  every 
other  State  to  the  Southward  [is]  at  least  20  Dollars  pr.  Bushel 
&  Flour  in  Proportion;  at  Boston  Flour  sells  at  £40  lawful  pr.  Ct. 
This  afforded  so  strong  a  Temptation  to  smuggle  &  run  their 
necessary  Articles  out  of  our  State  where  they  did  not  sell  at 
half  the  Price,  notwithstanding  the  Embargo  Law  &  Guards  sent 
to  different  Passes  by  Genl.  McDougal  to  inforce  it.  This  Busi- 
ness was  carried  on  with  such  Success  that  I  am  morally  certain, 
the  army  in  this  State  &  to  the  Eastward  must  have,  in  a  very 
short  Time  disbanded  for  want  of  Bread  &  a  Famine  happened 
among  the  Inhabitants.  The  Temptation  by  raising  the  Price  to 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  733 

what  it  is  &  it  is  now  4  Doll's  beneath  what  the  Law  directs, 
to  wit  the  Average  of  the  Prices  of  N.  Jersey  &  Connecticut, 
has  destroyed  the  Temptation  &  put  &  [an]  End  to  the  exporting 
of  it  out  of  the  State,  &  in  all  probability  will  prevent  the  Price 
raising  higher,  which  I  am  sure  it  woud  had  the  present  Prices 
not  been  fixed.  Mrs.  Clinton  joins  in  Complim'ts  to  your  Mother 

&c.     I  am  yours  Sincerely, 

[G.  0.]~ 
[To  Stephen  Lush.] 

[No.  2222.] 
GOVERNOR  CLINTON  POWERLESS. 

/  nmlling  to  Advise  Frontier  Inhabitants — Advises  Colonel  William 
Harper  to  Bring  Charges  Against  the  Commissioners  of  Con- 
spiracies. 

Poughkeepsie  April  17th  1779. 

Sir,  I  have  received  your  Letters  of  the  16th  Feb'y*  last  & 
12th  Instantt  the  former  I  should  have  answered  before  this  Time 
had  a  convenient  opportunity  offered  &  as  it  treated  principally 
on  the  Subject  of  Sulpher,  concerning  which  I  am  not  authorized 
to  give  any  particular  Directions,  I  conceived  the  Delay  more  im- 
material. 

I  am  exceedingly  sorry  to  hear  of  the  Distresses  of  the  Inhabi- 
tants in  your  Quarter  &  of  the  Danger  they  Experience  from  the 
Enemy.  It  is  impossible  for  me  to  advise  them  whether  it  will  be 
safe  to  continue  on  their  Farms  or  whether  they  had  better  re- 
move their  families  to  the  interior  part  of  the  County.  I  may, 
however,  venture  to  assure  you  that  such  measures  will  be  taken 
as  to  protect  them  ag't  the  Incursions  of  the  Enemy  in  Force,  but 
in  this  Case  they  may  remain  in  some  Measure  exposed  to  the 

•See  page  574. 
-fSee  page  712. 


734  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Depredations  of  small  Parties  from  whom  you  apprehend  most 
Danger.  If  I  should  advise  the  Inhabitants  not  to  remove  &  they 
shoud  thereby  be  influenced  to  continue  on  the  Frontiers.  &  the 
measures  intended  for  their  Defence  prove  unsuccessful  or  inade- 
quate &  they  meet  with  any  Calamity  the  Reflection  would  be 
very  disagreable.  I  have  issued  my  orders  pursu't  to  act  of  the 
Legislature  for  raising  a  body  of  men  from  the  militia  for  the 
Defence  of  the  Frontiers  to  continue  in  Service  until  the  first  of 
Jan'y,  which  I  doubt  not  will  be  executed  without  Delay.  If  I 
could  have  procured  the  Returns  of  the  militia  in  Season,  this 
Business  might  have  already  been  compleated  &  the  Frontiers 
of  Course  in  a  greater  state  of  safety  than  at  present. 

I  am  extreamly  unhappy  to  learn  from  you  that  the  Conduct  of 
the  Commissioners  towards  the  Disafected  is  such  as  to  create 
Suspicions  in  the  Whiggs  &  give  Confidence  to  the  Tories.  Does 
not  their  releasing  those  that  are  apprehended  &  sent  before  them, 
arise  from  a  Neglect  in  furnishing  the  Com'rs  with  the  proper 
Evidence  of  their  Charecters  &  Crimes.  If  this  shoud  be  the 
Case  they  may  not  merrit  Consern,  &  I  woud  recommend,  there- 
fore, that  this  Circumstance  be  inquired  into  &  that  whatever 
Charges  may  after  such  Inquiry  appear  to  be  well  founded  ag't 
the  Com'rs  or  either  of  them,  shoud  be  reduced  to  particulars  & 
with  the  Evidence  to  support  them  transmitted  to  the  Council  of 
Appointment.  I  am,  Sir,  with  great  Respect  &  Regard  your  most 

Obed't  Serv't 

[G.  0.] 
[To  Wm.  Harper.] 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  735 

[No.  2223.] 

General  James  Clinton  Suggests  a  Company  of  Rangers  to  Scout 
the  Schoharie  Valley.  , 

Albany,  April  15th  1779. 

Dear  Brother,  Your  favour  of  the  llth  Instant*  in  answer  to 
mine  of  the  8th  Came  safe  to  hand,  I  Send  you  Inclosed  a  Coppy 
of  an  Examination  of  Andrew  Rodinburght  which  is  all  the  News 
here  at  present  Excepting  several  Roberies  being  Committed  by 
the  Tories  on  the  Whiggs  between  this  place  and  Schoharrie;  the 
Commissioners  of  Conspiracy  was  adviseing  with  me  what 
method  they  should  take  to  put  a  stop  to  it.  A  Company  of 
Rangers  would  be  of  service  to  Range  that  Country,  and  as  there 
is  several  noted  Tories  there,  I  think  they  ought  to  be  Removed 
Either  to  the  Enemy  or  of  the  Frontiers;  they  send  for  your  ad- 
vice. 

If  Doct'r  Tappen  has  bought  any  thing  for  me,  I  wish  he  would 
send  it  up  the  first  good  Opportunity,  Particularly  the  Hat  and 
Cloth  for  my  Coat  which  I  want  very  much.  I  am  Yours,  Af- 
fectionately 

James  Clinton. 

His  Excellency  George  Clinton,  Esqr.,  Governor  of  the  State  of 
New  York,  &c. 

GOVERNOR  CLINTON'S  REPLY. 

Poukeepsie  17th  April  1779. 

Dear  Brother,  I  am  this  Moment  favoured  with  your  Letter  of 
the  15th  Instant.  A  Copy  of  the  Affidavit  &  Account  it  con- 
tained were  transmitted  me  by  Mr.  Harper  &  received  before 
your  Letter  came  to  Hand.  I  am  surprized  that  the  Com'rs  for 
detecting  Conspiracies  &c.  shoud  hezitate  a  Moment  on  the  Prop- 

•See  page  711. 
tSee  page  716. 


736  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

riety  of  removing &confining  the  disafected  Persons  who  reside  on 
the  Western  Frontiers.  Their  Powers  are  perfectly  competent 
for  this  Purpose.  The  very  design  of  their  Appointment  is  to 
secure  the  State  ag't  the  Intrigues  &  Plotts  of  the  disafected  in 
Cases  where  the  ordinary  Magistrate  coud  not  with  propriety  in- 
terfere. I  have  had  frequent  Complaints  from  the  good  Sub- 
jects of  the  Frontier  Settlements  that  many  Persons  notoriously 
disafected  were  suffered  to  continue  among  them.  That  they 

furnished  the  Enemy  with  Provissions  &  Intelligence  &  notwith- 

% 
standing  when  apprehended  &  sent  down  to  the  Com'rs,  were  by 

them  released  &  permitted  some  on  giving  the  most  Triffling  Se- 
curity for  their  future  good  Behavior  to  Return  Home.  To  this 
they  impute  in  some  Measure  the  Distresses  they  have  exper 
ienced  from  the  Savages  &  Tories  who  have  joined  them.  You 
will  please  to  inform  the  Com'rs,  that  it  is  my  Oppinion,  that  they 
should  not  suffer  any  Person  of  whom  there  is  just  Grounds  for 
Suspicion  to  go  at  large  in  or  near  the  Frontier  Settlements  as 
they  [will]  be  able  to  do  greater  Injury  there  than  in  any  other 
Part  of  the  State.  I  have  not  one  Word  of  News.  Yours  &c. 

[G.  0.] 
[To  Gen.  James  Clinton.] 


[No.  2224.] 

President  Jay  Sends  George  Clinton  Two  Acts  of  Congress,  Relating 
to  Persons  Going  Within  the  Enemy's  Lines,  and  to  tJw  Export  of 

Flour. 

Philadelphia  18th  April  1779. 

Sir,    You  will  receive  herewith  inclosed  Copies  of  two  Acts  of 
Congress  of  the  14th  Inst. — one*  to  prevent  Persons  going  within 

*  Whereas  Congress  on  the  21st  day  of  August  last  did  resolve,  that  when  any  persons 
are  desirous  of  going  within  the  enemy's  lines,  they  shall  apply  to  the  executive  powers 
of  the  state  to  which  they  belong,  and  If  the  said  executive  powers  approve  the  motives 
and  characters  of  the  persons  applying,  and  shall  be  of  opinion,  especially  at  so  critical 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  737 

the  Enemy's  Lanes  unless  authorized  in  the  manner  mentioned  in 
it;  The  other*  on  the  Subject  of  permitting  Persons,  under  the 
direction  of  the  Board  of  war  of  Massachusetts-Bay,  (if  authorized 
by  that  State)  to  export  Grain  and  Flour  &ca. 

I  have  the  Honor  to  be  With  Respect  &  Esteem  Your  Excel- 
lency's Most  Obed't  Servant 

John  Jay,  Presid't. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  2225.] 

WilUam  Jayoocks'  Self -Sacrificing  Relatives. 

To  his  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esqr.  Governor  &c.  of  the 
state  of  New  York. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency,  Wee,  Simon  Van  Kleeck,  and 
Cicely  his  wife,  Simon  Leroy  and  Wyntje  his  wife,  Matthew  Van 
Keuren,  Jun'r,  and  Ann  his  wife,  Peter  Lossing  and  Mary  his 
wife,  James  Deering  &  Geertrey  his  wife,  which  wives  are  All 
sisters  of  William  Jaycocksf  now  under  sentence  of  Death,  Hum- 
bly beg  leave  to  crave  your  Excellency's  pardon,  for  him,  on 
account  of  his  youth  and  on  account  of  his  Declarations  when 
he  came  home,  of  his  desire  and  Intention  to  surrender  himself, 

conjunctures  as  the  present,  that  no  danger  will  ensue  by  granting  such  permission, 
that  they  recommend  them  to  the  officer  commanding  the  troops  next  to  the  enemy,  who 
upon  such  recommendation  may  at  his  discretion  permit  the  persons  to  go  In. 

For  the  better  execution  of  the  said  resolution, 

Resolved,  That  any  officer  who  shall  permit  a  person  to  go  within  the  enemy's  lines, 
without  such  recommendation  or  the  orders  of  the  commander  In  chief  or  the  com- 
mander of  a  separate  department,  and  shall  thereof  be  duly  convicted  before  a  court- 
martial,  shall  thereby  forfeit  his  commission. 

*It  being  represented  to  Congress  that  the  general  assembly  of  the  state  of  Massa- 
chusetts-Bay, have  authorized  and  directed  the  board  o-f  war  of  the  said  state  to  pur- 
chase flour  and  grain  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  thereof,  who  are  greatly  distressed 
by  the  want  of  bread: 

Resolved,  That  it  be  and  hereby  is  recommended  to  the  executive  powers  of  the  states 
of  Virginia,  Maryland,  Delaware,  Pennsylvania,  New-Jersey  and  New- York,  to  permit 
the  exportation  of  such  flour  and  grain  as  has  been  or  may  be  purchased  within  the 
said  states  respectively,  under  the  direction  of  the  said  board  of  war  If  authorized  aa 
aforesaid. 

tSee  page  740  et  seq. 

47 


738  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

to  the  mercy  of  his  Country,  and  that  the  principal  evidence 
against  him  is  far  from  being  credible  and  are  so  well  satisfied 
and  convinced  of  his  intention  of  behaving  in  future  as  a  good 
subject,  that  if  your  Excellency  shall  vouchsafe  to  grant  our 
request  wee  are  willing  to  be  bound,  to  the  full  value  of  our 
estates,  for  his  good  behavior  during  the  war,  or  for  so  long  a 
time,  as  shall  be  tho't  proper  and  that  he  shall  be  confined  to  this 
precinct,  or  even  within  the  bounds  and  limits  of  his  farm,  wee 
are  your  Excellency's  most  Obedient  and  most  humble  Servants 
Simon  Van  Kleeck,  Siseeley  Van  Kleeck,  Simon  Leroy,  Wyntje 
Leroy,  Matthew  Van  Keuren,  Jun'r,  Hanna  Van  Keuren,  Peter 
Losing,  Mary  Losing,  James  Dearin,  Gitry  Dearin,  Bengemen 
his  X  mark  Jacocks,  Isaac  P.  Lauson,  Andrews  Lawsen. 
April  19th  1779. 


[No.  2226.] 
STEUBEN'S  IDEAS  OF  THE  MILITIA. 

Submits  His  System  of  Organisation  to  Governor  Clinton  for  His 

Judgment. 

Sir;  The  reason  which  has  determined  Swizzerland  as  well  as 
other  Republiks  of  Europe  to  place  their  Security  in  a  militia 
capable  of  Supporting  their  Independency,  is  the  want  of  the 
necessary  means  to  maintain  a  Standing  army.  This  reason  hath 
a  much  greater  weight  in  the  United  'States,  where  it  would  be 
impossible  to  keep  up  armies  numerous  enough  to  defend  so  ex- 
tensive a  Country  from  every  Hostile  invasion;  Especially  when 
the  naval  force  of  our  Enemies  is  so  much  Superior  to  ours. 

It  is  then  in  our  militias  that  we  must  find  the  real  Strength, 
which  we  are  to  oppose  to  that  of  Great  Britain;  and  these  are 
indeed  the  most  respectable  forces,  which  consist  of  brave  Citi- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  739 

zens  who  animated  by  the  noblest  motives,  defend  their  country 
and  their  Liberty.  Our  Business  is  then,  now  to  find  out  the 
means  of  rendering  that  militia  capable  to  supply  the  Want  of 
a  well  regulated  standing  army,  at  least  as  much  as  lies  in  our 
Power. 

These  means  should  be  Simple  uniformity  in  the  formation, 
in  the  march,  and  in  the  motions  of  the  Troops,  and  the  keeping 
them  together  in  order,  are  the  most  Essential  points. 

In  the  Composition  of  the  first  part  of  the  regulations  which 
have  been  just  published;  I  have  established  general  principles 
as  easy  and  convenient  for  our  Regiments  of  militia  as  for  the 
Continental  army,  putting  aside  the  manual  Exercise  which  I 
look  on  in  Some  part  as  superfluous.  The  rest  may  be  intro- 
duced without  the  least  difficulty,  and  the  greatest  advantage 
will  result,  when  a  Body  of  militia  will  join  the  army,  as  well 
as  when  it  will  act  Separately. 

I  am  induced  by  this  reason  to  address  a  copy  of  these  regu- 
lations to  your  Excellency,  and  Submit  them  to  your  Judgment, 
and  in  case  you  are  of  opinion  that  these  Rules,  actually  intro- 
duced in  our  army  may  Serve  for  the  militia  of  your  state.  I 
have  not  only  engaged  with  the  Continental  Board  of  war,  to 
keep  copies  of  them  in  readiness  for  the  Legislatures  of  the 
Several  States  who  will  demand  them,  but  I  expect  only  your 
orders  to  request  of  the  Commander  in  Chief,  to  Send  you  an 
officer  capable  of  introducing  them  and  giving  the  necessary  Ex- 
planations. I  have  the  honor  to  be  With  great  Respect,  Sir 
Your  Excellency's  Most  Obedient  and  very  Humble  Servant. 

Steuben,  Maj.  General. 
Philadelphia  April  20th  1779. 

His  Excellency  G.  Clinton  Esq're  Gov'r  of  New  York. 


740  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLIXTON. 

[Nos.  2227,  2228,  2229.] 
THE  JAYCOCKS  CASE. 

The  Culprit  Appeals  for  a  Respite — The  Governor  Refuses  to 
Interfere — 'Correspondence  icith  the  Reverend  Isaak  Rysdyk. 

To  his  Excellency  George  Clinton,  Esqr.,  Governor  and 
Comm'dr  In  Chief  of  the  State  of  New  York. 

The  Petition  of  Will'm  Jaycock,  Sheweth,  That  your  Languish- 
ing Prison'r,  most  Humbly  begs  of  your  Excellency  to  take  his 
unhapy  condition  into  your  mature  Consideration,  and  give  him 
a  respite  of  time  for  a  Week  or  ten  days;  for  I  think  that  the 
time  that  was  Allow'd  me  by  the  Judge,  is  two  Short,  for  I  am 
not  Reconciled  within  my  Self  that  I  am  yet  fit  to  Leave  this 
world.  And  I  hope,  that  I  may  repent  of  All  my  transactions 
that  I  have  Commited  in  this  Transitory  Life,  in  hopes  that  I  may 
true  a  thorough  Repentance  be  received  into  eternal  Joy  and 
permanent  felicity  in  the  next.  Your  Excellency,  granting  as 
Above  Begs  As  in  Duty  bound  your  Petition'r  shall  ever  pray. 

Will'in  Jaycocks. 
Poughkeepsie  April  20th  1779. 


THE  REVEREND  MR.  RYSDYK'S  APPEAL. 
May  it  please  yr.  Excellency. 

S'r,  I  have  been  very  earnestly  entreated  by  James  Livingston, 
Esq.,  &  ye  friends  of  Mr.  Jacocks,  one  of  the  prisoners  con- 
demned, to  attend  him  during  these  awful  moments  in  his  pre- 
paration for  another  world,  and  would  have  complyed  with  their 
reasonable  Request  with  all  Readiness,  but  having  been  hindered 
to  day  in  the  performance  of  this  pastoral  duty,  as  will  be  ye 
case  doubtless  also  to  morrow  by  insourmountable  Obstacles  in 
my  family,  I  cannot  but  heartily  join  with  the  friends  of  Mr. 
Jacocks,  that  the  Execution,  if  it  be  any  ways  convenient  with 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  741 

the  Circumstances  of  the  Law,  might  be  deferred  for  a  few  days, 
that  there  may  be  Sufficient  time  &  opportunity  to  give  this 
wretched  youth,  who  Seems  to  be  very  desirous  to  have  some  in- 
tercourse at  large  with  ministers  about  his  eternal  concerns; 
when  together  with  the  minister  of  Poghkeepsie,  I  wo'd  be  willing 
&  very  desirous  to  attend  him  in  this  necessary  &  holy  Employ- 
ment to  the  utmost  of  my  power. 

Your  Excellency  will  doubtless  thereby,  greatly  oblige  a  num- 
ber of  Respectable  parsons,  &  among  them  more  particularly  Your 
Excellencies  most  humble  &  most  obedient  Servant 

Isaak  Rysdyk. 
New  Hakkensak  April  21,  1779. 

For  his  Excellency  Governor  G.  Clinton  Esq. 


GOVERNOR  CLINTON  DECLINES  TO  INTERFERE. 
Rev'd  iSir,  I  feel  extreamly  unhappy  in  not  being  able  to  com- 
ply with  your  Request  in  Favour  of  the  Criminal  Jaycocks  &  it 
woud  add  greatly  to  my  Concern  on  this  Occassion  if  from  the 
Reports  I  have  had  from  those  who  have  vissited  him  in  his  Con- 
finement, I  had  the  least  Reason  to  believe  he  is  affected  with  a 
due  Sense  of  his  Guilt  or  discovered  the  most  distant  Desire  of 
imploying  the  short  Time  left  him  in  preparing  for  the  great  & 
Important  Change  which  he  is  so  shortly  to  undergo,  but  this  I 
am  assured  by  those  who  have  attended  him  &  in  whom  I  can 
place  the  highest  Confidence  is  not  the  Case.  I  informed  Mr.  James 
Livingston  on  the  Day  Jacocks  was  convicted,  that  I  was  fully 
convinced  of  his  Guilt  &  that  he  was  not  to  expect  a  Pardon.  I 
repeated  this  to  his  Friends  on  their  first  Application  in  his 
Favour  &  advised  them  to  mention  it  to  the  Prisoner,  that  he  may 
not  be  diverted  by  false  Hopes  from  the  Necessary  Preparation 
for  Death.  If  they  have  not  done  this  they  have  neglected  their 


742  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Duty.  I  am  sorry  to  add  that  I  have  Reason  to  suspect,  that 
the  Prisoner  &  his  Friends  are  not  influenced  by  the  good  Motives 
mentioned  in  your  Letter  in  craving  a  respite  at  this  late  Hour, 
but  that  their  Design  favour  an  Escape,  or  that  some  other  Event 
may  take  Place,  which  will  prevent  the  Execution  of  tha  Sentence, 
to  prevent  which  is  indispensable  Duty  &  Guards  consisting  of 
the  Inhabitants  of  this  Place  are  for  this  Purpose  kept  at  the 
gaol  every  Night.  I  cannot  think  of  continuing  that  Burthen 
upon  them  any  longer  than  is  absolutely  necessary.  Believe  me, 
Sir,  it  will  give  me  Pleasure  at  all  Times  to  serve  you  &  that  I 

am  with  the  greatest  Respect  &  Esteem 

[G.  0.] 
[To  Rev.  Isaak  Rysdyk.] 


THE  REVEREND  MR.  RYSDYK  RECONCILED  TO  THE  GOVERNOR'S 

VERDICT. 

N.  Hackensack  21  April  1779. 

S'r,  Your  Excellencies  kind  Condescension  in  acquainting  me 
with  the  reasons,  why  a  Respite  should  not  be  granted  to  the 
Criminal  Jacocks,  inspires  me  with  the  warmest  Acknowledg- 
ments, &  dictates  the  few  Lines,  wherewith  I  am  troubling  y'r 
Excellency  another  Time.  Indeed  I  ventured  to  write  a  few  lines 
to  y'r  Excellency  this  morning  in  favour  of  this  unhappy  youth, 
only  with  a  view,  to  enjoy  the  Opportunity  together  with  my 
Brother  in  the  Gospel,  ye  Rev'd  Mr.  Freligh,  to  visit  a  Soul,  per- 
haps panting  after  Salvation,  &  only  in  want  of  sufficient  Instruc- 
tions &  Directions  towards  the  Accomplishment  of  these  great 
and  desirable  Events.  But  »ow,  fully  acquiescing  in  your  Excel- 
lencies Letter  (as  I  cannot  be  spared  from  home  to  morrow  morn- 
ing, and  there  is  a  Minister  in  the  place:)  I  leave  &  commend  this 
wretched  Criminal  to  a  mercifull  God;  whom,  if  He  would  Seeck 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  743 

for  him  earnestly,  he  will  find  infinitely  more  propitious  to  him, 
than  either  a  Governor  or  Minister  or  indeed  even  his  best  friends 
&  Relatives  can  be  Supposed  to  be.  I  am  with  deep  Respect,  S'r, 
Your  Excellencies  most  humble  &  most  Obedient  Servant, 

Isaak  Rysdyk. 
For  his  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  2230.] 

The  Frontiers   Unprotected,  Lackaway  Burned,   Colonel  Malcom's 
Regiment  Consolidated  and  He  Is  to  Leave  the  Service. 

Minisink  Apl.  21  1779. 

D'r  Governor,  To  morrow  the  troops  all  leave  this  place  for 
Easton, — iSo  the  Frontiers  are  unprotected  and  the  inhabitants 
are  in  great  distress;  about  40  Savages  burnt  Lackaway  &  houses 
within  13  miles  of  the  River  last  Saturday.  I  think  it  my  duty 
to  give  your  Excellency  this  notice. 

My  Regiment  is  now  incorporated  with  Spencer's;  all  my  Offi- 
cers except  2,  or  3,  leave  the  Service,  and  that  being  the  case,  I 
shall  do  so  too,  I  expect  to  be  home  in  2  or  three  weeks;  another 
such  corps  cannot  be  raised  soon,  but  we  are  not  to  blame.  My 
best  Respects  to  Mrs.  Clinton,  Mrs.  Tappen  and  to  my  old  friend 
Genl.  Scott,  and  be  assured  that  I  am  very  Sincerely,  D'r  Gover- 
nor, Your  much  oblidg'd  and  very  hb.  Servant 

W.  Malcom. 

His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton  at  Poughkeepsie. 


[No.  2231.] 
Governor  Clinton  Drops  a  Hint  to  His  Brother  James. 

Poukeepsie  21st  Apl.  1779. 

Dear  Brother,   By  a  Letter  I  have  this  Moment  received  from 
a  Gentleman  in  Cumberland  County,  I  am  informed  a  Draft  is 


744  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

ordered  by  the  Authority  of  the  pretended  State  of  Vermont  of 
the  Inhabitants  on  the  Grants,  for  the  Defence  of  their  Frontiers, 
which  is  extended  without  Distinction  to  the  Inhabitants  well 
affected  to  this  State;  and  to  give  Weight  to  these  Orders,  it  is 
said  they  are  founded  on  your  Advice.  I  think  it  necessary  to 
inform  you  of  this,  as  it  will  discover  to  you  the  Necessity  of  con- 
tinuing to  act  with  the  utmost  Caution  with  'those  designing  & 
Turbulent  People  &  to  avoid  giving  them  even  the  Shadow  of 
Encouragem't  in  the  Exercise  of  their  undue  Authority.  I  am  &c. 

G.  C. 
G.  Jas.  Clinton. 


[No.  2232.] 
New  York  Soldiers  in  the  Invalid  Corps. 

War  Office  22nd  April  1779. 

Sir;  The  return,  of  which  the  inclosed  is  a  copy,  has  been 
filed  in  this  Office,  agreeably  to  the  resolution  of  the  15th  of 
March  last;  and  I  am  now  directed  to  transmit  a  Copy  thereof, 
to  your  Excellency,  that  the  State  over  which  you  preside,  may 
receive  credit  for  the  quota  of  troops  contained  in  it.  I  have  the 
honour  to  be,  with  high  respect  Your  Excellency's  very  Obed: 

Serv. 

P.  Scull,  Secry. 
His  Excellency  Gov'r  Clinton. 


A  Return  of  Officers  and  men  now  in  the  Regiment  of  Invalids, 
raised  in  the  State  of  New  York,  not  formerly  belonging  to  the 
Regiments  of  that  State,  but  to  be  allowed  as  Part  of  the  Con- 
tingent thereof,  agreeable  to  the  Order  of  Congress  of  the  15th 
March. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  745 

Names.  Rank.        State.       Counties.     Towns. 

James  Macgraw,  Private    N.  York     Dutchess     JEsopus 

Barney  Wimple,  Do  Do  Albany 

Will'm  Serjeant,  Do  Do  New  York 

(Signed)        Lewis  Nicola,  Col.  Inv. 
War  Office  22d  April  1779. 
The  foregoing  list  contains  a  true  copy  of  a  return  made  by 

Ool.  Nicola,  &  filed  in  this  office. 

P.  Scull,  Secry. 


A  Return  of  Officers  and  Men  formerly  in  the  New  York  Line 
now  in  the  Regiment  of  Invalids. 

Names.  Rank.        States.  Counties.     Town. 

John  Douherty,  Private     New  York     Fort  George 

John  McKimm,  Ditto  Ditto          Orange 

Sign'd          Lewis  Nicola,  Col.  Inv. 
War  Office,  22  April  1779. 
The  foregoing  is  an  exact  copy  of  a  return  made  by  Col.  Nicola 

&  filed  in  this  office. 

P.  Scull,  Secry. 


[No.  2233.] 
DELINQUENCY  OF  PEACE  OFFICERS. 

A  Report  that  the  Enemy  Contemplate  an  Attack  on  the  Highland 

Forts. 

Head  Quarters  Peckskill,  April  22nd,  1779. 
Sir,  The  Enemy  for  six  Days  past  has  closed  up  the  Communi- 
cation with  the  Country.     Some  important  movement  is  in  Con- 
templation.    He  has  a  great  Number  of  small  Vessels  ready  for 
some  Enterprize. 
A  sensible  Negro  who  waited  on  Colonel  Emerick  has  deserted 


746  PUBLIC  PAPEKS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

to  os,  and  informs  me  he  heared  a  Conversation  pass  at  Dinner 
between  him  and  Governor  Tryon  and  other  Officers  of  the  mak- 
ing Laws  in  New  York  to  cut  the  Chain,  and  a  quantity  of  match 
being  prepared  to  set  fire  to  Houses.  In  this  State  of  matters. 
the  Garrison  of  West  Point  has  not  four  Days  salted  Provision. 
The  Justices  will  not  do  their  Duty  to  enable  Colonel  Hay  to 
bring  in  the  Provision.  The  public  Teams  are  utterly  unable  to 
do  it. 

A»  the  supreme  Executive  of  this  state,  I  think  it  my  Duty  to 
inform  you  of  the  Danger  which  threatens  it. 

I  have  in  vain  since  I  came  to  these  Posts  endeavoured  to  sup- 
ply the  Forts  with  Provisions;  But  neither  Justices  or  Constables 
will  do  their  Duty  and  they  seem  indifferent  about  the  Conse- 
quences. The  Law  of  the  State  for  impressing  Teams,  as  its  con- 
strued give  no  aid  to  the  public  Service,  but  when  the  Enemy  is 
at  our  Beards.  I  have,  therefore,  sent  Colonel  Hay  to  you  for 

Advice.     I  am,  Sir,  Your  humble  Servant, 

.  Alex'r  McDougall. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 

[No.  2234.] 
RUDOLPH  SHOEMAKER  DENOUNCED. 

A  Dclcyatiftn  from  German  Flats  Lays  the  Facts  Before 

Clinton. 

Fort  Dayton,  Aprill  the  22d 

Hir;  We,  the;  Inhabitants  of  German  Flats,  greatly  distre 
do  lay  their  complaints  before  your  Excellency,*  hoping  your 
natural  affection  towards  true  and  faithful  Subjects  will  give 
us  redress;  wo  have  here  Several  unworthy  neighbours,  amongst 
whom  IB  one;  Rudolph  Shoemaker,  who  Signed  for  the  first,  that 

•For  Governor  Clinton's  reply,  tee  page  760. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  747 

infamous  paper  at  Johns  Town  and  ever  Since  being  infected 
with  that  poison,  he  never  has  done  any  good  to  ouer  Cause; 
the  Deserters  or  as  we  comunly  call  Toris,  have  been  treated  by 
them  before  their  departure  to  the  Enemies,  and  when  the  militia 
being  on  their  march  towards  fort  Shuyler  with  General  Her- 
kemer,  a  Number  of  the  militia  being  hided  there  by  S'd  Shoe- 
makers in  the  Bush  by  wich  plott  two  of  his  Son-in-laws  have 
been;  and,  if  one  of  that  Plott  came  to  the  House  of  Shoemaker, 
they  have  been  piloted  by  their  youngest  Son  to  their  place  of 
rendevous;  and  when  they  suspected  that  they  be  Discovered, 
they  have  betii  warned  to  leave  the  place;  this  plott  was  to  join 
Buttler,  after  this  the  pretended  flag  of  Truce  put  up  their  Quar- 
ters by  him  and  at  the  Same  time  Peter  Weber  heard  S'd  Shoe- 
maker Say,  it  would  be  the  best  to  lay  down  the  arms,  and  we 
pould  get  Protection  by  Buttler;  whereupon  Peter  Weber  replied, 
[' what  then  if  the  Yankees  does  come  upe  here;"  Shoemaker 
ade  answer  "  then  I  will"  fight  in  my  House  as  long  as  I  am 
ife;"  further  about  the  Same  time,  Jacob  Mayer  made  oath 
i  the  holy  Evangelist  that  he  heard  S'd  Shoemaker  say,  when 
5  spoke  to  him  that  it  was  dangerous  Time  the  Indians  might 
une  and  cut  of  the  River.     Shoemaker  answered  "  no,  a  flag  of 
nee  will  come  the  first,  and  if  we  consent  to  their  will  they 
ill  leave  us  peaceably ;"  whereupon  Jacob  Mayer  replied  "  what 
len  if  the  Yankees  does  come  upe  here;"  he  answered  "they  have 
icir  hands  full  down  below  &  we  Should  not  have  taken  upe 
rms  aginst  the  King,  we  would  have  lifed  peaceably";  &  at  the 
une  time  Andreas  Weber  heard  of  S'd  Shoemaker,  that  it  had 
een  a  bade  thing  that  the  peoples  did  Sign  &  Swear  the  rfath 
f  allegiance;  further  Georg  Weber   after    being    duly    Sworn 
epooed,  that  he  beard  S'd  Shoemaker  Say,  about  the  Same  time. 


748  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

"  I  am  the  only  Justice  that  is  here  for  the  King,"  and  Weber 
asking  him  what  Buttler  with  his  party  would  do  if  they  would 
take  the  Inhabitants  along,  he  answered  "  no  General  St.  Ledger 
would  send  him  an  order  &  form  for  to  qualify  the  peoples  "  then 
he  Saith,  "  I  am  the,  Justice  where  they  mue  Swear  by ;"  then 
Weber  replied  "what  will  be  done  afterwards;"  then  Shoemaker 
answered  "  General  St.  Ledger  would  send  five  hunderd  Indians 
and  them  they  have  been  Sworn  are  to  go  with  them  and  give 
them  assistance  to  take  the  Yankees  at  that  time  posited  at  fort 
Dayton;"  whereupon  Weber  replied  "this  five  hundred  Indians 
might  not  be  Sufficient;"  upon  this  Shoemaker  answered  "  — 

-  we  have  Soon  got  'them  if  we  go  with  them,  and 
we  ought  to  fight  against  them;"  whereupon  Weber  replied 
agin  "  Supose  they  do  take  the  fort  and  the  Garrison  and  a  part 
of  the  grand  arme  would  come  upe  here;"  then  Shoemaker  Saide 
"if  all  this  would  miscarry  then  he  would  go  up  to  St.  Ledger 
and  leave  all  his  Things  behind." 

Complaints  have  been  made  to  the  Commissioners  of  Conspiracy 
about  iSaide  Shoemaker,  and  that  he  did  life  on  a  verry  danger  eous 
Place  where  the  Enemies  had  their  passage,  but  they  never  en- 
tered ouer  County  for  to  brifig  those  disaffected  persons  to  Jus- 
tice; upon  this  the  peopels  being  enraged  Since  they  Sustained 
Such  great  a  looss  by  the  Enemies  and  Suffering  unaccounttably 
they  looked  his  Hay,  pease,  oats,  wheat  and  all  Such  artieuls,  and 
•  Some  other  Things  from  him;  now  this  Transaction  of  the  peopels 
is  not  justifiable  by  law,  though  it  has  been  Comitted  not  out  of 
malice  or  Rogerie,  they  can  deliver  an  inventarie  thereof,  to  the 
Cdmissioners  if  it  Should  be  required,  and  they  will  delivered  it 
to  the  public  when  demanded  by  the  least  farthing;  for  this  he 
.  went  to  law  with  the  peopel  and  they  have  been  Sued  for  tres- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  749 

pass;  now,  we  pray  your  Excellency  to  bring  this  man  to  Justice, 
and  if  possibly  could  be  done  that  he  might  have  his  Trial  at 
Pewkapsie;  if  this  famely  Shall  be  Suff erred  there,  treacherie  can 
be  eomitled  by  them  continually,  and  if  he  is  brought  to  due  Trial, 
this  will  prevent  other  mischiefs  on  both  Sides;  wherefore,  we 
pray  that  your  Excellency  will  give  us  redress  in  ouer  Grievances, 
for  wich  we  remain  your  Excellencies  most  obdt.  Hble.  Serv'ts 

Henrig  Herter,  Nicolaus  Weber,  Jacob  Mayer,  John  Bellinger, 
Wm.  Petry. 


[No.  2235.] 
Commissary  Commissioner  Graham  Reports  Progress. 

New  Paltz,  ye  23d  April  1779. 

Sir,  In  consequence  of  the  appontment  your  Excelency  Sent 
me  for  the  procuring  Flour  &c.,  I  have  procured  a  Quantity  of 
Wheat  unmanufactored,  and  no  mills  nearer  than  the  Gretn  Kills 
for  that  purpose,  If  it  must  be  Transported  to  that  place  for 
grinding,  perhaps  it  may  be  proper  to  Store  it  there,  as  it  can 
be  mutch  Easier  Taken  frome  thence,  Either  to  the  Highlands  or 
to  the  Fronteers,  Your  Excelency  will  pleas  to  Signify  your 
Pleasure  to  me  in  this  Matter,  which  Shall  be  Strictly  Observed 

by  your  very  Humble  Ser't 

Danl.  Graham. 
To  his  Excelency. 


Poukeepsie  23d  Apl.  1779. 

Sir,  I  have  received  your  Letter  of  this  Date  &  approve  of  your 
Proposal  of  having  the  Wheat  you  have  procured  for  the  use  of 
the  Army,  ground  &  stored  at  the  Green  Kill  Mills.  I  am  with 

great  Regard  Your  Most  Obed.  Serv't 

Geo.  Clinton. 

Daniel  Graham. 


750  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  2236.] 
Colonel  Udny  Hay  Writes  Despondently. 

Fish  Kill  23d  April  1779. 

Sir;  It  is  with  real  grief  of  heart  I  now  wait  on  your  Excellency 
to  beg  your  assistance  in  procuring  the  Necessary  Number  of 
Waggons  for  the  Support  of  the  army  in  this  State.  Though  I 
have  tried  every  possible  method  which  I  could  devise,  since  th  • 
new  Law  for  Impressing  Teams,  they  have  all  proved  Ineffectual. 
I  now  produce  to  your  Excellency,  a  return  of  every  Waggon  we 
have  had  Since  23d  March,  a  Number  Inadequate  to  the  purposes 
they  were  Intended  to  have  iServed.  I  must  likewise  beg  your 
Excellency's  attention  to  the  Copys  of  Some  of  the  letters  I  have 
wrote  the  justices,  in  which  I  have  beged  their  advice  and  assist- 
ance in  the  most  humble  manner,  but  have  not  yet  been  favour'd 
with  an  answer  in  Writing  from  any  one  of  them  that  tended 
to  give  me  the  least  Satisfaction. 

I  have  attended  in  the  Strictest  manner  to  the  Law  of  the  State 
in  hopes  by  Such  a  Conduct  I  Should  Concilate  the  affections  of 
the  People  to  the  Service,  but  all  in  vain. 

I  yesterday  apply'd  to  the  General  for  Orders  from  whom  I 
bring  a  Letter  to  you  on  the  Subject,  and  now  beg  your  Excel- 
lency's particular  Instructions  which  I  will  Implicitly  Obey. 

The  Number  of  Teams  which  has  ever  readly  been  Turned  out 
from  Eumbout  Precinct,  is  a  Convincing  proff  either  of  its  b:jing 
Oppressed  above  measure  or  that  the  justices  of  the  Other  Pre- 
cincts have,  in  an  unpardonable  degree,  Neglected  their  Duty. 

I  am  with  due  respect,  Sir,  your  most  Obt.  Serv't 

Udny  Hay. 
His  Excellencv  Governour  Clinton. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  751 

[No.  2237.] 
THE  DEFENCE  OF  THE  NORTHERN  FRONTIER. 

Captain   StocJcwell  Selected  to   Command   a   Company — Governor 
Clinton's  Directions. 

Poughkeepsie  24th  April  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  By  a  Letter  I  have  this  Moment  received  from  his 
Excellency  Genl.  Washington,  I  am  informed  that  it  is  deter- 
mined that  the  Force  which  is  to  move  by  the  Way  of  the 
Mohawk  River  upon  the  intended  Expedition,  shall  rendevouz  at 
Canojohare  by  the  12th  of  May,  &  that  this  will  occassion  the 
calling  off  the  Detachments  of  Genl.  James  Clinton's  Brigade 
which  are  now  at  Saraghtoga,  Lake  George  &  some  other  Places 
upon  our  Northern  Frontier;  &  Warner's  Regt.,  only,  will  remain 
in  that  Quarter,  and  as  by  your  letter  to  his  Excellency  of  the 
3d  Instant,  you  express  apprehensions  which  I  believe  to  be  well 
founded,  that  the  Northern  Frontier  will  be  exposed  while  we 
are  acting  to  the  Westward  except  a  greater  Force  is  kep  up  in 
that  Quarter,  I,  therefore,  take  the  Liberty  to  inform  you,  that 
of  the  1000  Men  directed  to  be  raised  for  the  Defence  of  the 
Northern  &  Western  Frontiers  of  this  State,  Charlotte  County  is 
to  furnish  27  Men,  &  I  have  this  Day  ordered  Genl.  Ten  Broeck 
out  of  those  to  be  raised  in  his  Brigade  to  detach  73  to  join  those 
of  Charlotte  County  for  the  Defence  of  the  Northern  Frontier*, 
Capt.  Levi  Stockwell,  late  Lieut,  of  Col.  Gansevoort's  to  command 
this  Company. 

It  is  some  Time  since  my  orders  for  raising  these  Men  have  been 
in  the  Hands  of  the  different  Officers,  &  if  they  exert  themselves, 
they  may  be  completed  in  Season  for  this  Service;  at  least  the 
Proportion  of  them  ordered  from  Genl.  Ten  Broeck's  Brigade.  I 


752  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

have,  therefore,  to  request,  you  will  use  your  Influence  with  Genl. 
Ten  Broeck  &  his  Officers  to  expedite  this  Business,  as  it  is  the 
only  means  in  my  Power  at  present  of  affording  any  Security  to 
the  Northern  Frontiers,  except  what  may  be  expected  from  the 
Militia  of  that  Part  of  the  Country,  which  tho  they  are  under 
orders  to  hold  themselves  in  perfect  Readiness,  are  but  Weak, 
and  I  fear  not  much  to  be  depended  on. 

I  wish  Genl.  Ten  Broeck  to  appoint  a  Lieut,  for  this  Company, 
whose  Appointment  will  be  confirmed  by  the  Council  of  Appoint- 
ment, and  that  the  men  first  raised  in  his  Brigade  be  taken  for  this 
Service  &  march  immediately.  You  are  much  better  acquainted 
with  the  Country  than  I  am,  &  of  Course  better  able  to  determine 
on  the  Posts  this  Body  of  Men  ought  to  occupy,  so  as  to  afford 
the  greatest  Security  to  the  Frontier  Settlements.  You  will, 
therefore,  be  good  enough  to  give  the  necessary  Orders  to  Capt. 
Stockwell,  of  which  I  will  be  oblidged  to  you  for  a  Copy,  as  well 
for  your  Sentiments  with  respect  to  what  aditional  Number  of 
Men,  if  any,  will  be  necessary  for  the  Northern  Frontiers  &  what 
Passes  will  be  most  necessary  to  guard  to  the  Westward,  taking 
into  Consideration  our  intended  Operations  in  that  Quarter,  with 
which  I  am  not  sufficiently  acquainted  to  be  able  to  form  a  proper 
Judgment  on  this  Subject.  A  great  Part  of  the  1000  Men  ordered 
to  be  raised  for  the  Defence  of  the  Frontier  Service,  are  in  Con- 
sequence of  a  Requisition  of  Congress,  to  be  applied  to  the  filling 
up  the  five  Continental  Battallions  raised  under  the  Direction  of 
this  State,  so  that  the  Number  I  will  have  remaining  under  my 
Controul  will  be  but  small.  I  am,  D'r  Sir,  with  great  Regard  & 

Esteem  your  Most  Obed't  Serv't 

[G.  0.] 
Genl.  Schuyler. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  753 

CAPTAIN     STOCKWELL     NOTIFIED     OF     His     APPOINTMENT — His 

ORDERS. 

Poughkeepsie  24th  April  1779. 

Sir;  You  are  appointed  a  Capt.  of  a  Company  of  the  Levies 
ordered  to  be  raised  for  the  Defence  of  the  Frontiers  of  this  State 
&  your  Commission  as  soon  as  made  out  will  be  forwarded  to  you 
by  the  first  conven't  oppertunity.  You  will,  therefore,  take  the 
Command  of  those  raised  from  the  militia  of  Charlotte  County 
which  together  with  73  men  I  have  ordered  from  those  first  raised 
from  Gehl.  Ten  Broeck's  Brigade  will  form  your  Company.  You 
will  receive  &  obey  Genl.  Schuyler's  directions  as  to  the  Posts 
you  are  to  occupy,  &  the  Duties  you  are  to  perform,  for  the 
security  of  the  frontier  Settlements  until  you  receive  my  Orders 
to  the  contrary.  You  will  draw  Provisions  &  such  other  articles 
as  you  may  be  entitled  to  from  the  nearest  continental  Stores. 
Mr.  Boggs  is  appointed  one  of  your  Lieuten'ts,  the  other  will  join 
you  with  the  men  from  Genl.  Ten  Broeck's  Brigade.  And  as  the 
nature  of  this  Service  &  the  Safety  of  the  Frontiers  require  the 
greatest  Exertions  I  expect  the  utmost  diligence  &  vigilence  on 

your  Part.     I  am  &c. 

Geo:  Clinton. 

Capt.  Levi  Stockwell. 


COLONEL  WEBSTER  URGED  TO  "GREATER  EXERTION"  BY  GOVERNOR 

CLINTON. 

April  24th  1779. 

Sir;  As  the  Detachments  from  Genl.  Clinton's  Brigade,  now 
stationed  for  the  Defence  of  the  northern  frontiers  will  soon  be 
ordered  from  thence,  I  have  directed  Capt.  Levi  Stockwell,  who  is 
appointed  to  the  Command  of  a  Company  of  the  Levies  to  be 

48 


754  PUBLIC  PAPEES  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

raised  from  the  militia,  purs't  to  the  late  act  of  the  Legislature,  to 
take  Charge  of  those  to  be  raised  from  your  Regt,  which  together 
with  73  I  have  ordered  from  those  first  raised  in  Genl.  Ten 
Broeck's  Brigade,  will  form  his  Company.  I  have  requested  Genl. 
Schuyler  to  give  him  such  advice  &  Direction  as  to  the  Posts  most 
proper  to  be  occupied  &  other  Duties,  as  he  may  judge  best  for  the 
genl.  Safety  &  Security  of  the  Northern  frontier  Settlements.  As 
on  a  Requisition  from  Congress  within  the  Time  limited  by  the 
act,  I  am  under  the  necessity  of  disposing  of  the  greater  Part  of 
the  men  to  be  raised,  in  filling  up  the  five  cont'l  Battalions  of  this 
State,  I  shall  have  but  a  small  force  left  for  the  Defence  of  the 
frontiers,  and  as  Capt.  Stockwell's  Company 'will  probably  be  all 
that  can  be  spared  for  the  defence  of  the  northern  Frontiers,  the 
greater  Exertions  will  be  necessary  from  your  Regt.,  and  I  expect, 
therefore,  that  you  &  your  Officers  will  use  your  utmost  endeavors 
in  holding  it  in  the  most  perfect  Readiness  to  join  Capt.  Stockwell 
in  repelling  any  Incursions  of  the  Enemy.  I  am  &c. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Colo.  Webster. 


[No.  2238.] 

Ulster  County  Troopers  Pay  a  Complimentary  Tribute  to  Captai/n 

Salisbury. 

Kingston  April  24th  1779. 

The  Petition  of  the  Troopers  in  the  north  Part  of  Ulster  County 
to  his  Excellency  Governor  Clinton  humbly  sheweth; 

As  a  mutual  attachment  and  good  Understanding  between 
Officers  and  their  men  are  an  Essential  Part  of  the  many  Requi 
sites  which  are  necessary  to  ensure  victory  to  our  a.rms  and 
Freedom  to  our  Country,  And,  Whereas,  Capt.  Sylvester  Salis 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  755 

bury,  (between  whom  and  your  Petitioners  there  subsisted  the 
greatest  Harmony  and  Confidence),  has  resigned  his  Commission, 
and  that  solely,  because  he  was  to  be  under  the  Command  of  a 
man  whom  he  deems  unworthy  of  the  Bank  he  holds; 

We,  the  Subscribers,  Beseech  your  Excellency,  either  to  annex 
the  Troop  to  some  other  Regiment,  or  put  them  under  the  Com- 
mand of  some  superior  Officer,  and  re-appoint  Captain  Sylvester 
Salisbury  to  the  Command  of  the  Troop.  Should  this  be  the 
Case,  your  Petitioners  beg  leave  to  assure  your  Excellency,  that 
their  Services  shall,  as  they  have  heretofore  been,  Free,  Chearfu1, 
&  Ready.  And  your  Petitioners  &c.  shall  ever  Pray  &c. 

Adam  Woolfven,  Abraham  Keater,  Roeloff  Eltenge,  Christian 
Dull,  Moses  Pattison,  Tjerck  Low,  Petrus  Winne,  Junier,  Henry 
P.  Freligh,  John  Dewitt,  Jr.,  John  A.  D.  Witt,  John  E.  Schoon- 
maker,  Peter  C.  Brinck,  Edward  Osterhoud,  Hendryck  Turck, 
John  Turck,  John  Freligh,  Benjemin  Velten,  John  J.  Chrispel, 
Benjamin  Winne,  John  De  Witt,  Jun.,  John  Brink,  Jun.,  Baltus 
Kiffer,  Peter  Van  Leuven,  Christian  Fero,  Marten  Hommel,  jr., 
Hermanns  Hommel,  Abraham  Hoffman. 


[No.  2239.] 

Clinton  Reports  His  Dispositions  to  Washington — Drafts  from  the 
Militia — Troops  for  the  Frontier. 

Poughkeepsie  25th  April  1779. 

Dear  Sir;  I  have  had  the  Honor  of  receiving  your  Excellency's 
Letters  of  the  9th  &  17th  Instant.  In  Consequence  of  the  latter, 
I  have  ordered  100  Men  to  the  Northern  Frontier  to  relieve  the 
Detachments  of  Genl.  James  Clinton's  Brigade  now  in  that 
Quarter.  The  Officer  who  commands  these  Men  is  ordered  to 
observe  such  Directions  as  he  shall  receive  from  Genl.  Schuyler 


756  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

(to  whom  I  have  written  on  the  Subject)  as  from  his  Knowledge 
of  the  Country  he  will  be  able  to  make  the  best  Disposition  of 
this  small  Force.  The  Militia  in  that  Quarter  have  also  my 
Orders  to  hold  themselves  in  the  most  perfect  readiness,  but  it 
being  a  new  Country  they  are  weak  &  having  been  once  in  the 
Power  of  the  Enemy  under  Genl.  Burgoine  are  not  much  to  be 
depended  on. 

I  formerly  mentioned  to  your  Excellency,  that  I  imagined  this 
State  might  be  able  to  raise  one  thousand  Men  for  the  Frontier 
Service.     The  Legislature  soon  after,  accordingly  provided  for 
the  embodying  of  that  Number  by  drafts  from  the  Militia ;  but  at 
the  same  time  directed  that  a  Proportion  of  them  shoud  be  ap- 
plied towards  filling  up  the  Continental  Battallions,  raised  under 
the  Direction  of  this  State,  if  a  Requisition  for  this  Purpose 
shoud  be  made  by  Congress.     The  Militia  Officers  are  now  im- 
ployed  in  making  the  Drafts  in  their  respective  Regiments  &  I 
have  Reason  to  believe  they  will  soon  be  compleated  the  greater 
Part  by  volluntary  Inlistments.     Those  who  are  to  join  the  Con- 
tinental Regiments  will  be  immediately  delivered  over  to  them. 
The  Remainder  which  will  be  upwards  of  four  hundred,  &  com- 
manded by  a  Lieut.  Col.  &  Major,  I  will  order  to  join  the  Troops 
now  on  the  Frontiers,  &  to  such  other  Passes  as  are  best  calcu- 
lated to  cover  the  Country  from  the  Incursions  of  the  Enemy, 
until   I   shall   hear   further  from   your   Excellency.      You   will 
readilly  perceive,  Sir,  that  without  knowing  the  Rendevouz  of  the 
different  Parties  who  are  to  [be]  imployed  in  the  operations  to 
the  westward  &  the  Routes  they  are  respectively  to  take,  it  will 
be  impossible  for  me  to  make  the  proper  Dispositions  of  the  Force 
that  may  be  left  in  their  absence,   for   the   protection   of  the 
Frontier  Settlements,  as  some  Parts  will  be  rendered  perfectly 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  757 

secure  by  the  movements  of  our  Troops  whilst  others  will  be 
more  exposed.  Your  Excellency's  orders,  therefore,  on  this  Sub- 
ject will  be  necessary.  I  am  with  the  greatest  respect,  &  Esteem, 
D'r  Sir,  your  most  Obed't  &  very  Humble  Serv't 

Geo:  Clinton. 

Since  writing  the  above  I  received  a  Letter  from  Genl.  Ten 
Broeck*  with  the  enclosed  Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Mr.  Fonda.f 
The  disagreeable  Intelligence  it  contains  will  I  fear,  greatly  re- 
tard the  raising  of  the  Drafts  from  the  militia  as  it  will  dis- 
concert the  measures  taken  for  that  purpose. 
His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington. 


[No.  2240.] 

Recommendations  for  Commissary  Commissioners  for  the  Schoharie 
District  and  Try  on  County. 

Albany  April  26th  1779. 

Much  respected  Sir;  Agreable  to  your  Excellency's  Request  I 
have  inquired  of  Mr.  Cuyler  who  were  the  most  proper  Persons 
for  seizing  wheat  and  Flour  for  the  use  of  the  army  in  the  Dis- 
trict of  Schoharie  and  in  T.ryon  County,  he  recommends  Volckert 
J.  Veeder,  for  Tryon  and  Peter  Snyder,  Jun'r,  for  Schoharie  and 
wishes  to  have  their  appointments  if  agreable  to  your  Excellency 
as  soon  as  may  be  convenient. 

I  have  received  a  Set  of  Returns  from  Cobus  Kill  and  Tryon 
Gountyt  of  the  Inhabitants  in  those  Parts  distressed  by  the 
Enemy's  Incursions  the  last  Campaign,  and  in  Consequence, 
thereof,  incapable  of  gaining  a  Livelihood  and  shall  place  the 
Money  for  Distribution  into  the  Hands  of  such  Persons  as  the 

*  Teu  Broeck's  letter  not  found. 
tSee  page  726. 
tSee  page  721. 


758  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Gentlemen  of  the  Legislature  in  this  City  shall  recommend.  With 
my  best  Kespects  to  Mrs.  Clinton  &  Family  I  am,  Sir,  with  the 
highest  Respect  your  Excellency's  most  obed't  sen-. 

Stephen  Lush. 
His  Excellency  Gov'l-  Clinton. 


MAJOR  LUSH'S  LETTER  TO  JELLES  FONDA. 

Albany  14th  April  1779. 

Sir,  The  Legislature  at  their  last  Meeting  granted  three  thou- 
sand Pounds  for  the  Relief  &  Support  of  such  Persons  who  have 
had  their  Possessions  destroyed  by  the  Enemy  and  are  incapable 
to  support  themselves. 

I  was  directed  by  his  Excellency  to  enable  him  to  put  this  Law 
into  Execution  to  obtain  Returns  of  the  sufferers  within  the  above 
Description  in  Albany  &  Tryon  Counties,  and  for  this  Purpose  I 
wrote  to  Colos.  Klock,  Bellinger  &  Fisher  of  your  County  but 
have  not  yet  been  favored  with  their  answers. 

Yesterday  I  rec'd  a  Letter  from  his  Excellency  requesting  me 
(as  he  supposed  I  might  meet  with  Difficulty  in  obtaining  the 
Returns)  to  deposit  £2250  (for  the  use  of  the  sufferers  by  the  De- 
struction of  Cobus  Kill,  Cherry  Valley,  the  German  Flatts 
Andrews  Town  &  Springfield  now  incapable  of  gaining  a  Liveli- 
hood) into  the  Hands  of  such  Person  or  Persons  as  should  be 
recommended  to  me  by  Genl.  Ten  Broeck  and  the  Members  of 
Senate  and  Assembly  residing  in  this  City. 

I  have  accordingly  consulted  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr. 
Taylor  and  Mr.Gansevoort  who  have  advised  me  to  write  to  you  on 
the  Subject  and  request  that  you  wo'd  consult  with  Mr.  Jacob  G. 
Kesch,  Colo.  Campbell,  Mr.  Bell  Mr.  Waggoner  &  Major  New- 
kerk  members  of  Senate  &  Assembly  as  to  the  Person  or  Persons 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  759 

most  proper  to  distribute  such  Part  of  the  Money  as  shall  be  pro- 
portioned for  the  Sufferers  (within  the  Description  of  the  act)  in 
your  County,  and  also  to  request  from  you  &  those  Gentlemen  a 
particular  Keturn  of  them  discriminat'g  their  Situation  as 
exactly  as  possible  as  some  of  the  Persons  may  require  less  than 
others  to  enable  them  to  subsist. 

You  will  also  be  pleased  to  consult  with  the  above  Gentlemen 
whether  it  will  be  best  to  divide  the  Money  among  the  Objects  of 
the  Law  at  once  or  place  if  in  the  Hands  of  some  Person  or  Per- 
sons to  purchase  Provisions  &  deliver  it  out  to  them  as  their 
Necessities  may  require.  You  will  observe  no  allowance  is 
granted  by  the  Law  to  the  Persons  who  are  to  distribute  this 
Money  tho'  I  am  convinced  this  will  not  prevent  any  Gentleman 
from  performing  the  Service. 

As  his  Excellency  is  particularly  anxious  to  have  this  Business 
perfected  &  as  the  Persons  intitled  to  the  Money  are  doubtless  in 
immediate  want  of  it,  I  would  request  your  answer  by  the  Op- 
portunity directed  to  the  Care  of  Genl.  James  Clinton  at  this 
Place  &  am  Sir  with  the  highest  Esteem  &  Regard  &c. 

[Stephen  Lush.*] 
[To  Jelles  Fonda.] 


[No.  2241.] 

Governor  Clinton  Promises  Jelles  Fonda  Protection  Against  Indian 

Incursions. 

Poughkeepsie  26th  April  1779. 

Sir:  I  have  just  received  your  Letter  of  the  15th  Inst.f  I  am 
extreamly  unhappy  in  hearing  of  the  present  Depredations  of  the 
Enemy  in  your  Quarter  as  well  as  the  future  Danger  you  appre- 
hend. 

•See  page  724. 
tSee  page  726. 


760  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

The  Ketnrns  of  the  militia  not  being  sent  to  me  agreable  to 
Orders  early  issued  for  that  Purpose  in  due  (Season,  has  occa- 
sioned great  Delay  in  rais'g  the  men  for  the  Defence  of  the  Fron- 
tiers. This  Business  is  now,  however,  in  such  Train  as  to  give 
me  reason  to  hope  that  it  will  be  soon  accomplished.  About  one 
half  of  the  men  to  be  raised  will  be  disposed  of  in  filling  up  the 
five  cont'l  Battalions  of  this  State;  the  other  half  I  have  ordered 
to  be  marched  to  the  frontiers  as  fast  as  they  are  raised.  Be 
assured,  Sir,  that  I  shall  exert  my  utmost  endeavors  in  the  use 

of  every  means  for  vour  Protection.    I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
Jtllis  Fonda,  Esqr. 


[No.  2241^.]* 

• 

Governor    Clinton    Instructs    Colonel    Bettinger    to    Submit    His 
Complaints  to  the  Conspiracy  Commissioners. 

Poughkeepsie  26th  April  1779. 

Gentlemen,  I  have  rec'd  your  Letter  of  the  22d  Instant  and  am 
much  concerned  about  the  matters  you  complain  of  &  the  more 
so  as  I  have  no  authority  to  give  you  Relief  or  any  Directions  on 
the  Subject  &  your  proper  Method  is  to  represent  the  matter  to 
the  Board  of  Commiss'rs  for  detect'g  Conspiracies,  whose  Duty 
it  is  to  have  apprehended  &  confined  all  such  Persons  whose  going 
at  large  may  be  dangerous  to  the  Safety  of  the  State.  I  have 
formerly  written  to  the  Commiss'rs  at  Albany  on  Complaints 
from  your  County  of  People  of  suspicious  Charecters.  I  doubt 
not  that  on  a  proper  representation  made  to  them  they  will  do 
what  is  proper  with  respect  to  Shoemaker  tho  as  to  any  Suits 
he  may  have  commenced  they  cant  interfere  in.  I  am  &c. 

G.  C. 
John  Bellinger  &  others,  Tryon  County. 

•This  document  has  been  manifestly  misplaced  by  the  original  editor  of  the  Clinton 
MSS.  It  belongs  to  document  2234,  Instead  of  document  2241.— STATE  HISTORIAN. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  761 

[No.  2242.] 

Lieutenant  John  Smith  appointed  to  the  Command  of  the  Levies  from 
the  Four  Tryon  County  Regiments. 

Lieut.  John  Smith,  of  Tryon  County,  will  take  the  Command  of 
the  Levies  to  be  raised  for  the  Defence  of  the  Frontiers  from  the 
four  Militia  Regiments  of  that  County  pursuant  to  his  Excel- 
lency's, the  Governor's  Orders,  of  the  13th  Instant.  He  is  to  obey 
the  Orders  he  may  receive  from  the  Commanding  Officer  at  Albany, 
to  whom  he  is  to  deliver  a  Copy  of  this  Order,  as  to  the  Duties 
he  is  to  perform,  untill  he  shall  receive  the  GOVTS  Orders,  to  the 
Contrary.  The  Regts.,  are  to  furnish  the  following  Quotas  of  Mtn 
to  wit:  Colo.  Clock's  20;  Colo.  Bellinger's  15;  Colo.  Fisher's  21; 
Colo.  Cambell's  15;  Total  71.  Lieut.  Smith  will  use  utmost  en- 
deavours to  have  the  Men  compleated  with  all  possible  Expedi- 
tion, &  as  soon  as  this  is  effected  he  will  Report  the  same  to  his 
Excellency,  accompanied  with  a  Muster  Roll  of  the  Men,  &  his 
Commission  will  then  be  sent  him.  It  will  be  necessary  to  de- 
liver a  Copy  of  this  Ordtr  to  each  of  the  Commanding  Officers  of 
the  above  Regts. 

By  Order  of  his  Excellency,  26th  Apl.  1779. 


[No.  2243.] 

James  Duane  Grieves  Over  the  Extravagance  of  Living  and  the 
Intolerable  Burdens  of  Public  Business. 

Philad.  27th  April  1779. 

Sir;  We  had  the  Honour  of  your  Excellency's  Favour  respect- 
ing the  Exchange  of  our  unfortunate  Friends  in  the  Hands  of  the 
Enemy.  Congress  some  time  since  vested  the  Commander  in 
Chief  with  full  power  to  settle  a  general  or  partial  Cartell  for 
the  Exchange  of  Prisoners,  leaving  the  whole  transaction  to  his 


762  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Discretion.  I  have  for  this  Reason,  with  the  approbation  of  my 
Colleagues,  transmitted  your  Excellency's  Letter  and  the  Enclos- 
ures to  the  Commander  in  Chief,  and  requested  him  to  correspond 
with  you  on  the  Subject:  &  I  have  no  doubt  but  he  will  do  every 
thing  you  wish  or  recommend. 

I  congratulate  your  Excellency  on  the  important  Success  of  our 
little  Squadron;  it  is  a  Seasonable  Supply  for  us,  &  will  distress 
our  Enemies.  Favourable  Eeports  prevail  respecting  the  Opera- 
tions to  the  Southward  but  they  are  not  sufficiently  authenticated 
to  deserve  a  detail  of  particulars. 

The  Extravegance  of  living  here  is  beyond  description  and  the 
Burthen  of  pubfick  business,  intollerable.  I  am  for  my  own  part 
worn  down  and  stand  in  great  need  of  Relaxation;  when  our 
Finances  are  placed  on  some  Footing,  I  must  beg  for  your  Excel- 
lency's Indulgence,  the  more  so,  as  I  am  here  without  Summer 
Cloaths,  and  cannot  reconcile  it  to  my  Feelings  to  purchase  at 
the  immoderate  Prices  which  are  current. 

I  beg  leave  to  refer  your  Excellency  to  Mr.  Lewis  for  Informa- 
tion on  the  State  of  publick  matters,  and  have  the  Honour  to  be, 
with  the  highest  Respect,  Dear  Sir,  Your  Excellency's  most  Obe- 
dient humble  Servant, 

Jas.  Duane. 
His  Excellency  Governour  Clinton. 


[No.  2244.] 
Benjamin  Tusten's  Heart  Clearly  not  in  His  Wm°k. 

Aprill  27,  1779. 

May  it  Please  your  Excellency;  I  receved  yours  of  the  6th 
Instant  and  have  obser'd  the  Contents,  and  find  that  I  am  ap- 
pointed to  a  business,  which  at  present  there  is  nothing  to  do. 
I  have  had  oppertunity  within  a  few  Days  to  Converce  with  prin- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  763 

sable  men  from  Different  parts  of  the  County,  who  informe  me 
that  they  are  Sertain  that  there  is  not  any  wh.eet  or  flower  to 
Spare  in  the  County;  and  this  I  know  that  grate  quantities  of 
wheat  is  brought  out  of  Ulster  County,  for  the  actual  use  and 
Supply  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Orange;  therefore,  I  think  it  will  be 
to  no  good  purpos  to  Spend  any  more  time  in  making  inquiry; 
however  I  am  Keady  to  do  any  thing  that  Shall  be  thought  best. 
From  your  Excellency's  most  obe't  Humble  Servant 

Benj.  Tusten. 
[To.  G.  C.] 


[No.  2245.] 
GENERAL  McDOUGALL  WRITES  AT  LENGTH. 

Captain  Sloo  a  Villain — In  Doult  Whether  the  Enemy  are  Going 
South  or  Contemplate  an  Attack  on  the  Highland  Forts. 

Head  Quarters,  Pecks  Kill,  27th  April,  1779. 

Sir;  When  the  Court-Martial  finished  with  Captain  Sloo,  there 
was  not  time  to  make  out  a  second  Copy  of  the  Sentence,  to  be 
sent  up  to  Poughkeepsie.  The  Provost  was  so  full,  that  it  was 
necessary  to  send  Sloo  up,  and  Major  Platt,  wrote  Mr.  Benson 
that  the  Judge  Advocate  wou'd  send  up  his  Crime.  I  have  since 
heard  he  is  going  at  large;  if  so,  I  fear  he  has  made  his  escape, 
as  I  consider  him  to  be  a  Villian.  I  have,  however,  transmitted 
a  Mittimus  from  Colonel  Drake,  .for  his  Confinement,  and  as  you 
are  better  acquainted  with  a  proceedure  of  that  kind,  than  I  am, 
no  doubt  you  will  take  the  necessary  steps.  I  wish  to  be  informed, 
when  he  is  secured. 

The  Enemy  have  certainly  made  another  Embarkation  of 
Troops,  of  about  four  Thousand  Men,  and  from  their  fortifying 
Laurel  Hill,  opposite  Fort  Washington,  I  conclude  those  are 
going  abroad.  This  Embarkation,  I  think  is  destined  for  South 


764  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Carolina.  For  a  Week  past,  a  number  of  flat  bottomed  Boats 
have  been  ready  at  the  North  side  of  York  Island,  capable  of  con- 
taining two  Thousand  men,  which  have  been  under  marching 
Orders,  design'd  for  an  Excursion  up  the  North  Eiver  or  to  Jer- 
sey. I  think  this  was  designed,  to  attempt  a  surprise  on  Nixon's 
Brigade,  the  Troops  at  Havers traw,  or  the  Works  at  Kings-Ferry. 
You  have  not  yet  favor'd  me  with  a  Permit  to  export  some 
Flour  to  procure  stores  for  the  Campaign;  if  it  has  escaped  your 
attention,  and  you  think  proper  to  grant  it,  please  transmit  the 

same  to,  Sir,  Your  Humble  Servant, 

Alex'r  McDougall. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 

P.  S.    Col.  Emeric  is  recruiting  his  horse  from  this  State;  as  I 
expectd,  and  the  theives  and  Harbourers  pass  with  impunity. 


[No.  2246.] 
THE  DEFENCE  OF  THE  FRONTIERS. 

Governor  Clinton's  Soldierly  Instructions  to  Major  Van  Benscoten — 
Non-Commissioned-  Officers  to  be  Appointed  on  Merit  in  Militia 
Service. 

Instructions  for  Major  Van  Buntschoten,  or  other  the  Com- 
mand'g  Officer  of  a  Regiment  of  Levies  from  the  militia  for  the 
Defence  of  the  northern  &  western  frontiers  &  such  other  Ser- 
vices, as  shall  be  directed: 

Sir;  You  will  immediately  convene  the  Officers  appointed  for 
your  Regiment,  &  for  whom  Commissions  are  herewith  delivered 
to  you,  and  assign  to  them  the  Regiments  of  militia  in  the  Coun- 
ties of  Ulster,  Dutchess,  &  Orange  which  they  are  respectively  to 
attend,  &  receive  the  Levies  which  may  be  raised  therein,  agreable 
to  my  Orders  of  the  13th  Instant,  a  Copy  of  which  you  will  here- 
with receive.  They  will  be  particularly  careful  not  to  receive 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  765 

Deserters  from  the  Enemy,  or  our  own  army  for  this  Service,  & 
that  the  men  they  do  receive  be  properly  armed  &  equipped  accord- 
ing to  Law,  and  at  the  same  Time  to  receive  from  the  command'g 
Officers  of  the  Regiments,  Rolls  containing  the  names  &  descrip- 
tions of  the  men,  distinguish'g  such  as  have  engaged  voluntarily, 
from  those  Drafted,  into  this  Service,  which  they  are  to  return 
to  you,  in  order  that  you  may  be  enabled  therefrom,  to  make  & 
transmit  to  me,  a  genl.  Return  as  soon  as  possible.  These  Offi- 
cers, are,  on  the  Receipt  of  the  men,  immediately  to  march  them  to 
the  Posts  now  occupied  on  the  frontiers  of  Ulster  &  Orange  Coun- 
ties, &  put  themselves  for  the  present,  under  the  direction  of  the 
Command'g  Officer  of  those  Posts.  It  will  be  most  convenient 
that  the  men  raised  in  Orange  County  be  marched  to  Pienpack, 
&  those  in  Dutchess  &  Ulster  to  the  Posts  in  the  vicinity  of  Roch- 
ester. It  will  be  necessary  that  the  Levies  from  Dutchess,  at 
least  those  from  the  Southern  part  of  the  County,  be  furnished 
with  Provisions  for  their  march;  you  will,  therefore,  draw  a  suffi- 
cient supply  for  them  from  the  Commissary  at  Fishkill,  who  (as 
these  Levies  by  a  Resolve  of  Congress  are  to  be  paid  &  subsisted 
by  the  Continent)  will  issue  the  same.  It  may  be  proper  &  neces- 
sary to  mention  to  you,  that,  altho'  by  my  Orders  of  the  13th,  920 
men  are  to  be  raised  for  this  Service,  your  Regiment  is  only  to 
consist  of  500  including  Officers;  the  residue  are  to  be  applied  in 
filling  up  the  5  Cont'l  Battalions  of  this  State. 

Your  Regt.  is  to  be  composed  of  the  Levies  from  the  Regts. 
adjoining  the  northern  &  western  Frontiers,  (who  it  is  to  be  pre- 
sumed is  best  adapted  to  this  Service),  &  of  those  from  the  other 
Regts.,  who  have  voluntarilly  engaged  in  this  Service. 

I  have  requested  Genl.  Clinton  to  appoint  Officers  from  the 
cont'l  Battalions,  to  receive  the  Drafts  in  Genl.  Ten  Broeck's 


766  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Brigade,  &  Genl.  Ten  Broeck  is  directed  to  nominate  four  suitable 
Persons,  one  as  Capt.,  the  other  Subalterns  to  take  the  Charge  of 
those  of  his  Brigade  who  are  voluntiers.  One  of  the  Lieutenants 
is  to  march  73  of  these  men  to  Charlotte  County,  (which  with  the 
quota  raised  in  that  County  will  form  one  Company),  to  be  com- 
manded by  Capt.  Stockwell  &  to  be  stationed  at  such  Posits  on  the 
Northern  Frontiers  as  Genl.  Schuyler  shall  direct  until  further 
Orders.  The  Capt.  &  other  two  Lieuts.  to  be  nominated  by  Genl. 
Ten  Broeck,  are  to  march  the  residue  of  the  voluntiers  to  such 
Post  on  the  Western  frontiers  as  shall  be  assigned  them  by  Genl. 
Clinton. 

Lieut.  John  Smith  will  take  the  Charge  of  the  Levies  to  be 
raised  in  Try  on  County  &  join  the  Troop®  stationed  at  Fort 
Dayton.  It  will,  therefore,  be  necessary  that  you  collect  Returns 
from  these  different  Detachments,  as  soon  as  conveniently  may  be; 
as  also  an  account  from  Genl.  Clinton  or  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  of  the 
number  of  men  raised  in  the  County  of  Albany,  who  are  annexed 
to  the  continental  Battalions,  that  you  may  be  enabled  to  deliver 
over  to  those  Battalions,  their  full  complim't  of  500;  in  doing 
which,  you  will  take  a  just  proportion  of  those  raised  from  each 
Brigade  &  Regt.,  in  order  to  prevent  any  Jealousies  or  suspicion 
of  Partiality  which  I  would  wish  you  carefully  to  avoid,  as  I  am 
informed  the  Levies  prefer  being  in  your  Regiment. 

The  Lieut.  Colo.,  who  is  to  command  the  Regt.  &  several  other 
officers  are  not  yet  appointed.  This  has  been  delayed,  by  en- 
deavoring to  proportion  the  officers  to  the  diff't  parts  of  the  State 
furnishing  the  Levies;  as  soon  as  this  is  effected,  they  will  be 
ordered  to  join,  &  the  Corps  will  be  properly  arranged  &  formed 
into  Companies. 

The  most  Central  Station  for  yourself  will  at  present  be  on  the 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  767 

frontiers  of  Ulster  County.  The  non  commissioned  Officers,  are 
to  be  appointed  in  the  ordinary  way,  but  it  is  my  wish  that  prefer- 
ence should  be  given  to  those  who  have  been  non  commissioned 
Officers  in  the  militia. 

As  ycu  are  to  receive  your  Pay  from  the  Continent,  you  will 
make  your  Returns  to  the  Officer  commanding  the  Department, 
&  be  particularly  carefull,  in  having  your  men  mustered  &  Pay 
Rolls  made  out,  in  due  season,  &  you  will  likewise  make  monthly 
Returns  to  me;  as  these  Orders  are  calculated  for  the  command'g 
Officer  of  the  Corps,  you  will  deliver  them  over  to  the  Lieut.  Colo., 
as  soon  as  he  shall  be  appointed  &  join  the  Regt.  I  am  &c. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Poughkeepsie  April  27th  1779. 

If  any  of  the  Officers  decline  serving,  it  must  be  reported  to 
the  Governor  immediately  that  others  may  be  appointed  in  their 
Room. 
Major  Van  Buntschoten. 


[No.  2247.] 

Rochester,  Lister  County,  Makes  a  Request  that  Governor  Clinton 

has  Anticipated. 

To  his  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esqr.  Governour  and  Com- 
mander in  Chief  of  the  State  of  New  York  &c. 

These  Humbly  Shewreth,  That  your  Petitioners  are  informed  by 
Coll.  Cortland,  that  he  has  received  Marching  orders  from  his 
Excellency  Gener'l  Washington,  and  Will  March  by  Munday 
Next,  and  Consequently  your  Petitioners  will  be  left  Defenceless, 
unless  Speedly  provided  for;  your  Excellencies  Petitioners  do 
Humbly  Pray,  that  your  Excellency  may  be  Pleased  Speedly,  as 
you,  in  your  Wisdom  Shall  think  fit,  provide  us  a  Sufficient 


768  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Guard,  as  we  are  Apprehensive  (by  information)  that  the  Enemy 
are  out,  and  your  Petitioners  much  Dread  the  Consequence  of 
being  invaided  by  a  Savage  and  Merciless  Enemy  in  a  defenceless 
Condition,  and  Need  not  inform  your  Excellency  of  our  Dainger- 
ous  Situation  at  this  Juncture. 

We  Shall  Ever  pray  and  remain  your  Humble  Petitioners. 

A.  D  Witt,  Andries  A.  De  Witt,  John  Brodhead,  Stephen  De 
Witt,  John  Dewitt,  Benjamin  Bevier,  Johannis  Bevier,  Jun., 
Jacob  Bevier,  Cornelius  Bevier,  Cornelius  Vernooy,  Johannis 
Hoornbeeck,  Johannis  Vernooy,  Nathan  Vernooy,  John  Van- 
wagenen,Jaobus  -  — ,  Moses  Depue,Arth  Van  Wagenen,  Jrv  Terek 
Dewitt,  Jory  Mak,  Jacobus  Bruyn,  Junr.,  Cornelius  Newkerk, 
John  Kittle,  And's  Bevier,  Peter  Cantine,  Johannis  Ge.  Harden- 
berg,  Benjamin  Kortreght,  Benjamen  Hoornbeek,  Hartman  En- 
nist,  Frederick  Vandemerk,  Derick  Hoornbeek,  Jacob  Tornaer, 
John  Sammon,  Jacobus  Wynkoop,  Johannis  Oosterhout,  Beny- 
men  Oosterhoudt,  Cornelus  Oosterhout,  Henderickus  Ooster- 
houdt,  Elisa  Hoornbeek,  Philip  Hoornbeek,  Hennery  Hoornbeek, 
Jno.  Sleght,  Rich.  Brodhead,  Petrus  Schoonmaker,  Jacobus 
Quick,  Jr.,  Johannes  Schoonmaker,  Benjamin  Schoonmaker, 
Jacobus  Schoonmaker,  Martinas  Schoonmaker,  Joacim  Schoon- 
maker, Cornelius  Depuy,  Jacob  Krom,  Jonas  Hasbroock,  Joesep 
De  Puy,  Daniel  Schoonmaker,  Lodewyck  Schoonmaker,  Jacob 
Depuy,  Benjamen  Depuy,  Jr.,  Derick  Wesboock,  Frederick  Wes- 
broock,  Ephraim  Depuy,  Ephraim  Depuy,  Jr.,  Jojachim  Depuy, 
Benyamen  Van  Wagenen,  Jacobus  Van  Wagenen,  Zacharias 
Rosakrans,  Aart  Van  Wagenen. 
Rochester,  ye  27  April,  1779. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  7G9 

[No.  2248.] 
An  Earnest  Petition  from  Saratoga. 

The  Humble  Petition  of  the  Freeholders  Inhabitants  and  resi- 
uents  of  the  District  of  Saratoga  in  the  County  of  Albany ; 

To  His  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esqr.  Governor  and  Com- 
mander in  Chief  of  the  State  of  New  York  Capt.  Gener'll  of  the 
Militia  and  Vice  Admiral  of  the  Same. 

Humbly  Sheweth,  That  we,  your  Excellencies  Petitioners,  liv- 
ing in  Saratoga  District  have,  heretofore,  been  greatly  distressed 
by  the  Calamities  of  war,  in  so  much  that  even  the  most  able 
among  us  have  met  and  still  do  meet  with  the  greatest  Dificulties 
by  our  own  Industry  and  every  other  Honest  and  Prudent 
Measures  we  have  been  able  to  adapt,  to  procure  for  ourselves 
and  Families  the  Common  and  Necessary  Supports  of  Life,  and 
from  our  present  Situation  are  become  the  frontiers  Inhabitants 
of  a  wide  and  Extended  Tract  of  Country,  exposed  to  the  Daily 
i*ad  Hourly  Incursions  of  a  numerous  and  Savage^Enemy,  by  no 
Means  secured  with  proper  Guards,  so  as  to  render  our  habita- 
tions either  safe  or  Secure;  at  present  your  Excellency  has  called 
upon  us  for  a  proportion  of  men  to  be  taken  from  this  Begt., 
which  we  humbly  Imagine,  you  would  have  Exempted  had  you 
been  properly  Informed  of  our  Situation  and  present  Circum- 
stances; these  are  facts  related  to  your  Excellency,  which  we  hope 
you  will  take  into  Serious  Consideration,  and  grant  us  such  Re- 
lief in  the  Premises,  as  you  in  your  wisdom  may  Judge  right,  and 
your  Excellencies  petitioners  as  bound  in  Duty  shall  ever  pray. 

John  McCrea,  Colonel,  Cornelius  Van  Veghten,  Lt.  Colo.,  Daniel 

Dickinson,  1st  maj'r,  Jacob  Van  Schaick,  maj'r,  Ephraim  Wood- 

worth,  Capt.,  John  Thompson,  Capt.,  Peter  Van  Wort,  Cpt.,  John 

Fish,  Hezekiah  Dunham,  Eben'r  Marvin,  Thomas  Dennis,  Cornel- 

49 


770  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

yus  P.  Van  den  Brgh,  John  Davis,  Lut,  Philip  Rogers  Ensighn, 
Iner's  Child,  Nath'n  Shepherd,  Dirck  Swart,  David  Archer,  Peleg 

Tripp,  John  Carthy,  John ,  Silvenus  Dunham,  William  Brad- 

shaw,  Joseph  Seeley,  Edward  Hissted,  Daniel  Smith,  Josha  Whelh, 
Ezekiel  Ensign,  Witham  Frisbe,  Thomas  Armstrong,  John 
Eies,  Jur.,  Josiah  Benjamin,  Titus  Andruss,  Cyprian  Watson, 
Israel  Taylor,  Jacob  Howard,  Ebenezer  Andrus,  Mathew 
Patrick,  Ebenezer  Cobb,  John  Reis,  John  Cobb,  Daniel  Rowland, 
Joshua  Cobb,  Samuel  McCrea,  Elisha  Andrus,  Solomon  Cambell, 
John  Ashton,  William  Leahy,  George  Palmer,  Elias  Palmer, 
Robert  Cambell,  Jehiel  Parkes,  Joab  Cook. 
Saratoga  District  April  27th  1779. 


[No.  2249.] 
JAMES  CLINTON  AS  AN  INDIAN  HUNTER. 

His   Modest   Allusion   to   His    Great    Victory   at    Onondaga—The 

w=4* 
Situation  in  Tryon — A  New  Post  Established. 

Albany  April  28th  1779. 

Dear  Brother,*  I  am  just  returned  from  an  Excursion  up  the 
Mohawk  River,  in  Consequence  of  an  alarm  given  by  a  Body  of 
Indians,  in  number  about  sixty,  from  the  Seneca  Country,  who 
made  their  appearance  at  the  same  time  in  different  Quarters. 

One  of  the  Parties  attacked  the  Houses  of  a  certain  Mr.  Layer, 
and  Cowley,  back  of  Schohary,  both  whom  they  took  and  plun- 
dered; at  the  same  time,  another  Party  attacked  the  House  of  a 
certain  Captain  Richter,  back  of  Stone  Raby  where  he,  his  Wife, 
two  Boys,  and  an  old  man  were.  Richter  and  the  two  Boys  being 
armed,  defended  themselves  and  killed  the  two  Indians,  but  the 
old  man  who  was  unarmed  was  killed,  with  a  Boy  about  17  years 


•For  Governor  Clinton's  reply,  see  page  791. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  771 

old.  Richter's  arm  was  broke,  and  the  other  Boy  wounded  in  the 
Elbow,  and  the  Woman  in  one  of  her  Legs.  Another  Party  took 
a  man,  two  Boys  &  two  Horses  about  five  miles  West  of  Fort 
Plank,  but  tho'  they  were  closely  pursued  by  Scouts  from  the 
Fort,  yet  they  escaped.  It  is  supposed  that  those  on  the  North 
side  of  the  River  were  from  Canada  as  many  of  them  were  known 
to  be  Mohawks.  The  alarm  was  general  thro'  the  whole  Country, 
and  I  believe  in  a  few  days  Schanectady  woud  have  been  the 
Frontier  of  the  State,  if  it  had  not  been  for  the  appearance  of  the 
Troops,  which  I  immediately  marched  up,  consisting  of  that  part 
of  Gansevoort's  Regt.,  which  was  in  town,  and  the  Schenactady 
Militia,  amounting  in  the  whole  to  about  two  hundred,  with  which 
I  proceeded  as  far  as  Johnstown,  where  I  was  joined  by  a  number 
of  the  Tryon  County  Militia  who  turned  out  chearfully  on  the 
occasion.  As  the  establishing  a  Post  at,  or  near  Sockondoga 
seemed  to  be  the  only  method  left  of  restoring  the  Inhabitants  to 
their  former  Tranquility,  I  determined  to  erect  a  Block  house,  on 
the  Road  leading  to  Sir  William  Johnston's  Pleasure  House,  ten 
miles  from  Johnstown,  near  the  Road  leading  to  Mayfield,  and 
gave  the  necessary  orders  for  that  Purpose  leaving  Col.  Ganse- 
voort  to  see  them  executed. 

I  Intend  to  garisson  the  Fort  with  a  Detatchment  from  Col. 
Duboys's  Regiment,  as  the  whole  Regiment  will  shortly  move  to 
Johnstown. 

In  consequence  of  your  Request,  I  have  ordered,  proper  officers 
to  attend,  &  receive  the  Drafts  from  Genl.  Ten  Broeck's  Brigade, 
who  are  now  in  Town:  but  the  General  thinks  it  best  that  the 
respective  Colonels  should  send  their  Quotas  to  Albany  where 
they  can  be  received  with  less  danger  of  Desertion.  Letters  have 
been  circulated  for  that  Purpose.  I  coud  wish  that  the  most 


772  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON: 

efectual  measures  were  taken  to  expedite  this  necessary  duty,  as 
every  Letter  from  His  Excellency  indicates  a  speedy  movement. 

I  have  been,  and  always  shall  be,  very  careful  in  giving  the 
least  shadow  of  encouragement  to  the  usurped  authority  of  the 
pretended  State  of  Vermont;  the  frequent  applications  from  that 
Quarter,  for  troops  induced  me  to  give  them  the  same  advice  I 
had  given  to  other  parts  of  the  State  in  similar  Circumstances 
with  respect  to  the  Enemy,  which  was,  that  they  shoud  have  a 
number  of  their  militia  ready  to  turn  out  on  the  shortest  notice, 
as  it  was  impossible  for  me  to  supply  them  with  troops. 

I  sincerely  congratulate  you  on  the  Success  of  our  Onondoga 
Expedition,  a  Copy  of  the  Proceedings  of  w^hich  I  send  you  in- 
closed.* The  Conduct  of  both  Officers  and  men  on  this  occasion, 
cannot  be  too  much  admired;  it  is  of  too  much  consequence  to  be 
kept  from  the  public.  I  have  sent  it  in  its  original  undress  and 
request  that  you  woud  polish  it,  and  commit  it  to  the  Press; 
when  the  Prisoners  arrive,  they  shall  be  sent  down  to  you  to 

keep.     I  am,  Dear  Brother,  Yours  &c. 

James  Clinton. 
[To  G.  C.] 


[No.  2250.] 
Colonel  Cortlandt  Ordered  to  Minislnk. 

Rochester  April  28,  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  I  am  Ordered  by  his  Excellency  General  Washington 
to  march  my  Eegt.  Immediately  to  Minisinks,  and  I  Suppose  will 
proceed  on  with  General  Hand  who  is  ROW  in  Wyomen.  I  shall 
march  from  this,  next  Munday  and  as  this  Fruntier  will  then  be 
Exposed,  I  take  this  Early  oppertunity  of  Informing  your  Excel- 
lency that  you  may  give  Such  Orders  as  you  may  think  Necessary 
for  the  further  Security  of  the  Inhabitants. 


*Not  found,  but  see  page  702  and  accompanying  footnote. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  773 

I  was  on  my  way  to  Poughpaken  and  Schohaken  when  I  Rec'd 
the  Genl's  Orders,  and  of  Course  was  under  the  Necessaty  of 
Keturning.  I  did  Intend  to  have  gone  down  the  Delaware  by 
the  way  of  Keshecten,  if  I  had  not  been  prevented.  I  think  that 
it  will  not  be  amiss  to  Send  a  party  on  an  Expidition  of  that 
Kind,  However  yr.  Excellency  may  Soon  be  better  Informed, 
as  I  have  Sent  Four  men  as  Spies  into  that  Country  and  on  their 
Keturn  will  Inform  you  thereof.  I  Remain  with  Respect  your 

Hum'e  Ser't 

Philip  Cortlandt. 
His  Excellency  Gov'r  Clinton. 


GOVERNOR  CLINTON  PROTECTS  THE  DISTRICT  LEFT  UNCOVERED  BY 
COLONEL  CORTLANDT'S  TRANSFER. 

Poukeepsie  29th  April  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  I  have  this  Moment  rec'd  your  Favour  of  yesterday 
in  Consequence  of  which  I  have  ordered  one  fourth  Part  of  Colo- 
nels Cantine's  &  Snyder's  Reg<ts.,  to  occupy  the  Posts  you  now 
hold,  on  Monday  next,  untill  I  can  relieve  them  by  the  Levies 
intended  for  the  Defence  of  the  Frontiers,  which  are  not  as  yet 
compleated.  I  wish  you  an  agreable  March  &  am  with  great 

Regard  your  Most  Obed't  Serv't, 

[G.  C.] 
Colo.  Cortlandt. 


[No.  2251.] 

A  Line  of  Grievances  from  the  Inhabitants  of  Lower  Orange  County. 
To  Gov'r  Clinton: 

May  it  please  your  Excelencie,  We  the  Civel  majestrates,  Free- 
holders &  Inhabitants  on  the  South  side  of  the  mountains  in  the 
County  of  Orange,  beg  leave  in  a  most  Humble  manner  to  lay 
some  of  its  Inumerable  Grievances  before  your  Excelencie,  Hop 


774  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

ing  in  your  Benign  Wisdom  and  Benevolence  towards  your  Peo- 
ple you  will  lend  your  attention. 

With  such  Confidence,  we  make  bold  thus  to  lay  our  Grievances 
before  you,  We  Understand  by  a  Letter  from  your  Excelency 
in  answer  to  Coll.  Hays  that  your  Excelency  has  given  General 
McDougal  authorety  to  call  your  militia  out  from  here  and  De- 
tatch  them  in  what  manner  seemeth  best  to  him.  Sir,  many  Cir- 
cumstances has  accur'd  since  the  date  of  that  Letter.  Several 
of  our  good  friends  have  been  Robb'd;  not  Lees  than  Twenty 
Horses  have  been  Stolen  in  one  night  from  our  best  Friends;  a 
Gentleman  robb'd  near  Widdow  Sidman's  of  upwards  of  Eleven 
Thousand  Pounds,  York  Currency,  (Esqr.  Satterley  of  upwards 
2000£  Collected  as  Tax,)  Information  is  now  actually  given  that 
no  Less  than  nine  Different  Scouts  of  these  most  atrocious 
wretches  is  out  this  Instant,  in  and  about  the  mountains  board- 
ring  [bordering]  upon  us,  and  their  ready  getting  to  the  Enemy 
in  Safty  or  within  their  Lines  Stands  in  need  of  more  force  then 
we  are  able  to  maintain  to  defeat  them.  These  and  many  other 
such  Circumstances  Emboldens  ufi  to  State  our  Grievances  to 
you,  And  Whereas,  we  Humbly  Conceive,  that  your  Excellency 
as  our  General  and  Chief  Majestrate,  is  the  only  recourse  from 
which  we  may  Hope  for  Relief;  And,  Whereas,  it  is  well  known 
to  Some  of  the  Subscribers,  since  the  abovementioned  Robberies, 
a  Number  of  the  good  people  here,  has  but  one  night  in  three  in 
their  Beds,  and  that  without  Safety  or  Comfort,  on  account  of 
these  dangers,  and  for  some  prospect  of  Safety,  Padrols  are  kept 
on  the  roads  and  paths  every  night. 

From  these  Stated  facts  we  hope  your  Excelency  will  Conceive 
that  the  men  called  from  here  by  Order  of  General  McDougal  is 
a  real  Grievance  and  actualy  renders  us  more  Defenceless. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  775 

The  many  calls  of  the  Inhabetants  with  their  Teams  and  other 
things,  which  the  army  wants,  in  passing  and  Bepassing  thro 
this  part  of  (the  State,  takes  at  least  one  Sixth  part  of  its  Inhab- 
itants Constantly  Employ'd  in  that  way;  your  Excelency  will 
Judge  what  Strength  we  can  have  to  defend  our  Extensive  Fron- 
tier, besides  the  above  mentioned  internal  Enemies  and  many 
others  that  Secretly  Harbors  them.  All  which  we  Humbly  sub- 
mit to  your  Consideration.  And  beg  leave  to  Subscribe  ourselves, 
your  Excelency's  most  Obedient  Servants. 

Paul  V.  d'Voort,  Barent  V.  d'Voort,  David  Pye,  John  Coleman, 
Jacob  Cole,  John  D.  Coe,  John  Coe,  Jonah  Hallsted,  Theunis 
Cuyper,  John  Beekman,  John  Suffern. 

April  28  1779. 


[No.  2252.] 
THE  ORANGE  COUNTY  ROBBERS. 

Prisoners  to  be  Held  as  Hostages — James  Clinton's  Victory  Over  the 

Onondagas. 

Poukeepsie  29th  April  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  Your  Letter  of  the  27th  Instant  was  handed  to  me 
last  Night.  The  Warrant  it  contained  ag't  William  Sloo  I  have 
delivered  to  Mr.  Harper  one  of  the  Com'rs.  If  Colo.  Drake  had 
taken  the  Examination  of  the  Witnesses  ag't  Sloo,  it  woud  have 
been  much  more  proper  than  to  have  founded  his  Warrant  on  the 
Sentence  of  the  Court  Martial;  however,  I  am  informed  there  is 
not  the  least  Danger  of  his  attempting  to  Escape. 

From  the  superior  Land  Force  I  am  informed  France  has  in  the 
West  Indies,  it  appears  to  me  more  probable  that  the  last  Em- 
barkation at  New  York  is  intended  as  reinforcement  for  Genl. 
Grant  than  for  South  Carolina.  I  so  entirely  forgot  your  Ap- 


776  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

plication  for  a  Permit  to  export  a  small  Quantity  of  Flour,  that  I 
am  inclined  to  believe  that  you  intended  only,  as  I  cannot  find  a 
word  about  it  in  your  Letters  tho  I  have  examined  all  of  a  late 
Date.  Be  kind  enough  to  mention  in  your  next,  the  Number  of 
Barrels  you  wish  to  export  &  I  will  endeavour  to  send  you  a  Per- 
mit. 

I  have  just  received  from  our  Friend  Gov'r  Livingston,  the 
Examination  of  which  I  inclose  you  a  Copy  of  one  Cole  &  other 
Robers  who  have  been  lately  convicted  &  executed  in  his  State. 
These  discover,  not  only  the  names  of  the  Persons  in  the  different 
Gangs  of  Robers  who  infest  this  State,  but  also  those  who  harbour 
&  abet  them.  It  is  of  the  utmost  Importance  that  they  be  immed- 
iately apprehended  &  secured.  I  have,  therefore,  taken  the  liberty 
of  sending  you  the  enclosed  warrant  ag't  those  Persons  named  in 
the  Examination  who  reside  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Kakiat  in 
Orange  County.  As  I  have  Reason  to  fear  that  the  Execution  of 
it  (if  committed  to  the  civil  magistrate  or  the  militia)  may  be 
attended  with  Delay  and  rendered  unsuccessful!,  I  must  request  of 
you  to  appoint  one  of  your  Officers  (whom  you  shall  deem  best  cal- 
culated for  the  Business)  with  a  proper  Detachment  to  carry  the 
same  into  immediate  execution.  You  will  please  to  get  Major 
Strang  to  insert  his  name  in  the  Blanck  left  in  the  warrants  for 
that  Purpose,  as  there  is  not  a  suff't  number  of  Commiss'rs  here 
at  pres't  to  form  a  quorum. 

I  have  informed  Colo.  Isaac  Nicoll  of  Orange  County  who  is 
charged  with  the  execution  of  this  Business  in  the  Clove  &  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  Sterling  Iron  Works,  that  it  would  be  begun 
on  the  So.  side  of  the  mountains  on  the  5th  of  next  month.  I 
mention  this  as  it  is  necessary,  that  both  Parties  should  strike 
about  the  same  time  to  prevent  the  Persons  being  alarmed  & 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  777 

making  their  Escape;  indeed  it  is  necessary  that  this  whole  Busi- 
ness should  be  conducted  w'th  Secrecy.  When  these  fellows  are 
apprehended  it  might  be  well  to  give  it  out  that  they  are  to  be 
kept  as  Hostages  &  if  any  Bobberies  or  murders  are  committed  in 
future  they  will  be  put  to  Death.  It  may  perhaps  defeat  Colo. 
Emerick's  recruiting  Business.  From  the  Desire  I  know  you  have, 
that  these  Robbers  &  Horse  Thieves  should  be  apprehended  & 
bro't  to  punishm't  I  flatter  myself  you  will  excuse  the  trouble  I 
now  give  you.  Be  assured,  Sir,  that  I  shall  be  ever  ready  to 
compensate  for  it  by  the  execution  of  any  matter  you  may  wish 
to  have  performed  tho'  it  should  be  equally  out  of  the  line  of  my 
Department.  I  have  just  been  informed  by  Tom  Henderson,  who 
arrived  this  morn'g  from  Albany  &  which  is  since  confirmed  by 
Capt.  Tiebout,  from  the  same  Place,  that  the  Detachm't  which 
lately  marched  under  Colo.  Van  Schaick  have  destroyed  the  On- 
andaga  Settlement  with  a  quantity  of  Wheat,  Indian  Corn,  & 
other  Stores,  some  muskets  &c.  &cv  took  32  Prisoners,  killed  17 
&  are  returned  without  the  Loss  of  a  man.  I  am  &c. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
Major  Genl.  McDougall. 


[No.  2253.] 

Colonel  Cortlandt  Reports  He  has  on  Hand  One  Hundred  Barrels 
of  Flour  More  than  He  Needs. 

Kingston  April  29,  1779. 

Dear  Sir ;  I  have  acquainted  you  in  a  letter  of  yesterday  that  my 
Regiment  is  ordered  from  the  Fruntier  of  Rochester,  but  Forgot 
to  Inform  you  that  the  Commissary  of  Issues  for  my  Regt.,  has  on 
hand  upwards  of  One  Hund'd  Barrels  of  Flower,  more  than  I 
Shall  want,  and  Some  Beef.  I  therefore,  beg  you  will  please  to 


778  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Inform  me  by  the  Return  of  the  bearer,  whether  the  provision 
will  be  wanting  where  it  is  at  Warsink  or  not;  if  not  I  must  have 
it  Removed,  I  Should  be  glad  for  the  Sake  of  the  Inhabitants 
that  Some  of  the  Draughts  Could  arrive  at  the  post  before  I 
leave  it.  'Since  my  Return,  I  find  all  the  Country  is  allarm'd,  but 
I  am  persuaded  without  reason,  and  it  may  be  Depended  on,  it 
will  frequently  be  the  Case,  untill  some  Expedition  is  Carried  on 
into  the  Country  on  the  Delaware  as  I  have  Hinted  in  the  letter  I 
Sent  your  Excellency.  The  reasons  I  make  no  Doubt,  are  very 
obvious  without  mentioning  them,  for  a  few  Tories  may  keep  this 
Fruntier  in  Continual  allarms,  and  a  more  timed  people  some 
few  Excepted  I  never  Saw.  The  Express  is  waiting,  am  your 

Hum'e  Ser't 

Philip  Cortlandt. 

P.  S.     I  Shall,  if  time  will  permit,  Call  on  your  Excellency  be- 
fore I  march. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton,  Poughkeepsie. 


COMMISSARY  SUPPLIES  WILL  BE  NEEDED  FOR  THE  NEW  LEVIES. 

Poukeepsie  30th  April  1779. 

D'r  Sir,  I  wrote  you  yesterday,  by  which  you  will  be  informed 
that  the  Provissions  in  the  Hands  of  your  Commissary  will  be 
wanted  for  the  Levies  for  the  Defence  of  the  Frontiers;  I  hope  I 
shall  be  able  to  have  part  of  them  on  that  Service  in  a  few  Days; 
in  the  Mean  Time  I  have  ordered  out  one  fourth  of  Colo.  Snyder's 
&  Cantine's  Regts.  to  occuppy  the  Posts  your  Regt.  is  to  leave.  I 
shall  be  happy  to  see  you,  before  you  march  if  you  find  it  con- 
venient, &  am,  Sir,  &c. 

[G.  0.] 
[To  Col.  Cortlandt.] 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  779 

[No.  2254.] 
General  Schuyler's  Instructions  to  Captain  Stoclvwell. 

Albany  April  29th  1779. 

Sir,*  His  Excellency  the  Governor  having  requested  me  to  dis- 
pose of  your  Company  In  such  a  manner  as  will  best  Cover  the 
frontiers  against  the  Incursions  of  the  Enemy,  I  think  It  advis- 
able for  the  present,  to  Station  it  at  Skensborough,  but  as  Colo: 
Warner's  Regim't  is  ordered  to  remove  from  Fort  Edward,  and  it 
being  necessary  to  keep  that  post,  you  will  send  an  Officer,  with 
two  non  Commissioned  Officers,  and  twenty  five  privates  to  that 
place.  You  will  Charge  the  officer  to  keep  small  scouts  Con- 
stantly on  the  North  side  of  Hudson's  river,  as  far  up  as  the  North 
branch,  and  to  give  notice  to  General  Ten  Broeck  and  the  nearest 
Colonels  of  militia,  of  the  approach  of  Enemy  that  may  be  dis- 
covered Specifying  If  possible  their  numbers  and  the  rout  they 
may  take.  You  with  the  remainder  of  your  Company,  will  pro- 
ceed without  delay  to  Skensborough,  and  from  thence  send  small 
scouts  constantly  towards  Tyconderoga  on  both  sides  of  the  lake 
with  directions,  if  they  should  discover  any  Enemy,  to  ascertain 
their  numbers  as  near  as  may  be,  and  the  route  they  pursue;  on 
receiving  Intelligence  of  any  body  approaching  in  such  force  as 
to  render  a  reinforcement  necessary  to  your  or  any  other  post 
against  which  the  Enemy  may  be  Supposed  to  point,  you  will 
dispatch  the  Intelligence  to  Gen.  Ten  Broeck  at  Albany  and 
to  the  Nearest  Colonels  of  the  Militia  in  the  Counties  of  Albany  & 
Tryon. 

Should  the  movements  of  the  Enemy  strongly  indicate  an  attack 
on  you,  and  their  force  be  such  as*  to  render  any  opposition 

•This  letter  belongs  to  a  letter  written  May  3,  1779,  by  General  Philip  Schuyler  to 
Governor  Clinton.  See  page  828. 


780  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Ineffectual,  you  will  then,  unless  you  have  a  prospect  of  being 
reinforced  before  the  Enemy  can  come  to  your  relieve,  to  retire 
orderly,  to  where  Fort  Ann  stood,  and  watching  their  Motions. 
If  you  find  they  bend  towards  Fort  Edward,  you  will  reinforce 
that  Garrison.  If  towards  any  Settlements  more  east,  you  will 
take  such  a  position  as  to  afford  the  Greattest  possible  protection 
to  the  Inhabitants.  Every  Intelligence  you  receive,  you  will  also 
Communicate  to  the  Commanding  Officer  at  fort  Edward,  Fort 
George  &  Rutland. 

The  disgrace  of  a  surprise  must  be  strictly  guarded  against,  and 
that  you  may  not  Experience  one,  you  will  be  Extremely  vigilant 
and  watchful;  not  suffering  your  men  to  strole  from  the  post  or 
be  absent  on  furlough  is  Indispensibly  necessary. 

As  soon  a,s  any  more  troops  can  be  sent  for  the  protection  of  the 
Northern  frontiers,  that  part  of  your  Company  now  ordered  to 

Fort  Edward  will  join  you.     I  am,  Sir,  &c. 

P.  S. 
Capt.  Levi.  Stock  well. 

[Copy.] 

[No.  2255.] 

Governor    Clinton's   Instructions    to    Sheriff   Nicoll   Touching   the 
Orange  County  Robbers. 

Poukeepsie  29th  April  1779. 

Dear  Sir;  I  have  to  acknowledge  the  Receipt  of  your  and  the 
Rev'd  Mr.  Kerr's  Letter  of  the  16  Instant,  and  as  the  Suspicions 
you  entertain  of  Downing  appear  to  me  to  be  well  founded,  I  will 
send  over  a  proper  Person  to  sound  him  and  discover  his  true 
Charecter,  as  soon  as  I  can  meet  with  one  qualified  for  this  Busi- 
ness. I  will  possess  the  Person  employed  with  whatever  may  be 
necessary  to  engage  the  Confidence  of  the  Master,  &  induce  him 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  781 

to  disclose  his  Business  &  Designs.     He  will  be  addressed  to  you 
for  advice  &  Directions. 

A  few  Days  ago  I  received  from  Gov'r  Livingston,  the  Examin 
ations  of  one  Cole  &  others,  who  were  lately  convicted  for 
Roberies  and  executed  in  New  Jersey  of  which  you  have  Copies 
inclosed.*  You  will  observe  that,  by  these  Examinations,  we 
have  been  able  to  discover  not  only  the  Persons  concerned  in  the 
different  Roberries  which  have  been  of  late  committed  in  this 
County  Ulster  &  Orange;  but  also  the  different  Persons  who 
harbour  &  abet  them.  You  will  also  please  to  observe,  that 
among  other  Enterprizes  this  Banditi  have  in  Meditation,  the 
Court  House,  your  House,  &  some  others  in  Goshen  are  to  be 
fired,  yourself  &  Colo.  Malcom  Plundered.  This  I  dare  say  will 
furnish  you  the  most  striking  &  feeling  argument  on  the  propriety 
of  having  these  Robers  &  their  Harbourers  immediately  appre- 
hended &  secured;  &  for  this  Purpose  I  now  inclose  you  Warrants 
from  the  Oom'rs  of  Conspiracies  at  this  Place,  in  which  (for  want  of 
a  sufficient  Number  of  Members  here  to  form  a  Board)  you  will  get 
Mr.  Wisener  or  Moffat  to  insert  his  name  in  the  Blank  left  for  that 
Purpose  &  then  have  executed  with  all  possible  Dispatch  on  tho«e 
who  reside  in  the  Clove  or  at  or  about  the  Sterling  Iron  Works. 
I  have  sent  simular  Warrants  to  Genl.  McDougal,  for  those  men- 
tioned in  the  Examinations,  who  reside  on  the  South  Side  of  the 
Mountains,  which  I  have  requested  him  to  have  executed  by  a  De- 
tachm't  from  his  Army  on  the  5th  of  next  Month.  If  you  shoud 
accomplish  your  Part  of  the  Business  before  that  Time,  it  will 
be  absolutely  necessary  that  the  Reasons  for  apprehending  these 
Persons  &  the  Discoveries  made  by  this  Examination  shoud  be 
kep  a  profound  Secret,  least  a  discovery  shoud  alarm  those  as- 

*Not  found. 


7S2  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

signed  to  Genl.  McDougal.  Indeed  the  whole  Business  must  be 
conducted  with  Secrecy,  if  you  are  to  expect  Success.  Colo. 
Heathorn  or  the  Commanding  Officer  of  any  other  of  the  Regts. 
in  your  County,  to  whom  you  may  think  proper  to  apply,  will 
furnish  you  with  a  proper  Detachment  of  trusty  Men  for  this  Ser 
vice,  on  shewing  them  that  Part  of  this  Letter  which  relates  to 
this  particular  Business,  in  the  Execution  of  which  I  woud  advice 
you  to  call  on  Capt.  Jno.  Wood  for  his  Assistance.  The  Com- 
missioners will  pay  the  Expence  attending  it,  on  the  account 
thereof  being  rendered  to  them.  I  am  with  great  Regard  your 
Most  Obed't  Serv't 

[G.    C.] 

P.  S.    It  may  answer  a  good  Purpose  when  these  People  are 
apprehended,  to  give  it  out  that  they  are  to  be  kept  as  hostages 
&  if  any  Robberies  or  murders  are  committed  they  will  be  put  to 
Death. 
Colo.  Nicoll. 


[No.  2256.] 

Jelles  Fonda  Writes  Major  Lush  Relative  to  the  Money  for  the 
Frontier  Sufferers. 

Cachnewago  29th  Apl.  1779. 

Sir,  I  Rec'd  your  Letter  of  the  14  Instant  and  note  the  Con- 
tents of  it.  I  am  Laid  op  in  my  home  with  a  Sore  ledg.  I  have 
had  my  Sone  in  law,  Mr.  Van  Veghten,  Round  to  all  the  members 
of  the  Sennete  and  asembly  in  our  County,  Except  Coll.  Cambel, 
who  is  moved  out  of  it,  and  he  has  Shown  them  your  letter,  and 
advised  with  them  all:  theay  all  Say  that  the  Distressed  Peple 
will  eet  Grane  Soner  and  Cheper,  then  if  one  man  had  to  Buy  it: 
and  agree  that  John  Frey,  and  John  Fonda  Shall  Be  the  Persons 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  783 

to  Devide  the  money  to  those  who  are  Distressed  By  the  Enemy  in 
our  County  at  once;  it  has  not  Been  in  my  Power  to  Precure  a 
Proper  Retorn  as  you  mene  to  have  it.  I  have  had  Sum  Sent  to 
me,  which  was  the  Same  as  has  Bene  Sent  to  the  Governor  Sum 
thime  Past :  we  have  a  great  many  Persons  in  our  County  who  are 
Realy  obiects  of  Charity :  if  I  was  able  to  go  about  I  whould  get 
a  Proper  Retorn.  By  writing  I  Can  not  Sucseed — the  Suner  the 
money  was  Sent  the  Better.  So  I  Remane  your  most  Humble 

Serv't 

Jelles  Fonda. 

P.  S.     I  whould  Sent  Round  to  the  Colls,  again  But  it  forty 
miles  Round  and  then  Perhaps  whould  not  Be  Rightly  onder- 
stoud  as  to  the  Retorn  Required.    J.  F. 
To  Madger  Stephen  Lush. 


784 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


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-786  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  G-EORGE  CLINTOX. 

[No.  2259.] 

Tryon  County  Asks  for  a  Special  Court  of  Oyer  and  Terminer  for 
the  Trial  of  Twelve  Conspirators. 

Stone  Arabia,  30th  April  1779. 

Sir;  We  beg  leave  to  acquaint  your  Excellency  that  we  have 
lately  discovered  a  most  daring  Conspiracy  formed  against  the 
People  of  this  County,  and  that  in  Consequence  thereof,  we  have 
apprehended  twelve  of  the  Conspirators,  who  are  charged  with 
Treason  and  Misprision  of  Treason;  we  have  taken  some  of  their 
Examinations  &  collected  some  proof,  for  the  particulars  of 
which  we  refer  your  Excellency  to  Capt.  Fox,  the  Bearer. 

As  the  Prison  of  our  County  is  insufficient  to  hold  Prisoners  we 
have  the  Prisoners  under  a  military  Guard,  where  we  shall  keep 
them  untill  we  have  your  Excellency's  Instructions. 

We  intreat  your  Excellency,  that  as  we  have  a  Number  of  Per- 
sons charged  with  felonious  Acts,  besides  the  above  Prisoners, 
you  will  be  pleased  to  order  a  special  Court  of  Oyer  and  Terminer 
for  this  County.  We  can  with  the  greatest  Confidence  assure 
your  Excellency,  that  if  a  speedy  Example  is  not  made  of  those 
Miscreants,  the  well  affected  Inhabitants  of  this  Place  cannot 
with  safety  to  their  Persons  or  Property  remain  upon  their 
Farms.  We  are  Your  Excellency's  Most  Obedient  H'ble  Ser- 
vants, 

Jacob  Klock,  Petter  Wagner,  Peter  S.  Deygert,  Just.,  Will'm 
Deygert,  Justice,  Chris'r  P.  Yatee. 
His  Excellency  Gov'r  Clinton.* 


[No.  2260.] 
A  List  of  Sufferers  in   Canafoharie  District,   Entitled  to  State 

Relief. 

A  Keturn  of  the  Distressed  Familys  whose  Propertys  has  been 
Destroyed  By  the  Enemy  Last  Year  and  those  of  Each  of  said 

*For  Governor  Clinton's  reply,  see  page  797. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


787 


Familys  that  is  not  Able  to  gain  a  Livelyhood  Canojoharie  Dis- 
trict Tryon  County  April  30th  1779. 


He'.ds  of  Familys. 

Number  of 
those  in  each 
Fami'y  that 
are  not  able  to 
Number  in        Work  for  a 
Each  Family.     Livelyhood. 

The  Reverend  Samuel  Dunlap, 

2 

1 

The  Reverend  William  Johnston, 

10 

• 
5 

Samuel  Campbell, 

2 

1 

Samuel  Clyde, 

11 

7 

Jeremiah  Bakon, 

8 

4 

Nathaniel  Hammil, 

4 

1 

William  Dickson, 

9 

4 

William  Gault, 

9 

7 

James  Scott, 

6 

5 

James  Wilson, 

8 

5 

Widow  WTarfield, 

3 

2 

William  McConnall, 

4 

2 

John  Campbell,  Sen'r, 

6 

1 

James  Ramsey, 

3 

3 

James  Campbell, 

9 

6 

John  Campbell,  Jun'r, 

9 

3 

Daniel  Ogden, 

7 

3 

James  Moore, 

3 

2 

James  McCollum, 

3 

2 

William  McClaallen, 

5 

4 

William  Thompson, 

12 

1 

John  Foster, 

6 

2 

Widow  Winstone, 

4 

3 

Hugh  Mitchell, 

3 

2 

Widow  Thompson, 

G 

3 

Alexander  McCollom, 

8 

4 

788 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


Heads  of  Familys. 


Number  of 

tho-e in  each 

Family  that 

are  not  able  to 

Number  in       Work  for  a 

each  Family.    Livel>hood. 


Thomas  Kamsey, 

2 

2 

George  Kinnout,                         x 

8 

3 

Isaac  Collier, 

5 

4 

William  Stensel, 

9 

3 

George  Myer, 

5 

2 

Coonrod  Picket, 

10 

5 

Henry  Brat, 

7 

3 

David  Tygert, 

4 

2 

Adolph  Walrod, 

4 

2 

Isaac  Quack, 

5 

3 

John  Spalsberry, 

6 

2 

Widow  Hath, 

5 

3 

Henry  Dygart, 

5 

3 

George  Bush, 

4 

2 

Widow  Davis, 

4 

3 

Perils  Sparks, 

4 

3 

John  Pickett, 

7 

4 

Jacob  Wright, 

2 

1 

Saml.  Clyde,  Lt.  Coll.  3 

To  Coll.  Fredrek  Fisher,  Coughnawago. 


Total  256    Total  137 


[No.  2261.] 
George  Clinton  to  Colonel  Curtenius  as  to  the  Clothing  Department. 

Poughkeepsie  1st  May  1779. 

Sir,  I  enclose  you  Copies  of  Letter*  from  the  Commiss'r  of 
Cloathing  Accounts  &  an  Act  of  Congress  of  the  2d  March  on  the 

*See  page  719. 


Returns  of  the  battalion 
Weekly  Return  of  the  4th  New  York  Battalion 


Officers  present  flt  for  Duty 

May  2nd  1719. 

Field 

Commissioned 

Staff 

1 

3 

Companies 

olonel 

1 

a 
o 

tenant 

a 

I 

u 

u 
O 

CO 

1 

1 

O 

a 

3 

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15 

5 

3 

3 

o 

JJ 

3 

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1 

0. 

i 

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a 

B 

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• 

S 

4 

Z 

3 

S 

3 

5 

S 

a 
W 

a 

O 

3 

£ 

(y 

9 

» 

9 

eE 

L. 

3j 

Colo  Company 

1 

1 

1 

i 

i 

Major's  Company 

1 

Capt.  Sacket 

i 

1 

Capt.  Davis 

Capt.  Walker 

i 

1 

Capt.  Smith 

i 

Capt.  Titus 

i 

i 

Capt.  Norton 
Capt.  Fowler 

i 

i 

i 

1 

Total 

1 

6 

' 

4 

1 

i 

i 

Officers  Sick  present 

Vacant 

5 

1 

Absent  officers  names 

Places  where 

Reason  for 

ar 

Major  McCracking 
Capt.  Walker 

Bennington 
(Jen'l  Stuben 

Not  Joind 
Aidecamp 

Mon 

Capt.  Smith 
Capt.  Lieut.  Dunscomb 

present 
Albany 

acting  pay  Mr. 
on  Command 

Lieut.  Rlsworth 
Lieut.  V'n  Hovenbergh 
Lieut.  Barrit 
Serjt.  Howel 
Stephan  Buckingham 

present 
Albany 
present 
Poughkeepsle 
Drumer  New  Windsor 

Acting  Adjutant 
on  Command 
Acting  Qr.  Master 
on  Command 
Sick 

N.  B.  One  flfer  promoted  to  flfe  Major. 

Peter  E 

The  Amount  of  the  non  Commission'd  Officers  and  Privates  in  the  ; 
to  be  left  w'th  the  Treasurer  for  their  Gratuity  amount'g  225.  Capt.  S 
Return  and  that  the  other  is  a  true  Return  of  the  Regt. 

I  Certify  Honour  the  within  Returns  to  be  a  true  state  of  the  Offr 
my  Command  without  fraud  to  the  United  States  or  any  Individuals. 


mant  Colonel  fiegnier. 

landed  by  Lieut.  Colo.  P.  Regnier,  Fort  Plank. 


Wanting  to 

Alternations  Since 

Rank  &  File 

Compleat 

Last  Return 

Q 

E 
o 

0 

a 

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311 

Sick  at                         2  on  his  excellency's  Guard 

Fishklll              1          1  with  Gen'l  McDougral 

at  Denbury        1          1  with  John  Francks  Late  pay  Master 
at  Albany          1          1  with  Capt  Dunscomb 
—          4  on  Command  at  Norwalk 

3           5  at  Albany 

u 

P.  Regnier,  Lt.  Col.  Comdt. 

tant 

appears  to  be  five  less  than  the  Return  made  by  the  Colo.  Command't 

ade    out    the    last    mentioned    Return    says    there  is  a    mistake    in   thia 

missioned  officers,  and   Privates   of   the  4th   K,  York  Regiment,  under 

P»  Regnier,  Lt,  Col.  Comdt. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  789 

same  Subject.  You'l  make  your  Returns  to  the  Commiss'r  of 
Cloathing  accordingly.  As  Congress  have  made  considerable 
alterations  with  respect  to  the  business  [of]  the  Cloathing  Depart- 
ment I  wish  to  have  an  Opportunity  of  conversing  with  you  on 
the  Subject  as  soon  as  may  be  convenient.  I  am  &c. 

Geo:  Clinton. 
Colo.  Curtenius. 


[No.  2262.] 

Commissary  Totmsend,  for  Permit  to  Send  100  Barrels  Flour  to 
Troops  Outside  of  the  State. 

Peeks  Kill  1st  May  1779. 

Sir,  I  Am  Directed  by  P.  Colt,  Esqr,  D.  C.  Genl.  of  Pur's  To 
Apply  to  your  Excellency  for  Permition  To  Send  flour  out  of  this 
State,  for  Supplying  the  Guards  at  Horse  Neck  &  Norwalk,  &  as 
I  am  Unacquainted  with  the  Quantity  that  may  be  Wanted  for 
that  purpose  at  present,  please  to  Grant  a  permitt  for  one  hun- 
dred Barrels  flour  &  Enclose  the  Same  To  me  att  Bedford.  For 
your  Exc'cy  Hum'e  Serv't 

Saml.  Townsend  A.  C.  of  P.  West  Chester  County. 
His  Exc'cy  George  Clinton. 


[No.  2264.] 

Colonel  Curtenius  Appeals  for  the  Exemption  from  Military  Service 
of  Matthias  Warner. 

Wall  Kill  May  2d  1779. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency;  The  bearer  hereof  Mr.  Matthias 
Warner,  a  Refugee  from  the  City  of  New  York,  has  had  the  mis- 
fortune to  be  drafted  in  the  nine  months  servise.  If  he  is  obliged 
to  go,  it  will  bring  Ruin  &  great  distress  on  his  family,  for  he  has 
no  one  to  take  care  of  his  business  on  the  farm  (he  has  hiered) 


790  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

but  his  son  who  is  a  small  lad  &  not  capable  to  do  the  business  & 
as  to  hireing  a  man  he  is  not  able;  he  having  expended  the  great- 
est part  of  his  money  which  he  brought  out  of  town  with  him, 
If  your  Exellen'y  could  consistently  Exempt  him,  it  would  save 
a  good  man  &  his  family  from  great  distress. 

The  plea  he  has  to  be  exempted,  besides  what  is  mentioned 
above,  is  that  he  may  be  Considederd  as  being  in  public  servise, 
for  I  have  hiered  part  of  his  House  to  put  the  Soldiers  Cloathing 
in,  &  I  think  it  is  necessary  that  he  stay  with  the  cloathing  to 
take  care  of  them.  I  remain  with  due  respect  Your  Excellen's 

most  Obed't  Serv't 

Peter  T.  Curtenius. 
[To  G.  C.] 


[No.  2265.] 

Robert  fates  Reports  that  Fifty  Depredators  are  Working  the  Woods 
on  the  West  Bank  of  the  Hudson. 

Albany  May  2d  1779. 

Sir:  During  the  sitting  of  the  Court  the  last  Term,  William 
Hooghteeling  was  tryed  and  convicted  of  two  Robberies,  the  one 
at  the  house  of  Teunis  Van  Slyck,  and  the  other  at  the  house  of 
Michael  Halenbeek  upon  full  proof.  His  execution  is  ordered  on 
Saturday  the  eighth  instant. 

This  Felon  was  apprehended  last  Sunday  morning  a  few  hours 
after  the  last  Bobbery  was  committed,  by  a  party  of  Continental 
Troops. 

From  the  best  information,  it  appears  that  there  are  sculking 
in  the  woods  in  this  county,  on  the  west  side  of  the  River  about 
fifty  persons,  whose  designs  are  to  continue  their  depredations 
on  the  Inhabitants  for  some  time,  and  afterwards  intend  to  join 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  791 

the  Enemy  to  the  westward,  I  am,  with  the  greatest  respect, 
Your  Excellency's,  most  obedient  and  humble  Servant, 

Robert  Yates. 
His  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esqr. 


[No.  2266.] 

Governor  Clinton  Approves  of  James  Clinton's  Expedition  up  the 

MohawTc. 

Pouke'epsie,  2d  May,  1779. 

Dear  Brother,  I  was  Favoured  with  your  Letter  of  the  28th* 
Ultimo  yesterday  Evening,  &  am  extreamly  happy  to  learn  that 
the  Alarm  which  called  you  into  Tryon  County  has  not  been  at- 
tended with  as  much  Distress  &  Injury  to  the  Inhabitants  as  from 
the  Accounts  first  transmitted  to  me,  I  had  reason  to  apprehend. 
As  the  Security  of  the  Frontier  Settlements  ag't  the  Depredations 
of  a  Savage  Enemy  is  an  Object  of  the  first  Importance,  I  highly 
approve  of  your  establishing  a  Post  at  the  Pass  you  mention,  & 
you  may  rest  assured,  that  every  Exertion  will  be  made  on  my 
Part,  to  expedite  the  compleating  the  Levies  for  filling  up  the 
Continental  Battallions  &  for  the  Defense  of  the  Frontiers. 

I  am  perswaded  great  Advantages  will  result  from  the  late 
fortunate  &  very  Successfull  Expedition  against  Anandaga,  &  it 
cannot  fail  of  reflecting  high  Honor  on  those  who  planned  &  exe- 
cuted it.  I  have  Reason  to  hope  it  will  secure  our  old  Colonel  that 
Promotion  to  which  he  is  intitelld  &  which  has  long  been  shame- 
fully witheld  from  him.  Holt  will  give  the  Account  of  it  to  the 
Public  Tomorrow  in  the  best  dress  [the]  Short  intervening  Time 
will  admit  of.  I  have  no  news  to  communicate  but  such  as  the 
public  Papers  afford.  I  shoud  be  happy  if  you  coud  dispose  of  the 

•See  page  770. 


792  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Prisoners  without  sending  them  to  me,  as  I  know  not  where  to  be 

able  to  secure  them.     I  am  yours,  Affectionately, 

G.  C. 
Genl.  James  Clinton. 


[No.  2267.] 
COMPLICATIONS  IN  VERMONT. 

Committees  from  Nine  Towns  Oppose  the  Creation  of  the  New  State 
and  Appeal  to  Governor  Clinton. 

To  his  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esqr.,  Governor  of  the  State 
of  New  York,  General  Commander  in  Chief  of  all  the  Militia,  and 
Admiral  of  the  Navy  of  the  same.* 

The  Petition  of  the  Committees  of  the  Towns  of  Hinsdale, 
Guilf  ord,  Brattleborough,  Fulham,  Putney,  Westminster,  Rock- 
ingham,  Springfield  &  Weathersfield,  in  Cumberland  County, 
chosen  for  the  Purpose  of  opposing  the  pretended  State  of  Ver- 
mont, &  convened  at  Brattleborough  the  4th  May  1779. 

Humbly  Sheweth;  That  there  being  a  numerous  Party  in 
avowed  Opposition  to  legal  Authority,  your  Petitioners  and 
others  have  been  compelled  to  submit,  though  reluctantly,  to  live 
without  the  Benefits  arising  from  a  well  regulated  Government. 
They  have  been  destitute  of  the  regular  means  of  punishing  the 
most  atrocious  Offenders,  &  of  compelling  the  Execution  of  pri- 
vate Justice.  In  short  they  are,  and  for  a  long  time  have  been, 
in  such  anarchy  that  even  Committees,  where  they  do  exist,  are 
without  Power. 

In  this  distracted  State  your  Petitioners  have  waited,  with 
much  Impatience,  the  Lieusure  of  the  Grand  Council  of  the  Amer- 
ican Empire,  to  whose  authority  alone  these  deluded  Men  pre- 
tend Submission.  We  had  no  Doubt,  as  we  understood  applicar 

*For  Governor  Clinton's  reply,  see  page  814. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  793 

tion  had  been  made  for  the  Purpose,  but  Congress  would  use  the 
first  moment  they  could  spare  from  more  important  Concerns, 
to  recommend  to  the  revolted  Subjects  of  the  State,  a  return  to 
their  allegiance.  We  were  encouraged  to  expect  it,  not  only  as 
this  Kevolt  established  a  Precedent  which  might  be  dangerous 
in  other  States,  and  as  the  Continent  could  derive  no  assistance 
of  Consequence  from  the  Grants,  either  in  Men  or  Money,  while 
they  remain  under  a  disputed  Government;  But  because  the 
States  had  confederated  for  their  mutual  and  General  Welfare, 
and  bound  themselves  to  assist  each  other  against  all  Force 
offered  to,  or  attacks  made  upon  any  of  them,  on  account  of 
Sovereignty,  or  on  any  other  Pretence  whatsoever. 

But  to  our  very  great  Surprize  and  Concern,  Congress  have 
not,  as  we  can  learn,  done  any  thing  since  the  year  1776,  in  a 
matter  of  so  great  moment  to  the  Peace  and  Harmony  of  the 
confederated  States. 

That  the  Partizans  for  a  new  State  have  confiscated  &  sold,  and 

« 

are  selling,  many  valuable  real  and  personal  Estates. 

That  they  have  attempted  repeatedly  to  exercise  judicial  and 
military  authority  over  those  who  continue  loyal  to  the  State 
of  New  York;  and  have  very  lately  had  the  assurance  to  take 
the  Cattle  of  those  who  refuse  to  comply  with  their  illegal 
Orders.  They  have  also  assessed,  and  endeavoured  to  collect 
Money  from  those  who  do  not  admit  the  Validity  of  their  author- 
ity, and  have  been  restrained  only  by  force.  In  seme  Instances 
they  have  intimidated  the  Subjects  of  New  York  State  to  give 
up  their  Property,  rather  than  to  contend  with  them. 

They  have  also  made  Prisoner  of  a  Magistrate  acting  under 
authority  of  the  State  of  New  York,  in  a  matter  which  no  way 
concerned  the  Subjects  of  the  pretended  State  of  Vermont,  and 


794  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

compelled  Mm  to  give  Bond,  in  the  Penalty  of  one  thousand 
Pounds  lawful  Money  of  New  England,  Conditioned  for  his  ap- 
pearance before  their  superior  Court  in  June  next. 

In  fine  from  the  General  Tenor  of  their  Conduct,  they  now 
appear  determined,  at  all  Events,  to  enforce  Submission  to  their 
Government. 

That  the  Subjects  of  the  State  of  New  York  here,  cannot  long 
endure  their  present  unhappy  Situation,  and  have  only  the  State 
to  which  they  owe  allegiance,  to  look  up  to  for  Succour  in  this 
critical  and  calamitous  Hour.  The  Protection  of  Individuals  and 
their  Property  we  esteem  the  principal  End  of  Government:  that 
Protection  we  have  a  right  to  claim  in  return  for  our  allegiance: 
And  we  have  besides  the  solemn  Engagement  of  the  Legislature, 
to  concur  "in  the  necessary  measures  for  protecting  the  loyal 
Inhabitants  of  the  State,  residing  in  the  Counties  of  Albany, 
Charlotte,  Cumberland,  &  Gloucester,  in  their  Persons  and 
Estates." 

Your  Petitioners  were  in  hopes  that  the  disaffected  Party 
would  not  have  reduced  them  to  the  disagreable  Necessity  of 
applying  for  Protection  during  the  Continuance  of  the  War  with 
Great  Britain;  But  our  present  Circumstances  loudly  demand 
the  speedy  and  effectual  Execution  of  the  Promise  made  by  the 
Legislature:  We  shall  otherwise  be  compelled  to  obey  a 
Government  which  we  view  as  an  Usurpation,  and  add  our 
Strength  to  oppose  one  which  we  conceive  entitled  to  our  dutiful 
Obedience  and  Support. 

Your  Petitioners,  therefore,  humbly,  and  in  the  most  urgent 
&  earnest  manner,  on  behalf  of  themselves  and  their  Constitu- 
ents, entreat  that  your  Excellency  will  take  immediate  and  effec- 
tual Measures  for  protecting  the  loyal  Subjects  in  this  part  of 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  795 

the  State  in  their  Persons  and  Properties;  and  to  convince  the 
honorable  the  Congress  of  the  Impropriety  of  delaying  a  Publica- 
tion of  their  Sentiments  in  a  matter  which  so  nearly  concerns 
the  Peace,  Welfare,  &  probably  the  Lives,  of  many  of  their  firm 
adherents.  And  your  Petitioners,  as  in  Duty  bound,  shall  ever 
pray  &c. 

By  order  of  the  Committees. 

Samuel  Minott,  Chairman. 
Brattleborough  4th  May  1779. 


[No.  2268.] 

Essex  County,  New  Jersey,  Officers  Appeal  to  Governor  Clinton  to 
Procure  the  Exchange  of  Captain  Joseph  Crane. 

To  his  Excellency  George  Clinton  Esquire  Governor,  Captain 
General  and  Commander  in  Chief  in  and  Over  the  State  of  New 
York  and  Territories  &c. 

We,  the  Subscribers,  Inhabitants  of  the  County  of  Essex,  State 
of  New  Jersey,  Beg  Leave  to  acquaint  you,  That  Capt.  Joseph 
Crane  Late  of  Clarks  Town,  Was  Taken  by  the  Enemy  near 
Tapan  Last  fall,  and  we  understand  is  now  on  Long  Island,  and 
has  a  Great  Desire  to  be  Exchang'd  and  Return  home  to  his 
Family  and  be  of  Further  Service  to  his  Country.  Therefore, 
we  Humbly  Petition  your  Excellency,  that  he  be  Exchanged  as 
Soon  as  Possible:  as  he  has  been  an  Officer  under  the  Command 
of  his  Excellency  General  Washington  &  after  that,  in  the  militia, 
during  all  which  Time  he  has  Proved  himself  to  be  a  faithfull 
friend  to  his  Country,  a  Good  Officer  and  a  brave  Soldier. 

And  that  your  Excellency  may  Live  to  See  our  Enemies  In- 
tirely  Defeated,  the  Blessing  of  Peace  return,  and  injoy  the  Great 


796  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Happiness  of  Governing  a  Free  and  Independent  People,  your 
Humble  Petitioners,  as  in  Duty  bound,  Shall  Ever  Pray. 
Philip  V.  Oortlandt,  Con'l  Joseph  Crane,  Lieut. 

Isaac  Dod,  Justice  of  peace  Jonathan  Crane,  Ins. 

Caleb  Dod,  Major  George  Harrison,  Ajut. 

Amos  Dod,  Captain  Jno.  Range,  Clerk. 

Isaac  Morrison,  Cap.  Samuel  Dod,  Lieut. 

Jed'h  Chapman,  V.  D.  M.  Frans  Post,  Ca't 

Samuel  Pierson,  Capt. 
[May  —  1779,] 


General  Washington  Comm'ends  Governor  Clinton's  services. 

Head-Quarters,  Middlebrook,  3  May,  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  I  am  honored  with  your  favor  of  the  25th  of  last 
month.  The  readiness,  with  which  you  comply  with  all  my  re- 
quests in  prosecution  of  the  public  service,  has  a  claim  to  my 
warmest  acknowledgments.  I  am  glad  to  hear  of  the  measures 
the  State  has  taken  for  raising  a  thousand  men,  and  of  your 
expectation  that  the  number  would  be  soon  completed.  I  hope 
the  intelligence  from  Colonel  Cantine  will  not  materially  retard 
the  progress  of  a  business,  on  which  the  general  security  of  the 
frontier  so  much  depends. 

In  a  letter  I  have  lately  received  from  Mr.  Duane,  in  behalf  of 
the  delegates  of  New  York,  he  transmitted  a  packet  received  from 
you  on  the  subject  of  frontier  prisoners,  under  an  idea  that  the 
general  direction  of  prisoners  was  in  my  hands.  There  is  a  mis- 
conception in  this,  for  I  have  never  had  any  thing  to  do  with  any 
but  military  prisoners.  The  exchange  of  inhabitants  has  generally 
rested  with  the  States  to  which  they  belonged.  So  far  as  these 
are  concerned,  therefore,  I  consider  them  out  of  my  province. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  797 

With  respect  to  military  prisoners,  under  which  description  I 
comprehend  all  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  Continental  army, 
and  of  the  militia  when  taken  in  actual  service,  I  shall  be  ready 
to  concur  with  your  Excellency  in  exchanging  any  such  as  may 
be  in  possession  of  the  parties.  In  this,  as  to  the  officers,  I  must 
for  the  present  confine  myself  to  those  taken  on  both  sides  on  the 
frontier,  according  to  the  principle  of  equality  of  rank.  When 
this  is  done,  if  any  officers  of  ours  remain  in  their  hands,  they  must 
wait,  till,  in  the  rotation  of  exchanges  and  in  the  order  of  capture, 
it  shall  come  to  their  turn  to  be  exchanged.  I  observe  by  the 
list,  that  there  are  very  few  on  either  side.  It  will  be  agreeable 
to  me,  that  such  as  cannot  be  exchanged  on  this  plan  shall  be 
mutually  released  on  parole.  The  enemy  appear  to  have  no  pri- 
vates of  ours  in  their  hands,  so  that  no  exchange  can  take 
place  with  regard  to  them.  If  they  had  any,  we  would  very 
readily  exchange;  but  I  have  made  it  a  maxim,  for  obvious 
reasons,  not  to  confound  military  prisoners  and  inhabitants,  and 
consequently  not  to  exchange  them  for  each  other.  Dear  Sir, 

yours,  &c. 

[George  Washington.]* 
[To  Governor  Clinton.] 

[No.  2269.] 

Tryon  County  to  Obtain  a  Special  Court  of  Oyer  and  Terminer. 

4  May  [1779]. 

Gentlemen,  I  have  rec'd  your  Letter  of  the  30th  Ulto.f  A 
Commission  of  Oyer  &  Terminer  shall  immediately  be  issued  for 
Tour  County,  to  try  the  Criminals  who  you  have  been  eo  fortunate 
as  to  apprehend,  but  as  the  Court  is  to  meet  in  Orange  County 

*Not  in  Clinton  collection.    Taken  from  Sparks'  Washington. 
|See  page  786. 


798  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

this  month,  I  do  not  think  it  probable  the  Judges  will  be  able 
to  attend  in  your  County  before  the  beginning  of  June.  As  I 
have  no  authority  to  order  the  Prisoners  to  'be  confined  out  of 
the  County  &  your  gaol  being  insuffic't  to  hold  them  I  think  the 
best  thing  that  can  be  done  is  to  keep  them  under  their  pres't 
Confinem't. 

It  is  essential  that  you  keep  a  watchful  Eye  over  the  Disaf- 
fected, for  as  long  they  are  permitted  to  go  at  large,  your  Secrets 
will  be  betrayed  &  your  Safety  rendered  extreamly  dangerous. 

Yours  &c. 

Geo:  Clinton. 

Jacob  Klock,  Esqr.  &  others. 


[Nos.  2270-2271.] 
Another  Raid  on  the  Ulster  Frontier. 

Warwasink,  May  4th  1779  4  O'clock  P.  M. 

Dear  Sir,  I  am  Sorry  to  Inform  you  that  this  morning  just  as 
I  was  marching  my  Regt,  from  this  place  I  Rec'd  an  acc't  that 
Several  Houses  were  burnt  at  the  Fantine  Kill.  I  march'd  to 
Intercept  the  Enemy  which  I  Saw  twice,  but  Could  not  Surround 
them,  being  on  a  mountain;  when  I  Discovered  them,  we  Ex- 
chainged  'Several  long  shot  with  them,  'but  they  have  made  their 
Escape;  they  have  burnt  four  Houses  (and  Killed  Six  that  we 
have  Seen,  and  it  is  Supposed  have  Killed  three  or  fore  more  of 
the  Inhabitants);  they  have  not  hurt  any  of  my  men,  nor  have 
we  Killed  any  of  them,  they  being  affraid  to  Ingage  us;  by  a 
woman  who  they  took  prisoner  and  Released,  it  appears  they  are 
about  30  or  40  in  number. 

As  I  am  under  the  most  pressing  orders  to  march  with  all  Ex- 
pidition,  I  send  an  Express  to  Inform  you  of  what  is  happened, 
that  you  may  give  such  further  orders  as  you  may  think  proper. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  799 

Colo.  Cantine  is  gone  to  Lagawack,  But  I  do  not  think  above 
fifty  of  the  men  are  arrived,  which  you  have  ordered,  tho  they 
may  arrive  tomorrow,  but  I  believe  not  Enough.  From  y'r  Hum'e 

Ser't 

Philip  Cortlandt. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


THE  GOVERNOR  TAKES  IMMEDIATE  ACTION. 

Newburgh  May  5th  1779. 
D'r  Sir,  I  have  this  moment  rec'd  your  favor  of  yesterd'y.     I 

have  ordered  out  £  part  of  Hardenbergh's  &  McClaughry's  Regt, 

4 
to  join  Colo.  Cantine  &  the  like  proportion  of  the  three  northern 

Regte.,  of  Orange  to  such  Posts  on  the  frontiers  of  that  County 
as  the  command'g  officers  of  those  Regts.,  shall  judge  most  Proper. 

Yrs.  &c. 

Geo:  Clinton. 
Colo.  Cortlandt. 


[No.  2272.] 
The  Governor  Sends  Instructions  to  Colonel  Can-tine. 

New  Burgh  5th  May  1779. 

D'r  Sir,  In  consequence  of  a  Letter  which  I  have  this  moment 
received  from  Colo.  Cortlandt  I  have  issued  my  Orders  for  the 
|  part  of  Colo.  Hardenbergh's  &  McClaughry's  Regts.  immedi- 
ately to  march  &  put  themselves  under  your  command.  You  will, 
therefore,  make  such  disposition  of  them  &  the  force  which  you 
already  have  as  to  give  every  possible  Security  to  the  frontier 

Inhabit'ts.     Yrs.  &c. 

Geo:  Clinton, 
Colo.  Cantine. 


800  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  2273.] 
COLONEL  PATERSON  SUGGESTS  CIVIL  WAR. 

Unless  the  People  of  Vermont  Acknowledge  the  Rights  and  Privileges 
of  Citizens  of  New  York. 

Hinsdale  May  5th  1779. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency;*  Some  late  Conduct  of  the  Ver- 
mont Party,  tending  rapidly  towards  a  civil  War,  obliges  me  to 
give  your  Excellency  early  Intelligence  of  it,  and  of  our  Pro- 
ceedings in  Opposition  to  them.  That  Party  having  ordered  Capt 
James  Clay,  Lieut.  Benjamin  Willson,  and  one  Mr.  Cummins  (all 
acknowledged  Subjects  of  New  York,  in  Putney)  to  provide  a  man 
to  go  into  Service  for  a  short  Space  of  Time,  to  guard  the  Fron- 
tiers; the  Week  before  last  forcibly  took  a  Cow  from  Capt.  Clay, 
and  another  from  Mr.  Willson,  to  pay  a  Person  they  had  hired  for 
them,  and  the  Expences.  Last  Wednesday  was  the  Day  appointed 
for  selling  the  Cattle,  at  which  time  myself  &  Field  officers  &  a 
considerable  Part  of  my  Regiment  met,  aH  unarmed,  to  prevent 
the  Sale.  After  vainly  endeavouring,  with  Calmness,  to  convince 
them  of  the  Impropriety  of  this  Proceeding,  and  to  perswade 
them  to  give  up  the  Cattle,  we  took  Possession  of  them,  the  owners 
drove  them  off,  and  every  man  returned  to  his  Home. 

In  Fulham,  some  Persons,  Subjects  of  New  York,  have  lately 
had  their  Property  taken  from  them  by  Direction  of  the  Vermont 
Officers,  and  have  acquiesced  in  it,  rather  than  to  contend.  One 
other  was  also  threatened  with  the  like  Usage;  but  since  our  re- 
taking the  Cattle  in  Putney,  they  have  been  quiet  about  it. 

In  Guilford,  a  Sum  of  Money  was  assessed  upon  those  who  were 
supposed  to  have  done  least  in  the  War;  the  Persons  who  were  to 

*For  Governor  Clinton's  reply,  see  page  814. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  301 

collect  it,  were,  upon  a  Trial,  frightened  from  it  by  those  who  op- 
pose Vermont.  In  Westminster  &  Rockingham  they  have  drafted 
some  Yorkers ;  I  fear  it  will  not  end  without  a  Disturbance,  as  in 
those  towns  the  Parties  are  nearly  equal. 

Colo.  Fletcher,  who  commands  the  New  State  men  in  this  Regi- 
ment, hearing  that  Men  were  raising  ito  prevent  selling  the  Cattle 
of  Messrs.  Clay  and  Willson,  went  over  to  their  Council  at  Ar- 
lington, whether  for  Men  or  advice  I  cannot  learn.  But  as  Colo. 
[Ethan]  Allen  has  repeatedly  threatened  us  with  his  Green  Moun- 
tain Boys,  and  some  of  that  Party  about  here  give  out  that  this 
is  only  the  beginning  of  the  matter,  and  as  they  appear  resolute 
to  enforce  Submission  to  their  authority;  many  are  fearful  that 
what  they  have  already  done,  has  been  in  Pursuance  of  a  General 
Plan  for  subduing  all  those  who  are  in  allegiance  to  New  York. 

In  this  distracted  Situation,  I  would  request  your  Excellency's 
particular  Direction,  how  far,  for  the  future,  to  proceed  in  De- 
fence of  the  Persons  &  Property  of  those  under  my  Command, 
and  what  Steps  tp  take,  if  the  Vermonters  should  attempt  by 
force  of  arms,  to  seize  the  Persons  or  Property  of  such  as  do  not 
acknowledge  their  authority? 

As  there  is  a  Probability  that  Men  may  be  sent  from  the  West 
Side  of  the  Mountains,  to  assist  those  here,  I  would  beg  leave  to 
suggest  to  your  Excellency,  the  Necessity  of  having  the  Militia  of 
Albany  County  held  in  readiness  to  attack  them,  if  they  should 
gather  with  that  Design.  The  Brigadier  General  of  that  County, 
may  with  ease  have  early  Information  of  any  Plan  of  the  kind,  by 
employing  some  of  the  Enemies  of  Vermont  in  their  Towns,  to 
give  him  Notice.  What  the  Consequence  will  be  of  permitting 
51 


802  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

the  Green  Mountaineers  to  come  here  unmolested,  may  be  easily 
foretold. 

The  Legislature  having  promised  to  protect  the  Persons  &  Prop- 
erty of  their  loyal  Subjects  in  this  part  of  the  State;  it  has  be- 
come their  general  Desire  that  Measures  may  be  very  speedily 
taken  to  fulfil  that  Engagement.  And  I  hope  your  Excellency 
will  pardon  my  saying  that  unless  it  can  be  speedily  done,  1  must 
be  under  a  Necessity  of  resigning  my  Commission. 

There  are  near  500  Officers  &  Men  under  my  Command,  who 
are  in  general  but  poorly  armed  &  provided  with  ammunition.  I 
am  not  yet  prepared  to  make  an  exact  return  to  your  Excellency, 
as  some  of  my  Captains  have  not  yet  returned  the  State  of  their 
Companies  to  me,  &  others  have  done  it  very  informally. 

The  Field1  officers,  having  thought  it  for  the  Interest  of  the  State 
to  acquaint  your  Excellency  with  our  present  Situation,  have  pre- 
vailed upon  Mr.  Townsend  to  wait  upon  you.  A  few  Individuals, 
have  advanced  his  Expences,  and  agreed  to  pay  for  his  Time  and 
Horse  hire;  but  as  it  is  the  Business  of  the  State  upon  which  he 
goes,  it  will  be  discouraging  if  he  is  not  paid  by  the  State.  I  am 

Your  Excellency's  most  obedient  Servant, 

Eleaz'r  Paterson. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  2274.] 

Returns  of  Wheat  and  Flour  Found  in  Sundry  Mills  and  Purchased 
by  Henry  and  Paul  Schenck. 

Acc't  of  Flour  &  Wheat  found  in  the  Different  Mills  Purchased 
by  Henry  &  Paul  Schenck: 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.        803 


Time  when  pnrch'd 

1 779  Cask  flour 

March    tith    10  of  Dirck  Hoogland  at  9  £  pr  C 

6        17  of  Obadiah  Cooper  at  9      Do 
23        50  taken  of  Matthew  V.  Btmtschotin  9  £  pr  C 


at  Van  Buntschoten's  mill. 


25  11^  Bus.  wheat  at  8  Doll,  pr  bushel 

29  25  Cask  Flour  of  David  Cnrrie  nt  12  £  pr  C  j 

20  16  Do  of  Job's  Wiltsee  at  12  £  pr  C  at  J:  BrmckerhoflTs  Mill 

29  40  Do  of  Samuel  Verplank  at  12  £  pr  C 


>  Samne 


i  el  Verplanck's  Mill 
29        28  Do  of  John  Brinckerhoff      12    Do 

29        24  Do  of  John  Sickles  at  12  £          Do        Corn's  V.  Sicklen's  Mill 
9  Do  of  Mr.  Elsworth  at  12  £         Do        at  Jno.  Cook's  Mill 
42  Do  of  Edward  Howard  at  9  £  at  Thos.  Notheway's  Mill  Beekman's  Prec't 


261  Cask  Flour  &  11«4  Bushel  wheat. 

The  above  is  purchased  by  Henry  Schenk. 

18  Cask  Flonr  in  Daniel  Hasbrook's  Mill  Purchased  the  Beginning  of  last  Fall  bv 
Paul  Schtnk. 

Hend'k  Wyckoff. 
Fishkill  May  5th  1779. 


[No.  2275.] 
DRAFTS  SLOW  IN  COMING  UP. 

James  Clinton  Forwards  to  the  Governor,  Lieutenant  McCiennan's 
Report  of  the  Oswegatchie  Expedition. 

Albany,  May  7th  1779. 

D'r  Sir,  I  am  sorry  to  inform  you  that  the  Drafts  from  Genl. 
Ten  Broeck's  Brigade  come  in  so  very  slow,  that  I  fear  they  will 
not  arrive  before  we  march,  which  probably  will  be  attended  with 
some  Inconveniencies.  They  are  mustered  as  fast  as  they  are 
received,  but  they  are  chiefly  without  arms,  and  very  ill  provided 
with  Cloaths. 

I  woud  beg  the  favour  of  you  to  request  Col.  Dnboys  to  make 
hast  up;  he  is  much  wanted;  his  Character,  and  his  regiment, 
suffer  by  his  absence,  and  no  Letter  from  me  is  sufficient  to  bring 
him. 

I  have  enclosed  a  Copy  of  Lt.  McClennan's  Discouveries  at 
Oswegotchee,  for  your  Inspection.  With  the  greatest  Esteem 

I  am  Yours  &c. 

James  Clinton. 
Gov'r  Clinton. 


804  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

McC-LBNNAN's  KEPORT. 

Fort  Schuyler  April  30th  1779. 

Honoured  Sir,  I  have  the  Pleasure  to  acquaint  you  that  in 
pursuance  of  Col.  V.  Schaick's  Orders  of  the  18th  Instant,  I  left 
this  Place  on  an  Expedition  to  Oswegotchee,  accompanied  by 
Lt.  Hardenbergh  of  the  1st  N.  Y.  Regt.,  one  Sergeant,  one  Cor- 
poral and  thirty  Privates;  as  there  cou'd  be  no  line  of  Conduct 
laid  down  on  an  Expedition  like  this,  I  suppose,  was  the  reason, 
why  the  Col.  did  not  give  any  written  Instructions.  However 
I  hope  you  will  have  no  reason  to  think,  but  that  we  have  applyed 
the  Party  to  the  best  advantage.  On  my  arrival  at  Oswegotchee, 
was  the  25th  Instant,  we  sent  three  Indians  to  reconeiter  the 
Garisson;  in  the  mean  time  we  discouvered  an  Indian  canoe  com- 
ing up  Black  River;  we  sent  another  Party  after  them,  who  took 
the  canoes,  and  brought  the  Indians  to  us,  whom  we  immediately 
examined,  as  you  will  see  by  the  enclosed.  By  this  time,  the 
Indians  we  had  sent  to  reconoiter  the  Garrison  returned,  & 
brought  three  British  Prisoners,  with  them,  who  told  us  the  same 
the  Indians  had  done.  We  then  moved  with  our  Party  nearer 
the  Garrison;  in  the  mean  time  our  Van  took  another  Prisoner, 
who  told  the  same  as  the  former.  Here  we  were  at  a  Stand  what 
to  do;  to  surprise  the  Garrison  was  impossible;  so  that  after  con- 
sulting the  Indians,  we  agreed  to  try  to  get  a  party  of  them  out, 
which  we  happily  efected  by  making  the  Indians  shew  themselves 
in  the  Edge  of  the  Woods.  They  sent  a  small  party  out ;  we  then 
endeavoured  to  draw  them  as  far  as  possible,  but  coud  not,  the 
Indians  were  so  warm,  that  they  had  scarcely  entered  the  Woods, 
before  they  began  their  firing;  the  Enemy  retired  without  return- 
ing a  Shot,  leaving  two  Dead  behind  them.  We  pursued  within 
sight  of  the  Fort,  but  they  gave  us  such  a  warm  fire  of  artillery 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  805 

and  musquetry  as  obliged  us  to  retreat  back  to  the  woods;  we 
then  marched  seven  miles  from  the  Garrison,  &  then  encamped 
for  the  night.  The  next  morning  one  of  the  Coughnawage 
Indians  acquainted  us,  that  he  had  a  Letter  written  by  the  Mar- 
quis de  la  Fayette  to  the  Canadians,  in  the  French  Language, 
dated  the  10th  December  1778,  and  that  if  we  thought  proper  he 
woud  BOW  carry  it  to  Canada;  as  we  were  so  near,  he  agreed  to 
leave  his  Son  as  an  Hostage  for  his  faithful  performance;  we 
agreed  to  send  him  &  gave  him  these  Instructions,  that  he  shoud 
go  to  Coughnawago,  &  hear  from  his  friends  what  the  Enemy 
were  doing  in  Canada,  and  if  they  thought  it  safe,  he  might 
proceed  to  Montreal,  and  return  by  the  way  of  St.  John's,  taking 
particular  notice  of  the  Strength  of  the  Enemy,  to  which  he 
readily  consented.  We  then  collected  what  Provisions  we  coud 
spare  and  sent  him  off.  We  then  made  the  best  of  our  way  to 
this  Place  which  we  reached  this  day.  The  Indians  have  insisted 
on  taking  the  Prisoners  to  Oneida,  but  have  promised  to  return 
them  in  a  few  Days.  These,  Sir,  are  the  Perticulars  of  our  Bout. 

I  'am,  Sir,  your  very  humb'e  Serv't 

Thos  McClennan. 
Copy. 


The  Examination  of  two  Onondoga  Indians  taken  Prisoners  at 
Oswegotchee: 

Qus'n  1st.     How  the  State  of  Garrison  of  Oswegotchee.  was? 

Ans'r.  That  the  Garrison  was  commanded  by  Capt.  Davis, 
with  one  Subaltern  and  forty  men,  with  four  pieces  of  Cannon. 

Qus'n  2d.     What  news  from  Canada? 

Ans'r.  That  they  had  received  a  Letter  from  the  Comd'r  in 
Chief  at  Quebeck,  informing  them,  that  he  coud  send  them  no 
Troops  against  the  Rebles,  this  year.  But  that  he  intended  to 


806  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

send  them  a  large  army  the  next  year,  so  that  they  must  act  only 
on  the  Defensive  at  present. 

Ques'n  3d.     In  what  State  the  Garrison  at  Bush  Island  was? 

Answ'r.  That  the  last  week  he  had  left  that  place,  and  that 
they  were  fortifying  themselves.  He  farther  said  that  the  Gar- 
rison consisted  of  a  few  Regulars  and  Sir  John's  Regiment,  mak- 
ing in  the  whole,  not  more  than  two  hundred  men,  and  that  they 
had  a  Disorder  among  them,  of  which  they  died  very  fast,  &  that 
that  and  no  Reason  mad  him  &  some  others  leave  that  place.  He 
farther  says,  that  yesterday,  Genl.  Haldeman's  Aide  Camp  passed 
that  Place,  with  orders  to  the  Commanding  Officers  of  the  back 
posts. 


[No.  2276.] 
THE  SULLIVAN  EXPEDITION. 

Governor  Clinton  Notifies  the  General  of  the  Preparations  Made  ~by 

New  York  State. 

Poughkeepsie  10th  May  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  I  am  honored  with  the  Receipt  of  your  confidential 
Letter  of  the  29th  Ulto.  You  may  rely,  Sir,  on  my  affording  all 
the  Assistance  in  my  Power  to  render  the  intended  Expedition 
which  you  are  to  have  the  Honor  of  commanding,  ag't  the  Indians 
of  the  Six  Nations,  Successfull.  The  Legislature  of  this  State 
at  their  last  meeting  authorized  me  to  raise  by  Drafts  from  the 
militia  1000  men  to  be  employed  in  the  Defence  of  the  western 
Frontiers  or  such  other  Services  as  should  be  directed.  The  one 
half  of  these  will  be  applied  towards  filling  up  the  continental 
Battalions  raised  under  the  Direction  of  this  State.  The  Residue 
are  intended  for  the  Protection  of  the  northern  &  such  of  the 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  807 

western  frontier  Settlements  as  will  not  derive  immediate  Secur- 
ity by  the  operations  ag't  tlie  Six  Nations,  and  every  possible 
exertion  will  'be  made  on  my  Part  to  have  them  ready  to  take 
the  field  in  due  Season.  It  is  unnecessary  to  remark  that  Busi- 
ness of  this  kind,  conducted  by  militia  Officers,  is  at  best  not  at- 
tended with  as  much  Expedition  as  cou'd  be  wished;  but  add  to 
the  Delay  which  is  occasioned  by  their  inactivity  &  want  of 
knowlege,  the  present  Service  has  ;been  much  retarded  by  fre- 
quent alarms  on  the  frontiers  of  Ulster  &  Orange  Counties  which 
have  hitherto  deprived  the  militia  of  those  Counties  from  paying 
the  necessary  attention  to  their  Duty. 

The  Legislature  have  made  the  most  effectual  Provision  for 
enabling  the  Commissaries  to  procure  an  immediate  Supply  of 
Flour  for  the  Army.  I  flatter  myself,  therefore,  we  shall  experi- 
ence no  inconvenience  for  the  want  of  Bread;  if  a  sufficient  Quan- 
tity of  meat  is  not  already  provided,  it  must  be  had  from  Con- 
necticut. I  am,  Dear  Sir,  yrs.  &c. 

Geo:  Clinton. 
The  Hon'ble  Major  Genl.  Sullivan. 


[No.  2277.] 
Isaac  Davis  Forwards  Intangible  Rumors. 

Kingston  May  llth  1779. 

These  are  the  Inteligence  I  Can  Give  from  the  Indians  after 
they  Retured  from  Shandaken;  they  was  to  Go  to  fitch  Brandt 
with  his  Company  to  Come  Down  this  Quarter,  Burn  &  Distroy 
where  Ever  they  Come;  their  first  attempt  was  to  Be  at  Schohery 
from  Butler;  that,  they  'Suposed  would  Draw  the  melitia  their; 
then  Brant  would  Come  Down  this  way  to  Mar'bletown,  Hurley, 
Kingston,  Churchland,  &c.;  a  Eeport  I  have  heard  that  they  want 


808  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

to  G-ether  all  the  Tories  they  Can,  for  fear  if  they  Should  be 
Beaten  of,  the  Indians  Should  tarn  their  arms  against  them. 
These  Informations  I  have  Received  from  my  wife;  from  who  She 
has  it,  I  Dont  know,  But  the  whole  to  Remain  a  Secrit. 

Isaac  Davie. 
[To  G.  C.]  ? 


[No.  2278.] 

Stephen  Lush's  Receipts  for  funds  for  the  Frontier  Sufferers. 

Albany  May  12th  1779. 

Received  from  Jacob  Cuyler,  Esqr.,  for  His  Excellency  Gover- 
nour  Clinton  One  thousand  Eight  hundred  pound  Currency. 
£1800.  Stephen  Lush  Secry. 

To  be  repaid  to  Mr.  Cuyler's  Order  on  his  Excellency  in  Favor 
of  Mr.  Cuyler's  Deputy  at  Kingston. 

S.  L. 

Rec'd  from  Jacob  Cuyler,  Esqr.,  for  his  Excellency  Gov'r  Clin- 
ton, two  hundred  &  fifty  Pounds  N.  York  Currency. 
£250.  Stephen  Lush,  Secry. 

Rec'd  of  Mr.  Cuyler  200  Pounds  for  Gov'r  Clinton. 

May  18th,  1779. 

Stephen  Lush, 

Jacob  Cuyler. 


[No.  2279.] 

John  Frey's  Receipt  for  £1800,  to  Stephen  Lush. 

Received,  from  his  Excellency  Governor  Clinton  by  the  Hands 

of  Stephen  Lush  Esqr.  Eighteen  hundred  Pounds  to  be  distributed 

by  myself  and  John  Fonda,  Esqr.,  among  such  Persons  as  have 

been   distressed   by  the   Incursions   of    the   Enemy  into   Tryon 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  G-EORGE  CLINTON.  809 

County  and  are  now  incapa'ble  of  gaining  a  Livelihood  agreable 
to  an  act  of  the  Legislature  in  such  Case  made  &  provided. 

John  Frey. 
Albany  May  12"  1779. 


[No.  2280.] 

George  Clinton  Gives  Directions  for  the  Distribution  of  the  £1800 
Among  the  Tryon  County  Sufferers. 

To  John  Fonda  and  John  Frey  Esquires: 

Gentlemen :  You  have  in  your  Hands  Eighteen  hundred  Pounds, 
which  you  will  distribute  to  such  Persons  now  incapable  of  gain- 
ing a  Livelihood,  as  have  been  distressed  by  the  incursions  of  the 
Enemy  into  Tryon  County,  in  such  Proportion  as  you  think  will 
best  answer  the  Intentions  of  the  Legislature  and  tend  to  the 
Relief  of  the  Sufferers.  For  these  Purposes,  you  will  make  tho 
strictest  Inquiry  as  to  the  Persons  &  their  Circumstances,  who 
are  the  Objects  of  the  Law,  with  the  least  possible  Delay,  and 
when  you  distribute  the  Money,  take  proper  Receipts  for  the 
same,  and  after  the  whole  Business  is  completed,  transmit  them 
with  an  account  of  your  Proceedings  to  his  Excellency,  the  Gov- 
ernor, to  be  laid  before  the  Legislature. 

May  12,  1779. 


[No.  2281.] 
CORNERING  BREADSTUFFS. 

Mr.   Watson   as   an   Inspector  Files   an   Interesting  Report   with 

Governor  Clinton. 

Sir:  At  the  request  of  the  Commissary  Genl.,  I  have  beers  into 
Salisbury,  Berkshire-County,  &  the  parts  of  this  State  adjacent; 
to  inquire  into  the  state  of  the  Flower-trade  &  whether  an  imme- 
diate supply  could  be  procured  for  the  eastern  department  where 
there  is  a  great  deficiency. 


810  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Upon  examination  I  find  that  a  number  of  private  Purchasers, 
belonging  to  each  of  these  States,  have,  by  paying  for  some,  con- 
tracting for  more,  &  offering  a  higher  price  for  all;  acquired  al- 
most the  entire  disposal  of  all  the  grain  &  Flower  in  that  quarter ; 
&  have  in  fact  run  great  quantities  out  of  this  State  into  Connecti- 
cutt  &  Massachusetts,  notwithstanding  all  the  vigilance  &  se- 
verity that  has  been  used.  I  am  informed  that  Flower  has  latly 
been  sold  in  Sheffield  from  20  to  £25  L.  M.  Pr  Ctm.  In  Connecti- 
cut, it  is  £20  pr  Ctm  when  Seized  &  apprized,  by  men  under  Oath, 
it  has  been  that  price.  The  great  distinction  between  these  prices 
has  enabled  Private  Purchasers  to  out-bid  the  Public  ones  in  this 
State  &  run  their  risque,  which  together  with  the  disaffection  oc- 
casioned by  Seizing  has  prevented  the  Commissaries  in  these  parts 
from  procuring  the  necessary  Supplies.  Upon  this  view  cf  the 
case,  I  proposed  to  the  Com'y  Genl.,  to  -make  use  of  these  Private 
Purchasers  &  take  all  they  had  &  all  they  could  procure  off  their 
hands  at  their  own  price,  which  is  50  Doll'rs  pr  Ctm. 

In  this  way  it  appears  probable  that  a  very  considerable  &  im- 
mediate supply  might  be  obtained,  the  designs  of  raising  it  frus- 
trated, the  inconveniences  of  seizing  avoided  (&  as  I  immagine) 
the  price  eventually  lowered  &  a  considerable  saving  made  to  the 
Continent. 

The  Com'y  Genl.  has  referred  me  to  your  Excellency,  but  since 
I  am  so  unfortunate  as  not  to  find  you  at  home,  would  request 
that  your  instructions  might  be  forwarded  to  him  at  Hartford 
where  they  will  be  immediately  Rec'd  &  obeyed  By  Your  Excel- 
lency's Obdt.  &  very  Hum'e  Ser't 

J.  Watson. 
Poughkeepsie  May  12th  1779. 

N.  B.  It  is  proved  that  the  Flower  should  be  rec'd  in  this  State 
&  the  Purchasers  have  no  permitts  to  transport  it  out. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  811 

[No.  2282.] 
Fort  Dai/ton  Again  Attacked  by  Indians  and  Tories. 

Albany,  May  13th,  1779. 

Dear  Brother;  Inclosed  I  send  you  a  Copy  of  a  letter  from  the 
Commanding  Officer  at  Fort  ^pEerkemer,  by  which  you  will  see 
that  the  savages  have  not  yet  forgot  to  thirst  for  Blood.  It  ap- 
pears that  Colonel  Bellinger  was  requested  to  furnisn  the  guides 
to  the  Parties  who  were  Ordered  to  pursue  them,  which  he  de- 
clined. 

I  did  not  conceive  that  there  would  be  any  Occasion  for  the 
militia  as  the  Drafts  from  Tryon  County  were  ordered  to  As- 
semble at  Fort  Dayton  under  the  Command  of  Lieut.  Smith,  ex- 
cept those  of  Colonel  Visscher's  Kegiment  which  I  ordered  to  the 
Block  house,  at  Sackendauga  as  Guides  to  Colonel  Dubois'  Regi- 
ment. 

The  Drafts  continue  to  come  in  but  very  slow,  and  those  who  do 
come  in,  are  possesed  with  notions  of  Joining  a  Regt.,  by  them- 
selves which  occassions  much  Difficulty. 

I  have  reason  to  believe  they  are  encouraged  by  Genl.  Ten 
Broeck,  as  he  informed  me  that  he  received  a  letter  from  you 
which  seemed  to  Justify  such  encouragement. 

There  are  a  few  Ensigns  appointed  in  the  fourth  New  York 
Regt.,  who  can  not  be  commissioned  without  your  approbation, 
which  I  beg  you  would  give  to  Colonel  Dubois,  who  will  wait  on 
you  for  the  Purpose.  I  am,  D'r  Brother,  y'r  very  hum.  ser't, 

James  Clinton. 
To  His  Excellency,  Gov'r  Clinton,  Poughkeepsie. 


CAPTAIN  DAY'S  REPORT. 

Fort  Herkimer,  May  llth,  1779. 

Dear  Genl.,  On  10th  Inst.  the  Inhabitants  at  Fort  Dayton  was 
alarmed  by  the  Enemy,  on  which  Occasion  I  dispatched  a  Lieut. 


812  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

and  twenty  odd  men  to  their  assistance,  but  before  the  Party  had 
time  to  get  to  the  fort,  the  Indians  had  taken  five  scalps  and  one 
Prisoner,  and  made  their  Escape  and  by  the  best  Intelligence,  the 
party  consisted  of  about  twelve  or  thirteen  Indians  and  three 
Tories.  # 

The  officer  that  went  with  the  party,  desired  Colonel  Bellinger 
to  send  some  pilots  with  him  and  he  would  Pursue  them,  but  he 
declined  sending  them.  I  likewise  sent  an  Officer  after  that,  to 
see  if  he  would  send  as  I  thought  might  be  overtaken,  But  the 
Colonel  still  declined  sending  men,  and  my  men  were  unac- 
quainted with  that  part  of  the  Country,  therefore,  I  thought  best 
not  to  send  alone. 

On  the  10th,  likewise,  Capt.  Graham  arrived  at  this  Garrison, 
which  informs  us  that  there  had  been  a  Party  of  Twenty  four  In- 
dians discovered  about  ten  miles  from  the  Old  Indian  Castle,  but 
they  have  not  done  any  Damage  in  this  Quarter  as  yet.  I  am,  sir, 
with  due  Respect  and  Esteem,  your  hum.  servant, 

Luke  Day,  Capt.  Commanding. 
Genl  Jas.  Clinton,  Albany. 

A  true  Copy. 


[No.  2283.] 

Copy  of  a,  Pass  Signed  by  the  British  Lieutenant-General,  Jones. 
By  Lieutenant  General  Jones,  Commandant  of  New-York: 
Permission  is  given  to  Thomas  Cloudsal,  to  pass  with  a  Flag 
of  Truce  up  Hudson's  River  in  the  sloop  Henry,  navigated  by 
Thomas  Barker,  master,  and  the  two  hands  named  in  the  margin 
(Gilbert  Conklin,  Isaac  Burr)  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  out  such 
Persons  as  have  passes,  and  in  return  to  bring  to  this  City  the 
Family  and  Effects  of  Mr.  Samuel  Mabbit,  Mrs.  Harrison,  Sen'r, 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  .      813 

&  George  Harrison,  her  Nephew  with  their  Effects.  The  Family 
and  Effects  of  Kichard  Harrison,  Esqr.,  Mrs.  Allan  McDonald  (of 
Collachie  [Colonie]  above  Albany)  with  her  Family  &  Effects, 
Mrs.  Conroy,  with  her  Family  &  Effects,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Skadon, 
with  her  Family  and  Effects,  Mrs.  McGuin,  her  Family,  and  Ef- 
fects, Miss  Nancey  Asscough,  Miss  Willemintie  Anthony,  Mr. 
George  Wood,  &  Mrs.  Bennett  with  their  Effects,  and  Also  the 
House  Hold  Furniture  of  Mr.  James  Peters. 

Given  under  my  Hand  &  seal  in  the  city  of  New-York  the  thir- 
teenth Day  of  May  1779. 

D.  Jones  Lt.  Gen. 

By  Order  of  the  Commandant  John  LeRoome,  Secr'y.  To  all  whom 
it  may  concern.    Copy. 

Places  where  the  Persons  are  to  be  found  mentioned  in  the  an- 
nexed Flag. 

Mr.  Mabbit's  Family. — Nine  Partners,  Dutchess  County. 

Richard  Harrison's  Family, — at  Bell  Mount,  near  Goshen,  Mrs. 
Harrison  &  her  Nephew  at  the  same  place. 

Mrs.  Allan  McDonald  &  her    Family — At    Collachie,    above 
Albany  or  at  Schenectady  at  Mr.  Ellis's. 

Mrs.  Conroy,  the  Wife  of  Patrick  Conroy — In  Dutchess  County. 

Mrs.  Skadden  &  her  Family — At  Campbell  Hall,  Ulster  County. 

Miss  Nancey  Ayscough — At  Mr.  Richard  Langdon's,  Murderers 
Creek. 

Miss    Willemintie    Anthony — At    Mr.    Nich's   W.    Anthony'a 
Poughkeepsie — Or  John  W.  Vredenburgh's  at  Red  Hook. 

Mrs.  McGuin  &  her  Family — The  Wife  of  Daniel  McGuin  at 
Mabrough  Precinct,  Ulster  County. 

Mr.  George  Wood  &  Mrs.  Bennet  at  Nine  Partners  Dutchess 
County. 


814       .  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  2284.] 
THE  VERMONT  MATTEE. 

Governor  Clinton  Advises  Mr.  Minott  to  Act  with  Firmness  and 
Prudence — Confident  that  Every  Effort  will  be  Made  to  'Secure  a 

Decision  from  Congress. 

Kingston  14th  May  1779. 

Sir,  I  am  honored  with  the  Receipt  of  your  Petition*  together 
with  a  Letter  from  Colo.  Patersonf  on  the  Subject  of  the  unhappy 
Disturbances  which  still  prevail  in  the  North-Eastern  Parts  of 
the  State. 

I  have  anxiously  expected  for  some  time  the  Determination  of 
Congress  upon  this  important  matter  and  have  every  Reason  to 
believe  it  will  be  favorable  to  the  State  of  New  York.  The  Busi- 
ness has,  however,  been  deferred,  tho'  I  am  confident  from  no 
other  Cause  than  that  the  attention  of  Congress  has  hitherto 
been  called  to  Objects  of  greater  Moment.  I  shall,  notwithstand- 
ing, immediately  transmit  to  them,  by  Congress,  your  Petition, 
and  urge  every  argument  in  my  Power  to  induce  them  speedily  to 
determine  this  Controversy  and  by  a  seasonable  Interposition  to 
prevent  if  possible,  the  dreadful  Consequences  of  having  Recourse 
to  arms. 

As  in  my  former  Letters,  so  in  this  I  forbear  to  point  out  the 
Line  of  Conduct  I  could  wish  the  well  affected  Inhabitants  in 
your  Quarter  should  observe,  upon  every  particular  Occasion.  I 
conceive  it  impossible  and,  therefore,  can  only  recommend  in 
general,  Firmness  and  Prudence,  and  in  no  Instance  to  acknowl- 
edge the  Authority  of  Vermont  unless  where  there  is  no  alterna- 
tive left  between  Submission  and  inevitable  Ruin.  This  appears 
to  me  the  only  proper  advice  I  can  give  at  present,  till  we  are 

•See  page  792. 
tSee  page  800. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  815 

favored  with  the  Sentiments  of  Congress  relative  to  the  Dispute 
or  untill  we  are  convinced  the  Business  is  designedly  procrasti- 
nated; in  either  Case  as  the  Legislature  have  promised,  so  I  have 
no  doubt  but  that  they  will  afford  you  Protection,  and  that 
effectual  measures  will  be  immediately  taken  for  vindicating  the 
Rights  of  this  State,  and  enforcing  a  due  Submission  to  legal 
Government.  If,  however,  any  Outrage  or  Violence,  which  you 
may  suppose,  will  produce  Blood-shed,  should  be  committed  in 
the  Towns  continuing  in  their  allegiance  to  New  York,  either  by 
the  Green  Mountain  Boys  or  any  Parties  who  may  come  under  a 
pretence  of  carrying  into  Execution  the  Laws  of  Vermont,  you 
will  immediately  apprise  me  of  it,  and  you  may  be  assured  of  all 
the  assistance  in  my  Power,  and  I  trust  it  will  be  sufficient  for 
your  Safety  and  Defence;  in  the  meantime,  I  will  myself  en- 
deavour to  procure  Intelligence,  and  if  I  should  discover  that  any 
attempt  will  be  made  by  Vermont  to  reduce  you  by  force  of  arms, 
I  will  instantly  issue  my  Orders  to  the  militia  who  are  properly 
equipped,  and  who  will  be  led  ag't  the  Enemies  of  the  State, 
whoever  they  may  happen  to  be.  From  the  Information  of  Mr. 
Townsend,  I  perceive  that  Mr.  Grout  acquits  the  Officer  who  ap- 
prehended him,  from  having  acted  wrong  intentionally;  should 
this,  however,  upon  Enquiry  appear  not  to  have  been  the  Case, 
you  wTill  please  to  acquaint  me  with  it  and  I  will  immediately 
have  them  brought  to  Justice. 

As  Mr.  Grout  is  bound  in  Honor  to  indemnify  the  Gentleman 
who  became  his  Surety,  I  would  recommend  that  he  should  ap- 
pear at  the  Court  agreeable  to  his  Recognisance,  and  make  no 
other  Defence,  than  merely  to  deny  their  Jurisdiction,  and  as  the 
Injury  he  may  sustain  in  Consequence  must  be  considered  as  a 
Sacrifice  to  the  Common  Cause,  I  might  almost  venture  to  assure 
him  that  the  Legislature  will  make  him  proper  Compensation. 
Justice  most  certain  requires  it. 


816  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

I  have  desired  Mr.  Townsend  to  send  me  an  account  of  his  Ex 
pences  upon  this  Errand,  and  I  will  lay  it  before  the  Legislature 
for  Payment. 

From  the  Confidence  I  have  in  the  Gentlemen  who  represent 
this  State  in  Congress,  and  particularly  the  Chief  Justice,  who 
was  elected  for  the  special  purpose,  I  am  perswaded,  that  every 
means  will  be  used  for  obtaining  the  Decision  of  Congress  rela- 
tive to  this  Dispute  and,  therefore,  I  could  ardently  wish  that 
the  Inhabitants  of  Vermont  would  conduct  themselves  in  such 
manner  as  to  avoid  the  Necessity  of  bringing  matters  to  a  Crisis, 
ruinous  to  them  and  very  injurious  to  Individuals  among  us. 

You  will  please  to  communicate  the  Contents  of  this  to  Col. 
Paterson.  I  am,  with  great  Respect,  your  most  obed't  Serv't, 

Geo:  Clinton. 
Saml.  Minott  Esqr. 

[No.  2285.] 
Samuel  Mabbitt  Makes  an  Appeal  to  Governor  Clinton. 

New  York,  May  14th,  1779. 

May  it  Please  the  Governour;  Before  I  left  Home  I  did  myself 
the  Honour  of  Calling  upon  thee  and  Received  thy  promise  that 
my  Family  Should  be  sent  to  me  whenever  I  applied  for  them. 
Such  was  their  Situation  last  Autumn,  owing  to  the  Illness  of  one 
of  my  Children,  that  it  became  Impossible  for  it  then  to  be  Re- 
moved, but  I  have  not  the  least  doubt  that  thee  will  now  Permit 
me  to  enjoy  the  pleasure  of  seeing  Persons  so  dear  to  me,  as  I 
have  Obtained  a  Flag  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  them  down, 
Likewise  grant  them  Equal  Indulgence  with  others  in  mine  and 
their  Situation;  upon  this  occasion  I  flatter  myself  that  even  Ex- 
clusive of  thy  promise  I  might  trust  To  the  Sentiments  of  Hu- 
manity for  what  will  so  much  Oblidge  thy  Friend, 

Saml.  Mabbitt. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  817 

P.  S.     I  have  sent  for  my  Wife,  three  Children  and  a  Small 
apprentice  Boy,  a  Son  of  my  Sister's,  who  Humbly  Intreats  thee 

will  permit  him  to  Come. 

S.  M. 
[To  G.  C.] 


[No.  2286.] 
The  Wheat  Situation  in  Lower  Orange  County. 

Orange-Town,  May  15th,  1779. 

Sir,  I  have  not  been  able  as  yet  to  purchase  more  than  twenty 
four  Barrels  Flour  and  about  two  Hundred  Bushels  Wheat,  I 
find  neither  room  nor  necessity  of  impressing,  as  the  people  as  far 
as  I  can  find,  have  not  as  much  as  the  law  allows  for  the  Support 
of  their  Families;  yet  out  of  what  they  have  they  spare  as  much 
or  more  than  Could  be  expected.  Mr.  Reynolds  has  engaged  for 
what  I  have;  he  has  paid  part  and  promised  to  pay  the  remainder 
in  a  few  days.  Mr.  John  Hooglandt,  who  is  an  assistant  to  Mr. 
Reynolds,  this  day  Confirmed  what  I  had  before  heard,  to  wit,  that 
they  would  not  pay  the  persons  from  whom  they  had  taken — * 
wheat,  for  such  wheat,  and  Mr.  Hooglandt  insists  that  the  farm- 
ers have  no  right  to  expect  it. 

I  also  beg  leave  to  mention  that  I  [have]*  it  from  good  Au- 
thority, that  Messrs.  Reynolds  and  Hooglandt  have  forced  away 
so  much  wheat  from  some  of  the  inhabitants  as  has  distressed 
them.  Mr.  Hendrick  Jos.  Blauvelt  whose  family  Consists  of  six 
or  seven  persons  had  about  one  Bushel  left  him. 

Mr.  Douwe  Tallman,  who  was  Stabbed  by  the  Tories  last  Sun- 
day morning,  Died  of  his  wounds  on  Tuesday  last;  he  wanted  but 
a  few  weeks  of  being  Ninety  years.  I  am,  Sir,  Your  Very  Humble 

Serv't 

John  Haring. 

To  His  Excellency,  George  Clinton,  Esq.,  Governor  of  the  State  of 
New  York  &c.,  Poughkeepsie. 

•MSS.  torn. 

52 


818  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  2287.] 
A  Guard  Asked  for  the  Frontier  of  Northern  Ulster  County. 

To  His  Excellency  George  Clinton,  Esqr.,  Governor  and  Com- 
ander  in  Chief  of  all  the  Militia  of  the  State  of  New  York  and 
Admiral  of  the  Navy  of  the  same. 

The  Petition,  of  the  principal  well  affected  Inhabitants  of  the 
most  northerly  part  of  Ulster  County,  Humbly  Sheweth : 

That,  whereas,  after  having  Sincerely  consider'd  our  present 
Situation,  we  find  that  we  live  in  a  very  Dangerous  part  of  this 
State;  many  Disaffected  Persons  among  us,  and  a  Savage  Enemy 
Dayly  on  our  weakly  Guarded  frontiers ;  and  whereas,  four  young 
men  out  of  our  Nighbourhood,  who  have  lately  Engaged  in  the 
Eight  months  Service,  are  gone  off,  and  Joyned  without  Doubt 
the  Enemy,  they  will  Discover  unto  them,  our  present  weak  Situa- 
tion, for  the  Small  Guard  at  Woodstock  is  in  no  State  to  our 
Safety;  for  this  minute  we  are  alarmed,  and  Called  out  to  the 
Blue  mountains,  'for  the  Enemies  are  making  their  approach  on 
our  Quarter,  as  we  Supose,  will  take  their  Revange  on  us,  be- 
cause a  few  Disaffected  Persons  have  been  Sent  under  Guard  to 
Kingston,  out  of  our  Nighbourhood.  In  any  General  Alarm, 
when  the  militia  is  Called  forth  in  Defence  of  this  State,  the  well 
affected  men  turn  out,  and  the  Disaffected  Persons  remain  at 
home;  as  witnesseth  the  late  alarm  in  every  such  Case.  Our 
Families  and  Effects  are  greatly  Exposed,  for  some  of  our  militia 
Men  are  gone  to  Nepenak,  some  are  at  Woodstock,  and  if  more 
men  Should  be  Continually  Called,  our  Farming  Business  must 
be  neglected,  to  the  great  Loss  of  this  State,  and  we  fear  much, 
if  we  be  not  Timely  assisted,  Shall  be  obliged  to  flight,  and  leave 
our  all  to  a  Savage  Enemie. 

Therefore,  We,  the  Subscribers,  most  humbly  approach  your 
Excellency  with  this  our  humble  Petition,  imploring  your  Pro- 
tection in  Sending  a  Reinforcement  of  Fifty  or  Sixty  men  out  of 
Dutches  County,  and  to  Station  them  at  the  Blue  Mountains,  at 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


819 


and  near  Tobias  Wynkoop's,  for  Such  a  Guard  will  be  most 
handy,  when  Station'd  as  above  said,  either  to  reinforce  the  pres- 
ent Guard  at  Woodstock,  or  assist  us  in  Time  of  need, 

Sir,  We  do  not  presume,,  to  prescribe  unto  your  Excellency  how 
to  prodect  this  State,  but  knowing  your  Excellency's  Mind  can  not 
at  once  be  every  where,  makes  us  approch  you  with  these  presents, 
not  Doubting  your  aid, 

Sir,  That  Divine  Providence  may  Bless  and  prolong  your  Days 
and  give  Success  to  your  Endeavours  to  Suppress  our  Savage 
Enemy,  we  Shall  Ever  pray. 
John  Christian  Fiero, 
Christian  Fiero, 
Yurry  Wm.  Kegtmeyer, 
Jurry  Hommel, 
Johannes  Folck, 
Johannes  Rechtmeyer, 
Ludwigh  Roessell, 


Christian  Fiero,  jun'r, 
Petrus  Backer, 
Stephen  Fiero, 
Christiaen  Snyder, 
Petrus  Myer, 
Johannis  Persen, 
Cornelius  Persen, 
Matthew  Dederick, 
Peter  Eygener, 
Wm.  Emerich, 
Salomon  Schut, 
Jacobus  Dederick, 
Jury  William  Dederick, 
William  Falk, 
Peter  P.  Eygener, 
May  ye  15th  1779. 


Christian  Will, 
Jeremiah  Snyder, 
Petrus  Emrich, 
Benjamin  Snyder, 
John  L.  DeWitt,  Capt, 
Peter  Oosterhoudt,  Lu., 
Ephraim  Myer, 
Cornelius  Dewitt, 
Abraham  Low,  J., 
John  Langandyck, 
Peter  T.  Myer, 
Jacobus  Whitaker,  jun'r., 
Peter  Myer,  Jr., 
Jacop  Frans, 
John  Cox,  Jun'r., 
Corn'ls  Langendyck, 
Tunis  Myer, 
Philip  Feltan, 
Tunis  Ousterhout, 
James  Winne, 
Will'ni  DeWitt, 


820  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  2288.] 
GEORGE  CLINTON  PRAISES  GENERAL  SCHUYLER. 

And  Trusts  Arrangements  will  be  Made  that  the  Delegates  in  Congress 
May  Relieve  One  Another  in  Their  Attendance. 

Poukeepsie,  15th  May,  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  I  ought  to  appoligize  for  having  so  long  delayed 
acknowledging  your  Favour  of  the  21st  of  March.  Charged  with 
a  variety  of  Important  Business  at  the  rising  of  the  Legislature, 
which  required  Dispatch  &  almost  daily  interrupted  by  Accounts 
of  the  Depredations  of  the  Enemy  &  the  consequent  Alarms  on 
the  Western  Frontier,  I  have  been  deprived  of  the  least  Leissure 
for  Friendly  Correspondence. 

It  afforded  me  great  Pleasure  to  learn  that  Genl.  Schuyler  was 
to  continue  in  the  Military  Line,  as  his  Country  might  justly  ex- 
pect Important  Advantages  from  his  Services,  especially  in  the 
Prosecution  of  the  intended  Operations  ag't  the  Hostile  Savage 
Tribes,  for,  exclusive  of  his  superior  abilities  &  Experience,  his 
General  Knowledge  of  the  Western  Country  &  of  the  Manners  of 
those  People,  woud  have  given  him  great  Advantages  in  the 
Command  of  such  an  Expedition.  But  by  a  Letter  I  lately  had 
the  Honor  of  receiving  from  the  General,  I  am  informed  that  his 
Resignation  is  since  accepted. 

I  am  much  oblidged  to  you  for  so  full  a  Communication  of  your 
Sentiments  respecting  the  Western  Boundaries  of  the  State,  & 
the  Advantages  which  we  have  a  Right  to  expect  from  the  Suc- 
cess of  the  American  Arms  in  that  Quarter,  &  I  must  intreat  that 
you  will  occassionally  continue  to  give  me  your  Thoughts  on  every 
other  Matter  wherein  the  Honour  &  Interest  of  the  State  may  be 
concerned. 

I  dare  hardly  venture  to  pronounce  what  the  Sentiments  of  the 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  821 

Majority  of  the  People  with  respect  to  an  Additional  Tax.  Our 
last  was  very  high,  &  I  suppose  if  it  had  been  as  faithfully 
assessed  &  collected  in  the  other  Counties,  as  it  has  in  this  (which 
I  [am]  informed  however  is  not  the  Case)  it  woud  have  ain- 
mounted  to  near  double  the  Sum  required  by  Congress.  In  this 
County  alone  it  is  upwards  of  £150,000.  A  majority  of  the  People 
with  whom  I  have  conversed  on  this  Subject  &  especially  the  most 
Sensible,  are  for  repeating  the  Tax  until  the  Credit  of  our  Paper 
Currency  is  restored.  Those  who  object  to  Taxation  alledge, 
that  the  Credit  of  the  Money  is  already  too  far  sunk  to  be  appre- 
ciated by  any  ordinary  Means.  Every  man  has  become  a  Finan- 
cier &  of  Course  we  have  numberless  Plans  for  paying  off  our 
Debts  &  restoring  the  Credit  of  our  Money.  You  have  doubtless 
seen  the  Real  Farmer's  Plan,  published  in  Holt's  Paper;  it  had  at 
first  many  Advocates  tho'  I  believe  few  at  present. 

I  am  very  sensible,  Sir,  that  after  so  long  an  absence  from  your 
Familly  in  the  steady  Attention  to  the  Duties  of  your  Office,  it 
is  but  reasonable  that  you  shoud  have  the  Relaxation  you  de- 
sire. But,  as  I  have  not  any  Directions  from  the  Legislature  on 
the  Subject,  &  as  there  is  no  other  Delegate  whom  I  can  call 
upon  to  relieve  you,  I  can  only  lay  your  Request  before  them; 
which  shall  be  faithfully  done  as  soon  as  they  meet.  I  flatter 
myself  that  they  will  give  such  Directions  as  to  obviate  in  future 
the  Difficulties  you  now  labor  under,  by  fixing  the  Rotine  of  Duty, 
that  you  may  relieve  each  other  at  convenient  Periods,  as  well 
as  encrease  the  present  allowance,  so  as  that  it  may  be  at  least 
equal  to  the  expence  attending  the  Service.  I  am,  &c. 

Geo:  Clinton. 
The  hou'ble  James  Duane,  Esqr. 

[Private.] 


822  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  2289.] 

Major-General  McDougall  Ordered  to  Albany  to  Report  to  General 

James  Clinton. 

Head  Quarters  Peckskill  May  15th  1779. 

Sir,  I  have  this  moment  received  Orders  from  the  Commander 
in  chief  for  the  New  Levies,  which  might  be  collected  at  these 
Posts,  to  proceed  to  Albany,  there  take  the  Orders  of  Brigadier 
General  James  Clinton. 

You  will,  therefore,  immediately  on  Receipt  of  this,  proceed 
there  with  the  New  Levies  under  your  Command;  and  apply  to 
Colonel  Hay,  D.  Q.  M.  Genl.  at  Fishkill  for  Boats  to  transport 
the  men  and  Baggage.  I  am,  sir,  Your  humble  servant 

Alex'r  McDougall,  M.  General. 
The  Officer  commanding  the  New  Levies  at  Fishkill. 


[No.  2290.] 

Commissary    Commissioner    James    Hunter    Makes    a    Report    to 

Governor  Clinton. 

Nuburgh,  ye  15th  May,  1779. 

Honored  S'r,  I  Reeved  you  Letter  and  Appointment  to  Pur- 
chase Wheat  and  Flour  for  the  Use  of  the  army  and  Fronteers 
and  Imediately  acted  Upon  it,  but  with  Little  Success.  I  have 
Collected  about  the  value  of  one  thousand  Bushels  of  wheat,  or 
flouer,  that  will  be  Equvelent  thereto,  but  I  find  Difficulty  in  get- 
ting Casks  to  Pack  it  in.  The  Coopers  Insists  on  having  the 
Price  agreable  to  the  price  of  the  Wheat,  which  I  think  is  rather 
Extravegant,  but  have  promised  them  the  price  that  you  would 
Direct  me  to  give.  I,  therefore,  am  Desiros  that  you  would  be 
pleased  to  Regulate  the  price  of  the  Grinding  and  Casks,  and  Let 
me  know  as  Soon  as  Convenient,  and  it  will  Settle  the  mater,  and 
prevent  Grumbling;  there  is  Several  f armours  that  Choses  to 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  823 

Grind  their  own  Wheat,  and  as  soon  as  I  get  their  Returns,  I  will 
Render  you  a  perticuler  acount  of  the  whole  of  my  Proceedings, 
in  the  mater.  So  I  am  with  all  Due  Reverance,  &  Respect,  your 

most  Humble  Serv't 

James  Hunter. 
To  His  Exelency  George  Clinton. 


[No.  2291.] 

Major  Van  Benscoten  Receives  His  Orders  to  March  to  the  Ulster 
County  Frontiers  Without  Delay. 

Poughkeepsie  15th  May  1779. 

Sir,  I  am  directed  by  his  Excell'cy  the  Governor  to  request, 
that  you  will  march  such  of  the  Levies  as  are  in  readiness,  to  the 
frontiers  of  Ulster  County  without  the  least  Delay,  those  of 
Orange,  had  better  rendezvous  at  Pienpack,  &  those  of  Ulster  & 
Dutchess  at  Mamacotting,  Shandaken  &  Laghawagh,  at  the  two 
latter  of  which  Places  there  are  Posts  ordered  to  be  established. 
Colo.  Cantine  is  possessed  of  his  Excell'cys  orders  on  the  Subject. 

Dr.  John  Smedes  who  i£  appointed  Surgeon  to  the  Regt.,  will 
wait  on  you  for  medicine,  You  will,  therefore,  procure  a  proper 
supply  for  him  from  the  Director  of  the  Hospital  at  Fishkill  who, 
as  the  Regt.  is  to  be  paid  &  subsisted  by  the  cont't,  will  furnish 

you,  therewith.      I  am  &c. 

Robt.  Benson. 
Major  Van  Buntschoten. 


[No.  2292.] 
DEFICIENCY  IN  TWO  REGIMENTS  OF  LEVIES. 

Governor  Clinton  Threatens  to  Put  Two  Colonels  in  Arrest,  Unless 
the  Full  Quota  is  Made. 

Rochester,  May  ye  15th  1779. 

Dear  Sii-;     F  have  this  day  meet  with  the  Inhabit:. ms  of  this 
town  in  order  to  git  Cor  ages  and  tools  to  Begin  the  Works  at 


824  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Lackawack  with  which  they  have  Cherefully  furnished  me,  the 
troops  at  this  post  at  present  are  as  follows  Viz. 

men  for  Eight  months: 

* 

Colo.  Hardenbergh  30 

Colo.  McClaughree  24 

Duches  County  26 

Cantine  31 


tottle  111 

out  of  which,  I  Have  Sent  a  Lieut.  &  26  to  Mammacoting,  20  to 
guard  the  Stores  at  Brown  in  Warwasinck;  with  ye  Remainder 
I  shall  march  to  Lackawack,  which  will  Be  on  Monday  morning; 
the  one  forth  of  my  Regiment  Except  those  who  Live  on  the  out 
Skirts  of  ye  frunteers,  will  Be  about  fifty  men,  with  which  will 
also  march  on  Said  Day  to  Lackawack;  the  one  forth  of  Colo. 
Hardenbergh  which  when  ordered  out  Consists  of  28  men,  Colo. 
McCloughrie's  15  men,  who  Say  they  are  ordered  out  for  a  fort- 
night. I  am  with  Esteem,  Sir,  your  most  obedient  Ser^t 

John  Cantine. 
George  Clinton,  Esqr. 


GOVERNOR  CLINTON'S  REPLY. 

[May  16,  1779.] 

Sir,  I  have  received  your  Favour  of  yesterday  &  observe  the 
Deficiency  in  the  Levies  from  Colo.  McClaghry's  &  Hardenbergh's 
Regjment.  I,  therefore,  desire  you  will  immediately  send  an 
Officer  to  demand  of  those  Regiments  their  full  Quota,  &  if  an 
Immediate  Compliance  is  not  made,  I  will  on  your  Report  thereof 
order  the  Delinquent  Officers  in  arrest.  I  have  refered  a  Petition 
of  the  Inhabitants  of  Nepenagh  to  you  with  some  Directions 
thereon  &  am  with  great  Regard  your  most  Obed't  Ser. 

[G.  0.] 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  825 

Some  more  of  the  Levies  from  this  County  will  march  this 
Day.  Mr.  DeWitt  tells  me  that  a  Post  might  be  taken  at  a  Pass 
not  quite  so  far  West  as  Legeweck  more  conducive  to  the  Genl. 
Security.  He  will  wait  upon  you  &  explain  to  you  the  Spot  he 
means,  &  his  Reasons  on  the  Subject,  &  if  they  agree  with  your 
own,  Colo.  Pawling's  &  Squire  Hardenbergh's  &  other  principal 
Inhabitants,  I  woud  in  that  Case  give  it  the  preference. 
[To  Col.  Cantine.] 


[No.  2293.] 

Governor  Clinton  Asks  Sir  Henry  Clinton  to  Permit  the  Wives  of 
Captured  American  Officers  to  Visit  Them  in  New  York. 

Poughkeepsie  15th  May  1779. 

Sir:  Mrs.  Allison,  Mrs.  McClaughry,  Mrs.  Logan  &  two  other 
Ladies,  have  my  permission  to  visit  their  Husbands  who  are 
among  prisoners  taken  at  Fort  Montgomery.  I  have  no  reason 
to  doubt  but  your  Excellency  on  their  arrival  at  your  advanced 
post,  will  give  such  directions  as  will  facilitate  their  design,  & 
secure  to  them  this  reasonable  &  Common  Indulgence. 

I  am  induced,  however,  by  their  Importunity  to  trouble  your 
Excellency  on  this  Occasion,  as  they  attended  last  Summer  three 
weeks  at  Elizabeth  Town,  for  the  like  purpose,  but  from  the 
Situation  of  affairs  at  that  Time,  it  was  not  thought  expedient 
to  suffer  them  to  proceed,  unless  they  could  consent  to  continue 
with  their  Husbands,  which  the  Situation  of  their  Families 
would  not  admit  of. 

I  have  only  to  add,  should  your  Excellency  think  proper  to  per- 
mit their  Husbands  or  either  of  them  to  accompany  them  on  their 
return  to  visit  their  Families,  from  my  personal  knowledge  of 
the  Gentlemen,  I  may  venture  to  assure  you,  they  will  faithfully 
comply  with  such  restrictions  as  they  may  [be]  put  under,  and 


826  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTOX. 

punctually  return  at  the  time  appointed.     I  have  the  Honor  to 
be,  with  due  Respect,  Your  Excellency's  Most  Obed't  Serv't, 

[G.  O.J 
His  Excellency,  Lent.  Genl.  Sir  Henry  Clinton. 


The  Bearer  Mrs.  Allisson,  wife  of    Colo.  Allisson,    has    Per- 
mission to  pass  to  visit  her  Husband  a  Prisoner  in  New  York 
or  on  Long  Island  &  to  return  here  again  unmollested.    Given  at 
Poughkeepsie,  this  15th  Day  of  May,  1779. 
Mrs.  McClaghry,  Wife  of  Colo.  McClaghry 
Mrs.  Logan,  "          Major  Logan 

Mrs.  Halsted,  Lieut.  Halsted 

Mrs.  Brewster,         "          Lieut.  Brewster 


[No.  2294.] 

Captain  Robert  North's  Flag  of  Truce. 

By  hie  Excellency,  George  Clinton,  Esqr.,  Gov'r  of  the  State 
of  New  York  &c.  &c.  &c. 

Permission  is  hereby  granted  to  Capt.  Robert  North  to  proceed 

* 

with  a  flag  of  Truce  to  New  York  in  the  Sloop  -  -  navigated 
by  the  said  Robert  North,  &  the  hands  mentiond  in  the  margin, 
for  the  purpose  of  conveying  thither  the  wives  of  Colo.  Allison, 
Colo.  McClaughry,  Major  Logan,  Lieut.  Halsted  &  Lieut.  Brew- 
ster, Prisoners  in  New  York  or  on  Long  Island,  to  visit  their 
Husbands,  &  Mrs.  McMenomy  to  attend  them,  together  with  the 
following  Persons,  vizt.  Mrs.  Byvaiick,  with  her  furniture,  wear- 
ing apparel  &  Bedding,  &  a  small  negro  Girl,  in  exchange  for  the 
wife  of  Uriah  Mitchel,  now  on  Long  Island  with  her  family  & 
Effects,  Elizabeth  Duncan,  for  the  Child  of  Morris  Hazard,  now 
with  its  Grandfather  Ab'm  Schenck  on  Long  Island,  Mrs.  McFar- 
ren  &  her  Daughter  with  their  furniture,  wear'g  apparel,  &  Bed- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  827 

ding  &  a  small  negro  Girl,  in  exchange  for  such  women  in  New 
York  or  on  Long  Island,  as  have  Husbands  in  the  Country,  & 
who  may  incline  to  come  out.     Given  under  my  Hand  at  Pough- 
keepsie,  this  16th  Day  of  May,  1779. 
By  his  Excellency's  Command. 


Orders  for  Capt.  Eobt.  North. 

Capt.  North  with  the  Flag  of  Truce  this  Day  granted,  will  be 
careful  that  no  abuses  are  committed  thro'  the  Medium  of  his 
Flag  &  on  his  Return,  he  is  to  bring  no  Person  out,  but  such  as 
shall  have  the  Gov'rs  Permission  to  return,  or  such  others  as 
may  be  sent  out  on  Exchange;  neither  is  he  to  suffer  to  be  brought 
out  in  his  Sloop  any  Articles  of  merchandize. 


[No.  2295.] 
Sheriff  Nicoll  Vouches  for  Downing,  a  Suspect. 

Goshen  May  16th  1779. 

Dear  S'r,  It  Gives  me  pleashure  that  the  person  you  Sent  Over 
to  Sound  Mr.  Downing,  has  Don  his  duty,  affectually,  and  I  now 
have  Reson  to  thinck  Mr.  Downing  is  not  the  Man  we  Expected 
him  to  be.  I  yesterday  Returned  from  the  New  Citty,  and  Im- 
medietly  on  my  Comming  home,  Mr.  Downing  wated  on  me,  and 
Informed  me  that  there  was  One  Campbell,  at  McQuier's,  which 
he  Supposed  to  be  a  Dangerous  person  and  Gave  me  his  Reasons, 
which  makes  me  beleve  him  to  be  an  Honesst  Man;  from  your 

Humble  Servant 

Isaac  Nicoll. 

N.  B.     Mr.  Harper  Desiered  me  to  let  the  Bairer  have  what 
money  he  wanted  and  I  have  let  him  have  100  Dolers. 
To  His  Excellencey,  George  Clinton,  Esqrv  Governor  &c.  &c.  &c. 
of  the  State  New  York. 


828  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  2296.] 
CLINTON  DEPLORES  SCHUYLER'S  RESIGNATION. 

And  Explains  Why  Military  Operations  are  Hindered  in  New  York 

State. 

Poukeepsie,  16th  May,  1779. 

Dear  Sir;  I  have  received  your  Letters  of  the  29th  Ultimo  & 
3d  Instant,  the  latter  inclosing  the  Orders  to  Capt.  Stockwell.*  I 
am  much  oblidged  to  you  for  the  Judicious  Disposition  you  have 
made  of  the  Company  under  his  Command  as  well  as  for  your 
Sentiments  respecting  the  other  Posts  necessary  to  be  occupied 
for  the  Security  of  the  Northern  Frontier.  The  Dilatory  Time  of 
many  of  the  Militia  officers  &  the  Obstructions  which  the  Service 
unavoidably  meets  from  frequent  Alarms  on  the  Western  Fron- 
tiers, greatly  retard's  the  raising  of  the  Levies  ordered  for  filling 
up  the  Continental  Battallions,  &  the  Defence  of  the  Frontiers 
as  soon  they  are  compleated  &  the  Frontier  Settlements  rendered 
more  secure  by  the  Opperations  of  our  Army  to  the  Westward,  I 
hope  I  shall  be  able  to  detach  a  competent  Force  to  the  Passes 
you  mention;  in  the  mean  Time  I  have  requested  my  Brother  to 
employ  Capt.  McKeans  Company  of  Genl.  Ten  Broeck's  Brigade, 
which  shoud  consist  of  near  100  Men  &  the  Levies  of  Tryon 
County  in  that  Service. 

I  shoud  have  been  happy  if  you  coud,  consistent  W7ith  your 
Honor,  have  consented  to  continue  in  the  Military  Line,  at  least 
the  Ensuing  Campaign,  as  I  am  perswaded  the  Continent  at  large 
&  this  State  in  particular,  woud  have  derived  Important  Advant- 
ages from  your  Services;  &  more  especially  the  Opperations  in- 
tended to  the  Westward  to  be  pursued.  The  friendly  Tender  you 
make  me  of  your  Services  demands  my  most  greatful  Thanks.  I 

*  See  page  779. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  829 

shall  always  esteem  it  a  Happiness,  to  have  your  advice  &  assist- 
ance.    I  am  &c. 

Geo:  Clinton. 
The  hon'ble  Philip  Schuyler  Esqr. 


[No.  2297.] 
DELAYS  IN  TILLING  NEW  ORGANIZATIONS. 

Schoharie  District  the  Most  Exposed — Extirpation  of  the  Savage  the 
Only  Gitarantee  for  the  Security  of  the  Frontier  in  the  Opinion  of 

Governor  Clinton. 

Poughkeepsie,  16th  May  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  Since  my  last  I  have  'been  favoured  with  your  three 
Letters  of  the  7th*  8thf  &  13th$  Instant  the  two  first  were  deliv- 
ered to  me  on  my  Way  to  Kingston,  whither  I  was  called  by  an 
Alarm  occassioned  by  the  Appearance  of  about  100  Indians  & 
Tories  at  Great  Shandeacon.  They  were  joined  at  that  Place  by 
27  Tories,  chiefly  Hesian  Deserters,  from  the  Convention  Troops, 
&  soon  after  disapeared  without  doing  any  Misschief.  The  latter 
was  handed  me  by  Colo.  Du  Bois  yesterday  Evening.  General 
Ten  Broeck  has  my  most  positive  Orders  to  compleat,  with  all 
possible  Dispatch,  the  Levies  from  his  Brigade  for  filling  up  the 
Continental  Battallions  &  for  the  Defence  of  the  Frontiers  &c. 
By  the  enclosed  Copy  of  a  Letter  wrote  to  him  by  Colo.  Benson 
after  I  left  Home  for  Kingston,  you  will  learn  what  Proportion 
of  them  are  to  be  annexed  to  the  Continental  Battallione.  The 
residue  exclusive  of  the  73  who  are  ordered  to  Charlotte  County 
under  Capt.  Stockwell  are  to  be  commanded,  until  the  Regiment 
is  formed,  by  Capt.  McKean  &  stationed,  either  at  Schohary  o^ 
on  the  Frontiers  of  Tryon  &  Albany  Counties,  as  you  may  judge 

•See  page  803. 
fNot  found. 
JSee  page  811. 


830  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

most  conducive  to  the  safety  of  the  Frontier  Settlements.  Tho 
from  the  'best  Accounts,  I  have  been  able  to  collect,  I  judge  Scho- 
hary  to  be  most  exposed,  especially  while  your  Troops  continue 
at  or  near  the  Place  of  Rendevouz  appointed  for  them,  &  even 
for  some  short  Time  after  they  march  from  thence. 

I  inclose  you  the  Account  of  one  Davis*  who  lives  at  Little 
Shandeacon  with  respect  to  the  Hostile  Intentions  of  the  Enemy 
ag't  Schohary  &  the  Settlem'ts  of  Ulster  County.  The  Levies 
from  the  other  Counties  are  in  considerable  forwardness  &  I  flat- 
ter myself  will  be  soon  compleated.  I  have  ordered  those  to  ren- 
devouz  at  Peenpack,  Legeweck  &  Shandeacon  (at  the  two  latter 
of  which  Places  I  have  ordered  posts  to  be  taken  &  some  Works 
of  defence  to  be  erected),  a  small  Part  of  them  having  already 
arived  at  these  Places  &  others  are  on  their  March.  The  moment 
they  assemble  I  will  order  such  Part  of  them  as  are  designed  for 
filling  up  the  Continental  Battallions  to  be  detached,  &  marched 
to  join  the  respective  Regts.  The  whole  Number  intended  for 
this  Purpose  is  500,  but  making  the  ordinary  allowances  for 
Deficiencies  in  the  Regts.,  who  are  to  furnish  them,  Desertions  & 
other  Casualties,  I  much  doubt  whether  they  will  exceed  400. 
You  will  readilly  perceive  the  Reason  of  appointing  the  Frontiers 
as  their  Places  of  Rendevouz,  as  the  moment  they  arive  there, 
they  serve  as  a  Protection  to  the  County  &  being  on  Duty,  are 
more  easily  kept  together  &  detached  to  any  other  Service.  I 
^  Inclose  you  the  Copy  of  Letter  I  have  this  Day  written  to  Genl. 
Ten  Broeck,  on  the  necessity  of  expediting  the  Levies  from  his 
Brigade,  &  of  calling  the  Officers  who  have  neglected  their  Duty 
in  this  Respect  to  an  immediate  &  Severe  Account. 

The  Excursion  to  Oswegatje  was  well  conducted  &  does  Mr. 

*Not  found. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  831 

McClelan  great  Honor;  these  little  Successfull  Enterprizes  wiii, 
I  am  perswaded,  be  attended  with  good  Effects,  but  nothing  less 
than  penetrating  the  Indian  Countries  with  Powerful  Armies 
capable  of  exterpating  the  Savages  will  secure  tranquillity  to  our 
Frontier  Settlements.  Before  I  returned  from  Kingston,  Holt 
had  parted  with  all  his  Papers  containing  the  Acc't  of  the  Anari- 
dago  Expedition,  which  however  was  not  so  perfect  as  the  one 
which  was  drawn  up  &  sent  to  him  to  publish.  My  Complim'ts  to 
Mr.  &  Mrs.  Taylor,  &  Major  Popham.  Your  Family  was  all  well 
a  few  Days  since.  I  enclose  you  Capt.  StockwelPs  &  Lieut. 
Boggs'  Commissions  which  you  will  please  to  forw'd  to  them. 

Yours  Affectionately 

[G.  0.] 
The  hon'ble  Brig'r  Genl.  Clinton. 


[No.  2298.] 

Governor  Clinton  Extends  a  Favor  to  a  Captive  British  Half-pay 

Officer. 

Poukeepsie,  16th  May,  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  This  will  be  handed  to  you  by  Mr.  James  Grant,  a 
half  pay  Officer,  in  the  British  Service,  and  who  has  been  a  Pris- 
oner on  Parole  ever  since  the  Commencement  of  the  present  Con- 
troversy. I  am  informed  that  he  has  strictly  complied  with  it, 
&  [in]  all  Respects,  behaved  with  the  greatest  Prudence  &  Pro- 
priety &  his  general  Charecter  is  that  of  great  Truth  &  Integrity. 
He  is  very  desirous  of  going  to  New  York,  where  he  says,  he  has 
private  Business  of  Importance  to  him  to  transact  (which  I  be- 
lieve to  be  true) ;  he  applied  to  me  a  year  ago  for  this  Indulgence, 
at  a  Time  when  it  was  not  so  convenient  to  grant  it  &  before  I 
was  irformed  of  his  Charecter  &  has  waited  patiently  for  it  ever 


832  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

since.  I  have  now  consented  to  his  going,  &  gave  him  my  Pass 
on  his  obtaining  your  Permission,  which  I  take  for  granted  will 
cot  be  refused,  as  an  honest  Scott  merrits  a  degree  of  Confidence 
as  well  as  Indulgence. 

I  am  just  returned  from  Kingston,  being  called  there  about  Six 
Days  ago  by  an  Alarm  on  the  Western  Frontiers.  A  Party  of 
about  100  Indians  &  Tories  appeared  at  Great  Shandeacon,  bat 
were  deterred  penetrating  farther  or  doing  any  Misschief .  About 
27  Tories,  chiefly  Hessian  Deserters  belonging  to  the  Convention 
Troops,  were  pilotted  through  the  Mountains  by  the  Tories  & 
joined  the  Enemy  at  that  Place. 

I  inclose  you  at  the  Request  of  Colo.  Hasbrouck  a  Description 
of  two  Negroes  which  have  lately  left  him,  &  one  of  his  Neigh- 
bours &  he  has  heard  are  taken  up  by  your  Guards.  If  so,  he 
beggs  you  will  please  to  forward  them  'by  the  first  Guards  coming 
ibis  Way,  &  he  will  chearfully  pay  any  Reasonable  Expence  at- 
tending it. 

I  have  not  since  your  last,  been  able  to  meet  with  two  Members 
of  the  Legislature  together,  so  as  to  be  able  to  send  you  your 
Flour  Permit,  but  I  will  do  it  as  soon  as  Mr.  Benson  arives  at  this 
Place,  which  expect  will  be  Tomorrow.  I  am,  &c.  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
The  hon'ble  Major  Genl.  McDougall. 


[No.  2299.] 

% 

Frontier  Sufferers  of  Albany  County. 

Received  of  His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton,  by  the  Hands  of 
Stephen  Lush,  Esqr.,  two  hundred  and  fifty  Pounds  to  be  dis- 
tributed among  such  Persons  now  in  the  City  of  Albany,  who 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  833 

have  been  distressed  by  the  Enemy's  Incursions  on  the  western 
Frontiers  and  are  incapable  of  gaming  a  Livelihood. 

Gerrit  Groesbeck. 
Albany  May  17"  1779. 


[No.  2300.] 

For  the  CoblesHll  Sufferers. 

Rec'd  of  his  Excellency  Gov'r  Clinton,  by  the  Hands  of  Stephen 
Lush,  Esqr.,  two  hundred  Pounds  to  be  delivered  by  me  to  Mr. 
Johannes  Ball  of  Schohary,  and  by  him  to  be  distributed  to  the 
late  Inhabitants  of  Cobus  Kill  distressed  by  the  Incursions  of  the 
Enemy  and  now  incapable  of  gaining  a  Livelihood. 

Peter  Vroman. 
Albany  May  18"  1779. 

[No.  2301.] 
HOLDING  UP  THE  PRICES  OF  BREAD  AND  FLOUR. 

New  England  Discriminating  Against  New  York — The  Cause  and 

Effect. 

Hartford  May  9th  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  The  Bearer  Capt.  James  Watson  is  a  Gentleman  of 
strict  Honor  and  Integrity;  he  has  at  my  earnest  request,  gone 
into  that  part  of  your  State  bordering  on  Massachusetts  and  this 
State,  where  I  had  reason  to  believe  much  illicit  Trade  was  car- 
ried on  in  the  article  of  Flour;  he  has  obtained  all  the  informa- 
tion in  his  power  and  will  communicate  it  to  you,  and  I  will  thank 
you  to  instruct  and  advise  him.  He  can  also  tell  you  the  price 
Flour  sells  at  in  this  State,  and  you  will  from  him  obtain  such 
Information  as  will  enable  you  to  know  what  a  medium  price  is 
between  this  State  &  New  Jersey.  I  have  the  Honor  to  be,  Your 
Excellency's  Most  Humb.  Serv't 

Jere'h  Wadsworth,  Com.  Gen.  P. 

His  Excel'y  Governor  Clinton. 
53 


834  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

GOVERNOR  CLINTON'S  REPLY. 

Poukeepsie  18th  May  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  I  was  unfortunately  from  Home  when  Capt.  Watson 
was  at  Poukeepsie.  On  my  Return  I  rec'd  your  Letter  of  the  9th, 
with  one  from  him,  respect'g  the  Business  in  which  you  employed 
him.  The  Prices  fixed  in  this  State  purs't  to  the  Act  for  procur- 
ing an  immediate  supply  of  flour  for  the  army,  a  Copy  of  which  I 
transmitted  you,  were  16  Doll's  per  bush'l  for  wheat,  and  16£  per 
C  for  flour;  these  at  the  time  were  supposed  to  be  nearly  the  aver- 
age of  the  Prices  in  Connecticut  &  New  Jersey  and  tho'  as  they 
are  the  staple  Commodity  of  the  State,  it  wou'd  be  its  Interest  to 
raise  them,  equal  to  the  pres't  Prices  in  those  States,  which  Capt. 
Watson  informs  me  is  £20  lawf'l  in  Connecticut  for  Flour,  I  am 
persuaded,  nevertheless,  that  from  the  Desire  of  supplying  the 
army  at  moderate  rates  &  supporting  the  Credit  of  our  Currency, 
it  would  be  a  disagreable  measure  to  the  People  at  large  &,  there- 
fore, will  not  be  done.  You  will  readily  perceive,  Sir,  that  while 
the  Prices  of  flour  &  wheat  in  Connecticut  &  Massachusets  Bay 
are  so  much  higher  than  in  this  State,  there  is  the  greatest  Temp- 
tation for  running  it  out  of  the  State,  &  our  greatest  exertions 
will  not  be  able  wholly  to  prevent  it,  &  of  course  the  greatest 
quantities  will  be  found  in  the  hands  of  Traders.  Whether, 
therefore,  as  Mr.  Watson  proposes,  to  take  it  from  them  at  their 
own  Prices  (vizt.  50  Doll's  pr  C)  will  be  best,  can  only  be  deter- 
mined from  a  knowlege  of  the  present  State  of  our  magazines,  as 
in  my  opinion  the  measure  could  only  be  justified  by  the  necessity 
there  is  of  'obtain'g  an  immediate  Supply. 

If  the  States  of  Connecticut  &  Massachusets  Bay  could  be  in- 
duced to  lower  the  Prices  of  these  articles,  making  only  a  proper 
allowance  for  transportation,  nearly  equal  to  the  Prices  in  this 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  835 

State,  it  would  facilitate  your  obtain'g  Supplies  more  effectually 
than  any  other  measure  I  can  think  of,  as  the  Trader  would  then 
not  be  tempted  to  purchase  &  the  farmer  would  despair  of  getting 
an  higher  Price  than  that  given  by  the  Commissary,  &  would  be 
thereby  induced  to  sell  to  him.  Besides,  I  believe  it  would  enable 
the  Inhabit'ts  of  the  eastern  States  to  derive  greater  Supplies 

than  they  have  hitherto  done.     I  am  &c. 

Geo:  Clinton. 
Colo.  Wadsworth. 


[No.  2302.] 
The  Governor  Acknowledges  the  Receipt  of  Letters  from  John  Jay. 

Poughkeepsie  May  18th  1779. 

Sir,  I  have  to  acknowledge  the  Rec't  of  .  your  Excellency's 
Letters  of  the  4th*  7thf  &  18th§  Ulto.  together  with  the  several 
acts  of  Congress  which  they  enclosed.  Such  of  them  as  are  to  be 
carried  into  effect  by  the  Executive  authority  shall  be  carefully 
attended  to  &  I  will  embrace  the  earliest  opportunity  of  laying  the 
others  before  the  Legislature.  I  have  the  Honor,  to  be  with  the 
most  perfect  Esteem,  &  Kespect  Your  Excell'cys  most  Obed't 

Serv't 

Geo.  Clinton. 
His  Excellency,  John  Jay,  Eeqr.,  Presid't  &ca. 


[No.  2303.] 
THE  VERMONT  AFFAIR  REACHING  A  CRISIS. 

Governor  Clinton  Places  the  Responsibility  on  Congress  Should  Civil 

War  Ensue. 

Poughkeepsie  May  18th  1779. 

Sir,  Inclosed  I  transmit  Copies  of  several  Papers  relative  to 
the  Disorders  which  still  prevail  in  the  North-Eastern  Parts  of 

*See  page  689. 
tSee  page  701. 
§See  page  736. 


836  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

this  State,  with  a  Bequest  that  you  will  please  to  lay  them  to- 
gether with  this  Letter  before  Congress. 

From  these  Papers,  it  evidently  appears  that  matters  in  that 
Quarter  are  fast  approaching  to  a  very  serious  Crisis  which  noth- 
ing but  the  immediate  Interposition  of  Congress  can  possibly 
prevent. 

The  Legislature  have  from  time  to  time  given  the  most  solemn 
assurances  of  Protection  to  their  well-affected  Subjects,  and  rely- 
ing upon  these  Promises,  the  Inhabitants  of  several  Towns  have 
hitherto  persevered  in  their  allegiance  to  this  State;  they  will  not 
I  imagine  remain  much  longer  content  with  mere  Promises  and  I 
daily  expect  that  I  shall  be  obliged  to  order  out  a  Force  for  their 
Defence.  The  Wisdom  of  Congress  will  readily  suggest  to  them 
what  will  be  the  Consequence  of  submitting  the  Controversy  espe- 
cially at  this  Juncture  to  the  Decision  of  the  Sword.  It  will  not, 
however,  I  trust  be  imputed  to  this  State  that  we  have  precipi- 
tately had  recourse  to  coercive  measures.  We  have  anxiously  ex- 
pected the  Sentiments  of  Congress  upon  this  important  Business 
and  it  was  our  earnest  wish,  that,  in  the  mean  time,  the  Inhabi- 
tants on  the  Grants  who  deny  the  authority  of  this  State  would 
by  a  proper  conduct  on  their  part  have  prevented  the  Necessity  of 
Force,  but  Justice,  the  Faith  of  Government,  and  the  Peace  and 
Safety  of  Society,  will  not  permit  us  to  continue  longer  passive 
Spectators  of  the  Violences  committed  upon  our  Fellow  Citizens. 
I  am,  with  the  Highest  Esteem  &  Respect,  Yours  &c. 

Geo.  Clinton. 
His  Excell'y  John  Jay,  Esqr.,  Presid't  of  Congress. 


[No.  2304.]  * 


•Thl»  document  is  Identical  with  2303.— STATE  HISTORIAN. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  837 

[No.  2305.] 

Relative  to  the  Exchange  of  Prisoners  and  Removal  of  Tory  Families 

to  New  York. 

Poukeepsie  19th  May  1779. 

Sir,  I  have  rec'd  yours  of  the  18th  Instant,  inclosing  a  Copy 
of  a  Flagg  to  Thomas  Clousdal,  granted  for  the  Purpose  of  carry- 
ing to  the  Enemy  the  several  Persons  mentioned  in  it  together 
with  their  Effects.  I  have  no  Objection  to  the  removal  of  the 
Families  of  such  Persons  as  were  removed  within  the  Enemy's 
Lines,  in  consequence  of  the  late  Test  Act,  &  upon  this  Principle 
do  consent  that  the  Families  of  Richard  Harrison,  (including  his 
Mother),  and  Samuel  Mabett,  and  also  Mrs.  Skadden  should  be 
permitted  to  pass  to  New  York,  with  such  of  their  Effects  as 
consists  only  in  Household  Furniture,  Bedding,  and  Wearing 
Apparel ;  males  capable  of  bearing  Arms  however  to  be  excepted. 
With  Respect  to  the  other  Persons  mentioned  in  the  Flagg,  I  am 
extreamly  sorry  that  the  Conduct  of  the  Enemy  in  their  late  mode 
of  Warfare  has  made  it  my  Duty  to  detain  them  to  be  exchanged 
for  the  Women  and  Children,  which  have  been  carried  off  in 
Captivity  from  our  Frontiers.  As  soon  as  these  are  released,  and 
I  have  Assurances  that  the  Inhumane  and  unmanly  System  upon 
which  the  War  on  our  Frontiers  is  carried  on,  will  no  longer  be 
pursued,  I  will  readily  suffer  the  Wives  and  Families  of  every 
Person  with  the  Enemy  to  pass  to  New  York. 

You  will  oblidge  me  in  communicating,  by  the  Return  of  the 
Flagg,  the  Contents  of  this  Letter  to  the  Commanding  Officer  in 
New  York.  I  am  with  much  Esteem  your  most  Obed't  Serv't 

G.  C. 
The  Hon'ble  Major  Genl.  McDougal. 


838  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  2306.] 
JAMES  CLINTON  WORRIED. 

Apprehensive    ttvat    Washington's    Instructions    for    the    Indian 
Expedition  have  Fallen  Into  the  Hands  of  the  Enemy. 

Albany  May  20th  1779. 

Dear  Brother,  As  Time  and  Circumstances  will  not  permit  me 
to  give  you  a  full  and  separate  account  of  what  I  wish  you  to  be 
informed  of,  I  have  sent  you  Genl.  Washington's  Packet  unsealed, 
that  you  may  see  the  disagreeable  Condition  I  am  in  at  present, 
in  consequence  of  the  late  unfortunate  Miscarriage  of  His  Excel- 
lency's Letters,  which  are  of  the  more  importance,  as  I  have  reason 
to  believe  they  contained  pedicular  directions  relative  to  the 
opperations  of  the  ensuing  Campeign,  and  if  they  have  fall'n  into 
the  Enemies  Hands,  may  be  attended  with  the  utmost  ill  Conse- 
quences. 

By  Mr.  Dean's  Letter  of  the  16th  inst,  you  will  see  that  the 
Enemy  have  intercepted  a  Letter  of  a  public  Nature  near  the 
Frontiers  of  Virginia,  which  informed  them  in  some  instances  of 
our  Plan;  however,  I  hope  we  shall  be  able  to  concert  measures 
in  such  a  manner  as  to  prevent  them  from  being  very  great  gain- 
ers by  the  important  Discouvery. 

The  motion  of  the  Drafts  is  so  very  slow,  that  the  pfficers  ap- 
pointed to  receive  them  are  almost  out  of  Patience;  I  do  not  be- 
lieve that  out  of  the  five  hundred  we  shall  be  able  to  get  more  than 
one  hundred.  Indeed  I  have  some  reason  to  suspect  that  they 
are  intentionally  kept  back,  that  they  may  be  embodied  in  Regi- 
ments by  themselves,  after  we  march.  I  am,  Dear  Brother,  yours 

sincerely, 

James  Clinton,  B.  G'l. 
Gov'r  Clinton. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  839 

[No.  2307.] 

George  Clinton  Revokes  His  Action  in  the  Matibitt  Matter,  Unless  the 
Effects  of  Mr.  Sands  are  Snipped  from  New  York. 

Poughkeepsie  20th  May  1779. 

Sir,  Since  writing  you  yesterday  on  the  Subject  of  the  Flag 
from  the  Enemy  under  the  direction  of  Thos.  Clousdal,  I  am  in- 
formed that  Mr.  Benj.  Sands,  late  an  Inhabitant  of  Cow  Neck  on 
Long  Island,  who  for  his  attachment  to  the  Cause  of  America  was 
tried  by  a  Court  Martial,  constituted  by  the  Enemy  &  banished 
with  marks  of  Ignominy  without  their  Lines,  is  very  desirous  of 
obtain'g  his  family  &  Effects  from  thence.  And,  as  it  is  unreason- 
able that  the  families  &  Effects  of  those  who  were  removed  under 
our  late  test  Act  should  be  permitted  to  be  taken  in  to  them  unless 
similar  Indulgences  are  granted  to  our  friends,  I  am  under  the 
necessity  of  recalling  my  Consent,  expressed  in  my  Letter  of  yes- 
terday to  the  removal  of  the  family  &  Effects  of  Mr.  Saml. 
Mabbett  to  New  York,  until  I  receive  proper  assurance  that  the 
family  of  Mr.  Sands,  with  his  Effects  of  equal  Value  to  that  of 
Mr.  Mabbett's,  will  be  permitted  to  come  out  in  Exchange  for 
them;  on  the  Rec't  of  such  assurance,  Mr.  Mabbett's  family  & 
Effects  will  immediately  receive  Permission  to  proceed  to  New 
York  with  the  proper  Means  of  Conveyance  thither,  &  as  the 
vessel  which  will  be  allowed  to  take  them  down,  may  on  its  return 
bring  out  Mrs.  Sands's  family  &  Effects,  he  will  readily  consent  to 

pay  half  of  the  Expence.     I  am  &ca. 

Geo.  Clinton. 

The  hon'ble  Major  Genl.  McDougall. 


840  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  2308.] 
John  Earing  Desires  the  Release  of  John  Nagel. 

Orange  Town  May  20th  1779. 

Sir;  Last  Monday  morning  Mr.  John  Nagel,  of  Closeter,  in 
Bergen  County,  was  taken  prisoner  by  the  Enemy  and  is  now 
prisoner  at  Hoboke;  they  had  also  taken  Mr.  Jacob  Nagel,  but 
have  yesterday  permitted  him  to  return  home;  he  says  Boskirk 
sent  a  Verbal  Message  by  him,  that  if  Teunis  Hailing  could  be 
released,  they  would  release  John  Nagel;  how  far  this  can  be 
Complied  with,  I  cannot  pretend  to  say,  but  can  assure  you  that 
Mr.  John  Nagel,  is  a  warm  friend  to  his  Country,  and  is  seventy 
odd  years  old;  should  therefore  be  glad  if  any  thing  Could  be  done 
for  him.  The  Bearer,  is  a  son  of  John  Nagel,  and  is  a  man  you 
may  Confide  in;  to  him  I  refer  you  for  particulars.  Mr.  Jacob 
Nagel  is  out  on  parole;  he  is  to  return  to  them  in  a  day  or  two, 
when  they  expect  an  answer  to  the  above  message.  I  am  fearful 
that  this  part  of  the  Country  will  soon  be  laid  waste.  I  am,  Sir, 

Your  Humble  Serv't, 

John  Haring. 
General  Mac  Dougall, 

[Nos.  2309-2310.] 
CONGRESS  AND  THE  VERMONT  AFFAIR. 

President  Jay  Forwards  a  Set  of  Resolutions  which  were  Introduced 
by  Oouverneur  Morris  with  an  Appropriate  Speech. 

Philadelphia  22  May  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  I  have  now  the  Pleasure-  of  transmitting  you  a  Copy 
of  certain  Resolutions  moved  in  Congress  this  morning  respecting 
the  pretended  State  of  Vermont.  They  were  introduced  by  Mr. 
Morris  with  a  proper  prefatory  Speech.  On  Saturday  next  the 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  841 

House  will  be  resolved  into  a  Committee  of  the  whole  to  take  them 
into  Consideration.  What  may  be  their  Fate  is  uncertain,  tho  I 
am  by  no  means  without  Hopes  of  Success.  They  are  temperate 
&  founded  on  plain  Principles.  Opposition  will  hence  be  more 
difficult,  and  their  Defence  more  certain.  The  Yeas  and  Nays 
shall  be  called  on  every  Question  respecting  them;  and  I  will  fur- 
nish you  with  a  minute  Detail  of  the  Proceedings  of  Congress  in 
every  stage  of  the  Debates  on  the  Subject.  The  Delays  attending 
this  Business  have  been  unavoidable,  and  rather  unpleasant  than 
prejudicial.  It  will  now  be  pressed  forward,  and  you  may  rely  on 
our  utmost  Exertions  and  Care. 

I  now  send  you  some  Papers  and  Journals.     My  best  Respects 
to  Mrs.  Clinton.     I  am,  dear  Sir,  very  sincerely  yours  &c. 

John  Jay. 
His  Excellency  Gov'r  Clinton. 


THE  RESOLUTIONS. 

Whereas  divers  of  the  Inhabitants  of  a  certain  District  of 
Country,  over  a  particular  Part  of  which  the  State  of  New  York, 
and  over  the  Residue  of  which  the  State  of  New  Hampshire,  at 
the  Time  when  these  United  States  were  Colonies  of  and  subject 
to  the  Crown  of  Great  Britain,  did  exercise  Jurisdiction;  have 
under  various  Pretences  refused  allegiance  thereto,  and  attempted 
to  constitute  themselves  into  a  separate  State  under  the  assumed 
name  of  the  State  of  Vermont: 

Resolved,  that  the  States  of  New  Hampshire,  Massachusetts 
Bay,  Rhode  Island,  Connecticut,  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Penn- 
sylvania, Delaware,  Maryland,  Virginia,  North  Carolina,  South 
Carolina  and  Georgia,  are  severally  entitled  to,  and  ought  to  hold 


842  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

and  be  maintained  in  the  Possession  of  all  the  Lands  and  Terri- 
tories which  appertained  of  Right  to  each  of  them  respectively 
while  they  were  Colonies  of  and  subject  to  the  King  of  Great 
Britain. 

Resolved,  that  none  of  the  said  States  ought,  or  shall  be 
divested,  of  any  Lands  or  Territories  over  which  they  respectively 
exercised  Jurisdiction  at  the  Time  aforesaid,  unless  by  Judgment 
of  Congress  in  Favor  of  certain  other  of  the  said  States,  claiming 
the  same  or  any  Part  thereof,  and  prosecuting  that  Claim  in  the 
way  prescribed  by  the  articles  of  Confederation. 

Resolved  that  no  Part  or  District  of  one  or  more  of  the  said 
States  shall  be  permitted  to  separate  therefrom,  and  become  in- 
dependent thereon,  without  the  express  consent  and  approbation 
of  such  State  or  States  respectively. 

Resolved  that  it  be  recommended  to  the  Inhabitants  of  the  said 
pretended  State  of  Vermont  to  return  peaceably  to  their  former 
Jurisdictions,  that  is  to  say,  those  who  have  separated  from  the 
State  of  New  Hampshire  to  the  State  of  New  Hampshire,  and 
those  who  have  separated  from  the  State  of  New  York  to  the 
State  of  New  York. 

Resolved,  that  Congress  will  readily  hear,  examine  and  inter- 
pose to  obtain  Redress  of,  any  Grievances,  of  which  the  said  In- 
habitants may  have  Cause  to  complain  against  their  said  respec- 
tive States. 

Resolved,  that  nothing  in  the  preceding  Resolutions  contained, 
shall  be  construed  to  confirm  or  prejudice  the  Title  of  the  States 
of  New  Hampshire  or  New  York  to  the  Jurisdictions  aforesaid, 
or  to  exclude  or  bar  any  Claims  which  other  States  may  have 
thereto  or  any  part  thereof. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  843 

[No.  2311.] 

General  James  Clinton  Receives  the  Instructions  He  Feared  were 

Lost. 

Albany  May  22d  1779. 

Dear  Brother;  I  have  just  time  to  acknowledge  the  Receipt  of 
your  Letter  with  the  Enclosures.  I  have  forwarded  the  Commis- 
sions to  Capt.  Stockwell  &c.  and  shoud  have  informed  you  of  the 
different  Stations  of  the  Drafts  now  on  the  Frontiers,  but  that  the 
Express  is  just  waiting,  and  Grenl.  Ten  Broeck  informs  me  he  hath 
done  it,  in  some  respects,  tho'  not  fully. 

The  Express  which  I  conceived  was  losst,  hath  been  received 
yesterday,  by  the  way  of  Saratoga,  thro'  mistake.  I  am,  D'r 

Brother,  yours  sincerely, 

James  Clinton. 
Gov'r  Clinton. 


[No.  2312.] 
COLONEL  VAN  SCHAICK  UTTERS  A  COMPLAINT. 

Compelled  to  Reward  Indians  Out  of  His  Own  Pocket  for  Making 
Captures — A  Scout  to  Oswego. 

Fort  Schuyler  May  22  1779. 

Sir,  Yours  of  the  17th  Inst.  I  have  received  by  the  post.  The 
scout  I  sent  to  Oswego  returned  yesterday;  their  provisions  hav- 
ing got  damaged  by  a  heavy  rain,  oblidged  them  to  come  off  some 
days  sooner  than  was  intended.  The  Officer  informs  me  that  he 
has  been  on  the  ground  at  Oswego  seven  days  without  making 
the  least  discovery  of  an  enemy  at  or  near  that  place. 

The  five  Oneidas  whom  I  sent  with  one  of  my  soldiers  to  Buck 
Island  have  returned  yesterday;  they  brought  in  three  Soldiers 
belonging  to  Sir  John  Johnson's  Regiment  whom  they  took  on 
the  Island,  By  them,  I  have  been  informed  that  no  Reinforce- 
ment of  men  had  arrived  at  Buck  Island  this  spring,  but  that  the 


844  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

remainder  of  Sir  John's  Regim't,  being  seven  Companies,  was 
daily  expected. 

When  the  soldiers  were  taken,  which  was  the  15th  Instant, 
there  was  then  on  the  Island  about  Six  hundred  men,  and  about 
three  hundred  Indians;  that  a  body  of  Troops  were  coming  up 
the  River  St.  Lawrence  this  Spring;  that  besides  the  four  Vessels 
on  the  Lake  Ontario  two  large  Vessels  on  the  Stocks  at  Buck 
Island  would  be  launched  in  a  few  days.  Butler  and  Brandt  left 
Buck  Island  before  the  Soldiers  were  taken,  in  order  to  Collect 
the  foreign  Indians. 

I  shall  be  under  the  necessity  for  the  future  to  desist  from 
sending  any  Parties  of  Indians  in  order  to  take  prisoners  from  the 
enemy,  as  I  have  it  not  in  my  power  to  make  them  any  Reward 
but  what  comes  from  my  own  purse.  It  seems  that  my  Superiors 
dont  think  proper  to  trust  me  with  the  same  Powers  and  Mate- 
rials with  which  the  former  Commanders  at  this  Post  were  in- 
trusted. Shall,  therefore,  Content  myself  with  endeavouring  to 
Comply  with  your  Orders,  respecting  the  sending  of  Scouts  to 
Oswego  by  Land,  a  mode  foreign  to  my  expectation. 

The  Indians  have  promised  me  to  deliver  up  the  prisoners  to 
me  in  four  days.  When  that  is  Complied  with  I  shall  forward 
them  down  to  Albany  by  the  first  Conveyance.  Your  Obed't 

Servant 

G.  V.  Schaick. 
To  Brig'r  Genl.  Jas.  Clinton. 

A  true  Copy. 


[No.  2313.] 

Relating  to  Exchanges. 
Head  Quarters  Pecks  Kill  May  24th  1779. 
Sir,  Your  Favors  of  the  19th*  and  20thf  came  to  Hand.     On 
Receipt  of  the  first,  I  gave  orders  for  the  Flag  to  pass  to  New 

•  See  page  837. 
tSee  page  839. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  845 

Windsor,  or  Fish-Kill  Landing  under  proper  Guards,  to  take  on 
Board  the  Effects  of  the  Families  mentioned  in  your  answer.  But 
as  Mr.  Mabbit's  Effects  are  not  to  go,  for  the  Seasons  you  men- 
tion, in  the  20th,  I  wish  you  will  cause  it  to  be  signified  to  the 
Family,  in  order  that  the  Effects  may  not  be  brought  down  to  the 
Flag. 

I  sent  Captain  Hunter  in  with  a  Flag  to  endeavor  to  get  Vantas- 
sel,  Oakley  and  Young  exchanged,  which  he  has  accomplish'd  for 
the  two  former;  and  they  are  come  out  on  Parole,  till  John  Cuni- 
mins  now  in  Albany  Goal,  and  Lewis  Vincent  are  sent  in — the 
latter  was  discharged  yestarday,  but  it  depends  on  you  whether 
Vantassel  or  Cummins  shall  go  in.  I  wish  to  have  your  answer 
on  this  Subject  as  soon  as  possible.  Poor  Vantassel  has  suffered 
greatly  and  it's  high  Time  he  should  be  exchanged. 

The  inclos'd  was  brought  to  me  three  Days  ago,  with  a  message 
from  Judge  Harring,  that  Tunis  Helling,  is  a  subject  of  Jersey. 
He  is  one  of  those  taken  up,  on  the  Precepts  of  the  Commis- 
sioners. It  lies  with  you  or  them  whether  this  Exchange  shall 
take  place;  of  which  the  Persons  interested  are  very  solicitous  to 
be  informed.  I  am,  sir,  your  humble  servant 

Alex'r  McDougall. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  2314.] 
Colonel  Levi  Pawling  Forwards  Rumors  and  Facts. 

Marbletown,  May  24th,  1779. 

S'r;  I  was  Informed  yesterday,  in  a  Private  way,  that,  the 
Enemy  from  the  wester.d,  Intended  to  Come  down  in  a  large 
Body,  about  the  begining  of  next  month,  and  to  meet  the  Regu- 
lars who  was  to  Come  up  the  River  at  that  time. 


846  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

This  Informant  tells  me  that  a  few  Days  ago  Some  white  men 
with  two  Indians,  went  to  New  York,  and  he  thinks  they  are  Re- 
turnd ;  they  Cross'd  the  mountain  near  Mamacating ;  he  promised 
me  to  make  a  farther  Enquiry  and  let  me  know;  many  of  the  New 
Levies^  (as  I  understand)  are  Behind,  both  in  Ulster  and  Dutches. 
Albert  has  wrote  to  Cols.  Hardenbergh  and  Newkerk  to  send 
them  forward.  The  fort  at  Shendeken  is  done,  (I  heard  yester- 
day) but  by  the  means  of  the  late  Heavy  Rains,  little  has  been 
done  at  Lagewack.  I  am  with  great  Esteem,,  your  Most  Hum'e 

Ser't, 

Levi  Pawling. 

His  Excellency  George    Clinton,    Esqr.,    Governor    &c.,    Pough- 
keepsie. 


[No.  2315.] 
ETHAN  ALLEN  MAKES  A  RAID. 

Captures  New  York  Militia  Officers,  Bids  Defiance  to  <New  York 
and  Declares  He  Will  Establish  Vermont  by  the  Sword. 

Brattleborough,  May  ye  25th  1779. 

Sir;  The  Committee  of  this  County  who  are  now  met  for  the 
purpose  of  opposing  the  authority  of  the  State  of  Vermont,  take 
this  oppertunity  to  inform  your  Exelency  by  Express,  that  Con'l 
Eathon  Alline  with  a  number  of  Green  mountain  Boys,  made  his 
appearence  in  this  County  yesterday,  well  arm'd  &  e'quip't,  for  the 
purpose  of  redusing  the  Loyal  Inhabitents  of  this  County  to  a 
Submition  to  the  authority  of  the  State  of  Vermont,  and  made 
prisonars  of  Con'l  Patterson,  Liut.  Con'l  Sargeant  and  all  the 
Militia  officers  Exept  one,  in  Brattleborough,  with  Mr.  Townsend 
and  a  number  of  other  Persons.  They  have  also  taken  the  Militia 
officers  in  Putney  and  Westminster  with  others;  the  number  of 
prisoners  we  cannot  assatain.  Con'l  Alline  Declared  that  he  had 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  847 

five  hundred  Green  mountain  Boys  with  him;  we  are  not  able  to 
assatain  the  number,  but  belive  there  is  not  Quite  so  many  who 
are  come  from  the  west  sid  of  the  mountains;  they  are  assisted 
by  a  number  of  the  Inhabitants  of  this  County;  where  they  will 
carey  the  prisoners  we  cannot  tel.  Con'l  Alline  treted  the  People 
here  with  the  most  Insulting  language;  Assaulted  and  wounded 
Several  Persons  with  his  sword,  without  the  least  provocation, 
and  bids  Defiance  to  the  State  of  New  Yorke;  declares  they  will 
Establish  their  State  by  the  sword,  and  fight  all  who  shall  at- 
tempt to  oppose  them;  nothing  but  the  Reluctance  the  People 
here  have  to  sheding  human  Blood,  could  hinder  them  from  at- 
tempting to  rescue  the  Prisoners;  they  had  every  Insult  which 
the  humane  mind  is  able  to  conceive  of,  to  promp  them  to  it ;  our 
Sitiuation  is  truly  criticle  and  Destressing;  we,  therefore,  most 
humbly  beceech  your  Exelency  to  take  the  most  speedy  and 
Effectual  mesures  for  our  releaf ;  otherwise  our  persons  and  prop- 
erties must  be  at  the  Desposal  of  Eathon  Alline  which  is  more  to 
be  Dreded  then  Death,  with  all  its  Terrors.  Sir,  we  are  with  the 
greatest  Esteem,  your  Exelencies  most  Obadient  humble  Ser'ts, 
.  Signed  by  order  of  the  Committee 

Samuel  Minott,  Chairman. 

To  his  Exelency,  George  Clinton,  Esquire,  Governor  of  the  State 
of  New  Yorke  &c.* 

[No.  2316.] 

Governor  Clinton  Invokes  the  Aid  of  Westchester  Magistrates  in 
Securing  Teams  for  the  Army. 

Pokeepsie  May  25"  1779. 

Gentlemen,  The  Qu'r  Mr.   Genl.  informs  me  that  he  has  a 
Quantity  of  Provisions  and  other  Stores  which  it  is  absolutely 

•See  pages  858  and  859. 


848  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

necessary  to  bring  in  from  different  Places  for  the  Use  of  the 
army,  that  for  the  want  of  Forage  and  other  unavoidable  Difficul- 
ties he  is  unable  to  keep  public  Teams  at  present  sufficient  to 
answer  these  and  other  similar  Purposes,  and  that  he  finds  it  im- 
possible [to]  procure  Carriages  from  the  Country  agreable  to  the 
act  of  the  Legislature  lately  made,  without  uncommon  aid  from 
the  civil  magistrate.  I  have,  therefore,  to  recommend,  that  you 
will  use  your  utmost  Exertions  in  furnishing  the  Teams  neces- 
sary for  the  public  Service  at  this  critical  Conjuncture,  when  the 
least  Neglect  might  be  attended  by  the  most  fatal  Consequences, 
in  preventing  the  army  from  being  supplied  with  Provisions,  and 
perhaps  forcing  them  to  abandon  the  Posts  they  now  occupy  in 
the  Support  of  w'ch  you  are  particularly  interested. 

At  a  Meeting  lately  held  by  the  Magistrates  of  this  Ulster  and 
Orange  Counties,  they  adopted  a  System  for  carrying  this  Law 
into  Execution  which,  as  it  has  been  followed  by  salutary  Effects, 
I  would  earnestly  recommend  to  you  as  the  most  likely  Means  of 
accomplishing  the  Intentions  of  the  Legislature  with  least  Dis- 
tress to  the  Inhabitants  of  wh'ch  Colo.  Hay  will  furnish  you  with 

a  Copy.    I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Justices  of  the  Peace,  West  Chester  County.] 


[No.  2317.] 

Colonel  I'dviy  Hay  Aslcs  for  an  Impress  Warrant  and  the  Governor 

Rebukes  Him. 

Fish  Kill,  26th  May,  1  A.  M.  [1779] 

Sir;  By  a  Letter  this  inst.  rec'd  from  General  McDougal,  he 
seems  apprehensive  there  is  an  attack  designd  on  the  Fort;  as 
usual  I  do  not  think  there  is  four  days  Provisions  in  it;  have, 
therefore,  to  request  a  General  Press  warrant  from  your  Excel- 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  849 

lency  with  orders  to  the  militia  to  assist  in  enforcing  it,  if  you 
think  the  General's  present  apprehensions  are  of  sufficient  im- 
portance to  make  such  a  measure  eligible. 

This  moment  an  express  goes  off  to  the  Q'r  Master  at  Litchfield, 
requesting  in  the  most  pressing  terms,  that  he  will  immediately 
send  on  the  salt  Provisions  now  lying  there;  should  he  be  remiss 
in  complying  with  this  request,  upon  this  occasion  had  not  the 
Waggons  of  this  State  better  be  sent  for  a  part  of  it.  I  am  with 

respect  Your  Excellency's  most  obed.  Ser't 

Udny  Hay. 
Governour  Clinton. 


THE  GOVERNOR'S  REPLY. 

Sir,  I  have  this  Moment  rec'd  your  Letter  of  Today  and  now 
inclose  a  General  Impress  Warrant  to  enable  you  to  convey  a 
Supply  of  Provisions  to  the  different  Posts  in  the  Southern  Part 
[of]  this  State.  It  is  to  be  lamented  that  upon  every  fresh  alarm 
these  Posts  are  found  so  exceedingly  deficient,  not  only  for  the 
fatal  Consequences  that  may  result  from  the  Enemy's  attacking 
them  when  thus  unprovided,  but  also  that  the  use  of  General  Im- 
press Warrants  will  defeat  the  Regulations  adopted  by  the  ordi- 
nary Magistrate  for  carrying  the  Impress  Law  into  Execution. 

You'l  readily  perceive  that  it  is  out  of  my  Power  to  order  the 

/ 
Teams  of  this  State  to  convey  Provisions  from  Litchfield. 

The  Officers  both  civil  and  military,  you'l  observe,  are  by  the 
Tenor  of  the  warrant  directed  to  assist  in  executing  it.  I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
May  26  1779. 

[To  Col.  Udny  Hay.] 
54 


850  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  2318.] 

Governor  Clinton's  Response  to  Colonel  Levi  Pawling's  Letter. 

May  26"  1779. 

Sir,  I  rec'd  your  Favor  of  the  24"  Inst.  and  this  Day  rec'd  a 
Letter  from  Genl.  McDougal  of  which  I  inclose  you  a  Copy.  The 
Intelligence  it  communicates  leads  me  the  more  to  believe  the 
acc'ts  you  rec'd  from  the  westward.  This  has  induced  me  to 
issue  the  inclosed  Order,  Copies  of  which  you  will  be  pleased  to 
forward  to  Colo.  Cantine  &  Colo.  Snyder.  I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Col.  Levi  Pawling.] 


[No.  2319.] 
Orders  to  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer. 

May  24th  1779. 

Colo.  Rensselaer  will  immediately  proceed  to  Albany — on  his 
way  thither,  he  will  call  on  the  Officers  of  Colo.  Livingston's  Regi- 
ment &  the  other  Regiments  of  militia  between  that  &  Albany 
&  use  every  means  in  his  Power  with  them  to  collect  with  all  Pos- 
sible Dispatch,  the  Levies  from  the  respective  Regiments  &  cause 
them  to  be  forwarded  to  Albany  or  such  other  Convenient  Place 
of  Rendezvous  as  he  shall  appoint.  He  will  on  his  arrival  at 
Albany,  assign  Officers  to  receive  the  Quota  from  Genl.  Ten 
Broeck's  Brigade,  &  annex  such  part  of  them,  as  are  ordered,  to 
fill  up  the  cont'l  Battalions  to  those  Regts.,  the  Residue  are  to  be 
stationed  at  such  Passes  on  the  northern  &  western  frontiers  of 
Albany  &  Tryon  County  as  Genl.  Clinton  shall  direct.  Major 
Van  Buntschoten  is  ordered  to  assemble  the  Levies  from  Dutchess, 
Ulster  &  Orange  at  the  Posts  on  the  frontiers  of  the  two  Latter, 
&  as  they  come  in,  such  part  of  them  as  are  to  be  annexed  to  the 
cont'l  Batt'ns  he  is  to  forward  without  Delay  by  Detachments  to 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  851 

Albany  for  that  Purpose.  Colo.  Kensselaer  Will  immediately 
collect  &  make  out  proper  Returns  of  the  Levies,  designating 
therein  the  militia  Regt.,  from  which  they  were  raised,  &  the 
Places  where  they  are  stationed,  a  Copy  of  the  Orders  given  to 
Major  V.  Buntschoten,  together  with  such  farther  Orders  as  may 
be  necessary,  will  be  transmitted  to  Colo.  Renssalaer,  as  soon  as 
the  Levies  are  collected,  &  his  Regt.  is  formed,  to  accomplish 
which  the  Colo,  will  use  in  the  Mean  Time,  his  utmost  Influence 
and  exertions  with  the  militia  Officers  of  Albany  &  Tryon 

Counties. 

R,  Benson,  A.  D.  C. 


[No.  2320.] 
COLONEL  CORTLANDT  IN  THE  INDIAN  COUNTRY. 

Constructing  a  Road  for  the  Passage  of  the  Artillery  for  the  Sullivan 

Expedition. 

Great  Swamp  Wilderness,  of  the  Shades  of  Death  25  Miles  from 
Wyomen,  May  26,  1779. 

Dear  Sir;  By  an  Officer  passing  4o  your  State  have  Just  time 
to  Inform  you  of  the  good  Health  and  Spirits  of  the  Officers  and 
men  under  my  Command,  I  have  in  a  letter  Sent  by  Lieut. 
Livingston,  Informed  you  of  the  nature  of  the  Command  I  am 
order'd  upon,  which  is  to  make  a  Road  to  Wyomen,  for  the  trans- 
portation of  artilery,  which  is  Coming  in  with  Genl.  Sullivan  and 
now  (as  I  am  Informed)  at  Easton,  together  with  the  Jersie 
Brigade  and  hear  that  Genl.  Poor  is  on  his  march  for  this  also. 
I  have  little  to  Inform  you  of.  I  Just  Rec'd  a  Letter  from  Genl. 
Hand  who  is  at  Wyomen;  things  go  on  well  in  that  Quarter;  pro- 
visions are  Transported  up  the  Susquehana  and  meet  with  no 
obstruction  as  yet  from  the  Savages,  altho  Small  parties  are  Very 


852  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Frequently  Seen  near  the  fort,,  and  have  been  on  the  Path  from 
this  to  Wyomen,  but  have  not  as  yet  attempted  any  thing  to  the 
prejudice  of  my  partie.  However,  I  Expect  they  will  before  I 
have  Completed  the  work;  the  Danger  will  be  when  I  advance 
beyond  the  Swamp.  Shall  be  Very  Happy  to  Hear  from  you,  and 
how  affairs  go  with  Respect  to  the  Fruntiers  I  guarded  last 
winter.  Please  to  Direct  for  me,  to  the  Care  of  Colo.  Hooper,  D. 
Q.  M.  G.,  at  Easton,  who  will  forward  the  same;  with  my  best 

Respects  Remain  Your  Obt.  Hum'e  Ser't 

Philip  Cortlandt. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  2321.] 
George  Clinton's  Brief  Letter  to  James  Clinton. 

May  26,  1779. 

D'r  Brother,  I  have  rec'd  yours  of  the  22d  and  am  happy  to  find 

that  the  Dispatches  you  thought  had  miscarried  are  come  to  Hand. 

I  inclose  you  the  latest  acc'ts  I  have  rec'd  from  the  Southward 

&  westward.     Genl.  Ten  Broeck  will  communicate  to  you  the 

» 

orders  I  have  issued  in  Consequence,  thereof,  and  I  beg  you  will 
give  him  such  assistance  as  may  be  necessary  in  making  such 
Disposition  of  them  as  will  be  best  calculated  to  cover  the  Front- 
iers. Scohary  appears  to  me  in  the  most  immediate  Danger. 

Major  Van  Bunschoten  has  my  positive  orders  to  forward  with- 
out Delay,  by  Detachments,,  such  Proportion  of  the  Levies  from 
the  Southern  Counties  as  are  to  be  annexed  to  the  Continental 
Battalions,  and  I  have  Reason  to  expect  that  some  of  them  will 
arrive  at  Albany  before  this  reaches  you.  With  my  Compliments 

to  Mr.  &  Mrs.  Taylor  I  am  &c. 

[G.  0.] 
[To  Gon.  James  Clinton.] 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  853 

[No.  2322.] 

Soldiers  Complain  Because  of  the  Sufferings  of  Their  Families. 

Johnstown,  27th  May,  1779. 

Honored  Sir,  At  the  request  of  several  of  the  soldiers  of  our 
Regt.,  have  undertaken  to  inform  you  of  the  several  complaints 
made  to  me  by  them  of  the  starving  condition  their  Families  are 
in  at  home;  they  are  receiving  letters  from  them  daily,  informing 
of  them  that  unless  they  are  supply'd  with  provision  they  un- 
avoidably must  suffer;  also  the  thirty  pounds  allow'd  them  by  the 
state,  they  say,  they  have  not  received  it,  neither  do  they  know 
where  to  apply  for  the  same,  and  shou'd  be  exceedingly  glad  to 
know  from  your  Honor  where  to  apply  or  what  meathod  to  take 
so  as  to  come  at  the  same.  I  shou'd  not  have  troubled  your  Excel- 
lency with  the  matter  if  it  were  not  on  acc't  of  pacifying  the  men. 
I  was  fearfull  a  few  days  ago  that  they  wou'd  have  mutinied  on 
the  same  acc't.  I  prevaild  with  them  to  rest  easy  by  promissing 
them  that  I  wou'd  write  to  you  on  the  subject.  Have  nothing 
farther  meterial,  am  and  remain  Your  Most  Obt.  and  Verry  Hum. 

Servant 

Jag.  Rosekrans. 
His  Excellency,  Geo.  Clinton  Esqr. 


[No.  2323.] 

Governor     Clinton     Sends     Secret     Instructions     to     Commissary 

Elmendorph.  » 

.   May  28th  1779. 

Sir,  I  shall  have  occasion  for  Salt  Provision  and  hard  Bread  for 
about  600  Men  for  one  Month  to  be  at  Marbletown,  or  some  other 
Place,  contiguous  to  the  Frontiers  of  Ulster  County  without 
Delay.  You  will  please  to  let  me  know  with  all  possible  Dispatch 


854  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

what  Means  you  have  of  laying  in  this  email  Magazine,  &  within 
what  Time  it  can  be  completed,  and  I  will  transmit  you  my  further 
orders  on  the  Subject.  In  the  Interim  you  will  not  unnecessarily 
disclose  the  Contents  of  this  Letter.  I  have  only  to  add  that  his 
Excellency  Genl.  Washington  has  been  previously  consulted  and 

that  I  act  in  Consequence  of  his  Directions.    I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Coenraedt  Elmendorph  Esq.] 


[No.  2324.] 

Governor  Clinton  Makes  a  Proposition  to  Lieutenant-General  Jones, 
the  British  Commander  in  New  York  City. 

28th  May  1779. 

D'r  Sir,  Last  Evening  Capt.  North,  with  the  Ladies  [who]* 
lately  went  to  New  York  with  a  flag  returned  to  this  Place  greatly 
distressed]*  at  their  Disappointment,  My  Keason  for  sending 
Mrs.  Farren  to  you  before  granting  the  [permit]*  was  not  only 
to  know  whether  you  had  any  Objection  to  [  ]  *  going,  but  also 
whether  it  wou'd  be  proper  to  s[end]*  them  in,  without  previous 
notice  being  given  to  the  Command'g  Officer  at  New  York  &  his 
consent  obtained.  I  have  informed  her  that  I  had  rec'd  a  Letter 
from  Genl.  Jo[nes]*  last  winter  to  that  Effect.  I  care  not  how 
few  Flags  [  ]*  between  us  &  the  Enemy  &  cou'd  wish  that  they 
were  conf  [ined]*  to  military  matters.  However  as  some  of  these 

women  have  parted  with  all  their  family  necessary's,  &  the  others 

» 
are  exceedingly  anxious  to  see  their  Husbands  after  near  two 

y[ears]*  absence  in  Captivity,  I  have  been  induced  to  make  the 
enclosed  Proposals  [to]*  Genl.  Jones  which  you'l  be  pleased  to 
[send]*  to  him.  As  I  have  lately  written  to  S'r  Henry  Clinton 

*MSS.  torn. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  855 

on  the  above  Subject  [and  not]  *  as  yet  been  fav'd  with  an  answer, 
I  cannot  w'th  propriety  write  a  second.  Th[is]*  with  the  Impor- 
tunities of  the  Ladies  will  I  hope  be  a  sufficient]*  appology 

for  the  Trouble  I  give  you.     I  am  &c. 

Geo:  Clinton. 
The  hon'ble  M.  G.  McDougall. 


It  is  proposed,  if  agreed  to  by  the  Commander  Officer  at 
York,  to  permit  Mrs.  McFerron,  Miss  Nancy  McArthur,  Mrs. 
Byvanck,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Duncan,  with  two  small  Negro  Girls, 
and  the  Furniture,  wear'g  apparel  &  bedding  of  the  above  Per- 
sons, to  go  into  New  York  in  Exchange  for  the  wife  of  Uriah 
Mitchel,  at  Hempstead,  on  Long  Island,  her  Family  &  Effects,  the 
Child  of  Mr.  Morris  Hazard  &  his  Effects,  in  the  Hands  of  Ab'm 
Schenck,  Esqr.,  of  Long  Island  and  a  negro  Girl  and  the  Effects 
of  Jno.  Quackenboss  now  in  the  Hands  of  Mr.  David  Mallishaw 
in  N.  York  &  Mr.  Horn  at  Bloomingdale  in  N.  York.  It  is  also 
proposed,  if  agreed  to  as  above,  that  the  wives  of  Colo.  Mc- 
Claughry,  Major  Logan,  Leut.  Halsted  &  Lieut.  Brewster,  Officers, 
Prisoners  in  N.  York  or  on  Long  Island,  with  Mrs.  McMennomy 
to  attend  them,  be  permitted  by  the  same  Conveyance  to  visit 
their  Husbands  and  to  return.  It  might  have  reasonably  been 
expected  that  the  above  Persons  who  had  obtained  a  Flag  to  go 
to  New  York  &  actually  arrived  there,  would  have  been  received 
without  previous  Notice  &  Consent,  as  a  Sloop  was  lately  sent 
out  from  the  City  as  a  Flag  for  Families  in  the  Country  &  re- 
ceived, without  my  insisting  on  the  observance  of  such  Regula- 
tion, which  it  is,  however,  expected  will  be  complied  with  in 
Future. 

*MSS.  torn. 


856  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[No.  2325.] 
Johannes  Ball  Renders  an  Accounting. 

Schohary  May  29th  1779. 

Sir,  I  have  Received  your  letter  and  the  money  which  was 
Raised  or  granted  by  our  Legislature  for  the  Sufferrers  on  the 
western  fronteers  at  Cobis  Kill  by  the  Indians  and  tories,  and 
have  given  it  to  them  accorting  to  your  orders  to  the  best  of  my 
knowlelge.  I  have  Inclosed  the  Receits  of  them  in  my  letter. 
The  beoble  are  very  much  oblitge  to  his  Excellency  for  his  kint- 

ness.    I  am,  Sir,  your  most  obed.  Servend 

Johannes  Ball, 
to  his  Excellency  Govenor  Clinton. 

Schohary  May  29th  1779. 

Received  of  Johannes  Ball  the  Sum  of  fifty  four  tollers,  being 
money  which  is  granted  to  me  by  the  Legislature.  Goerge 
Werner;  fifty  four  tollers  Lorence  Lawyer;  Sixty  two  tollers 

his 

Adam  Schafer;  forty  four  tollers  George  GSM  Shelman;  Sixty 

msrk 

tollers  Johannes  Freimeyer;  forty  four  tollers   William  Snyter; 

tv- 

forty  Six  tollers  Nicolas  X  Werner;  forty  four  tollers 

mark 

being  Sufferrers  on  the  western  fronteers  of  Jacobes  Kill. 

Forty  Eight  tollers  Nicolas  ;  forty  four  tollers  John 

Bouck.  Being  Sufferers  on  the  western  fronteers  of  Jacobes 
Kill. 


[No.  2326.] 
A  British  Diversion  T'p  the  Hudson  River. 

Head  Quarters  Pecks  Kill  29th  May  1779. 
Patrick  Rogers  says  he  is  a  native  of  Ireland,  was  a  Corporal 
in  Lord  Cathcart's  Legion,  and  deserted*  this  morning  in  Com- 
pany with  two  others  of  the  same  Corps. 

*  See  pages  860  and  861. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  857 

He  Says,  that  Seventeenth  British  Regt.  of  Horse,  Lord  Cath- 
cart's  Legion,  Emerick's  Corps,  The  Hessian  Yagers,  Sincoes  the 
7th  23d  &  63d  British  Regts.  lay  on  this  side  the  Bridge  encamped 
from  Cortlandt's  to  Valentine's.  That  last  Evening  he  carried 
Orders  from  General  Kniphausen  to  Sir  William  Erskine  for  the 
Troops  mentioned  to  march  at  6  o'Clock  this  morning*.  That 
he  over  heard  Colonel  Emerick  read  the  Orders  which  mentioned 
that  all  the  Troops  on  this  side  the  Bridge  were  to  march  out  18 

•May  31.— Day  before  yesterday,  fifteen  hundred  men,  consisting  of  British  and  Hea- 
Bian  grenadiers,  light  infantry,  volunteers  of  Ireland  and  Yagers,  landed  on  Teller's 
Point,  eight  miles  below  Peekskill,  on  the  North  River,  and  the  following  day  another 
party  landed  on  the  west  side  of  the  river,  where  they  burnt  some  houses,  and 
opened  two  small  batteries,  from  which  they  threw  shells,  and  cannonaded  Fort  de  la 
Fayette  across  the  river,  all  day;  at  the  same  time  two  galleys  kept  up  a  severe  fire  on 
the  fort.  They  have  continued  their  firing  till  eleven  o'clock  to-day.  Meanwhile  their 
army  marched  from  Teller's  to  Verplanck's  Point,  on  which  the  fort  stands.  By  a  flag 
they  demanded  a  surrender;  the  parley  continued  two  hours,  when  Captain  Armstrong 
thought  fit  to  surrender.  General  McDougall  has  not  yet  received  a  justifiable  reason 
why  the  fort  was  given  up. 

This  little  fort  was  built  on  purpose  to  secure  King's  ferry  from  the  insults  of  the 
enemy's  vessels,  which  frequently  interrupted  the  American  boats  in  crossing.  It  was 
small,  and  would  contain,  with  conveniency,  about  a  company  of  men.  The  redoubt 
was  strong,  and  covered  a  barbette  battery,  mounting  three  pieces  of  cannon.  We  had 
In  the  barbette  a  company  of  artillery;  they  were  all  drawn  off  but  a  sergeant,  a  cor- 
poral, and  twelve  privates.  In  the  redoubt  were  a  captain,  two  subalterns,  three  ser- 
geants, and  forty-four  rank  and  file.  They  had  provisions  and  water  sufficient  to  serve 
them  thirty  days. — New  Jersey  Gazette,  Juno  9,  1779. 

A  British  officer  gives  the  following  account  of  this  affair: — "  On  Monday  morning,  the 
thirty-first  of  May,  part  of  the  army,  under  the  command  of  Major-General  Vaughan, 
landed  on  the  east  side  of  Hudson  River,  about  eight  miles  below  Verplanck's  Point. 
The  corps  intended  to  land  on  the  west  side,  under  his  excellency  the  commander-in- 
chief,  with  Major-General  Pattison,  proceeded  up  within  three  miles  of  Stony  Point, 
where  they  landed,  about  which  time  the  rebels,  who  had  &  block-house  and  some 
unfinished  works  on  a  height  of  that  point,  commanding  the  ferry,  as  well  as  Fort 
la  Fayette  on  the  east  side  of  the  river,  set  fire  to  the  block-house,  and  ran  off  to  the 
mountains.  That  corps,  about  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  continued  their  march 
round,  and  took  possession  of  the  heights;  during  this  time  the  galleys  fired  some  shot 
at  Fort  la  Fayette,  on  the  east  side  of  Verplanck's  Point;  these  were  returned  from  the 
fort,  which  was  a  small  but  complete  work.  Artillery  was  now  necessary  in  order  to 
expedite  the  business;  his  excellency  the  general  ordered  Major-General  Pattison  to 
command  the  troops  and  carry  on  the  attack.  In  the  night,  the  artillery  for  that  ser- 
vice, notwithstanding  great  difficulties  from  a  bad  landing  place  and  a  very  steep  preci- 
pice, were  got  up,  and  batteries  completed  by  five  o'clock  in  the  morning,  when  orders 
were  given  for  firing  upon  the  enemy's  works;  which,  notwithstanding  the  great  dis- 
tance, was  soon  perceived  to  be  effectual.  The  galleys  and  batteries  continued  the 
cannonade  about  two  hours,  when  the  main  body,  under  Major-General  Vaughan,  hav- 
ing made  a  detour  and  approached  the  fort,  the  commander- in-chief  being  there  In  per- 
son, sent  orders  to  General  Pattison  and  the  galleys  to  cease  firing,  the  enemy  having 
surrendered;  they  laid  down  their  arms,  became  prisoners  of  war,  and  on  Thursday 
morning  arrived  in  New  York. 

"  The  commodore  had.  previous  to  the  attack,  ordered  up  the  Vulture  sloop-of-war 
above  the  fort,  with  a  row-galley,  which  prevented  the  enemy's  retreat  from  the  fort." — 
Gaine's  Mercury,  June  7,  1779. 


858  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

miles  into  the  Country  with  their  Tents  &  Baggage  and  there 
encamp. 

That  the  British  and  Hessian  Grenadiers,  British  Light  Infan- 
try &  17th  Foot  were  to  march  to  Williams's  Bridge  with  Tents 
&ca.  and  there  encamp.  That  the  Hessian  Guards  and  44  British 
Regtv  &  Robinson's  Corps,  with  Capt'n  Sandford's  independant 
Troop  of  Horse  were  to  do  the  Duty  on  New  York  Island.  That 
a  serjeant  of  his  own  Corps  told  him  he  Saw  two  Brigades  Con- 
sisting of  6  Regiments  embark  at  New  York  on  the  27"  Instant 
and  that  they  sailed  the  Day  following  up  to  Fort  Washington, 
and  that  he  heard  several  Guns  fired  from  the  ships,  and  that  it 
was  reported  they  were  going  to  attack  some  Fort  up  the  River. 


[No.  2327.] 

Governor  CUnton  Lays  Before  Congress  Papers  on  the  Vermont 

Affair. 

May  29"  1779. 

Sir,  You  will  perceive  from  the  inclosed  Papers*  that  what  I 
have  long  expected  and  frequently  apprized  Congress  of,  has 
actually  happened.  These  Papers  which  need  no  Comment,  I 
have  transmitted  to  your  Excellency  by  Express,  with  an  earnest 
Request  that  you  will  please  immediately  to  lay  it  before  Con- 
gress. 

Altho'  this  matter  will  scarce  admit  of  a  moment's  Delay  yet 
as  the  Legislature  are  to  meet  on  Tuesday  next,  I  shall  defer 
taking  any  decisive  measures  except  issuing  the  necessary  orders 
to  the  militia  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness  until  I  can  have  an 
Opportunity  of  obtaining  their  advice  and  Direction. 

[G.  0.] 
[To  President  Jay.] 

*See  page  846. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLIXTOX.  859 

[No.  2328.] 
CIVIL  WAR  THREATENED. 

Governor  Clinton  Notifies  the  New  York  Delegates  in  Congress  of  His 
Determination  to  Repel  the  Vermont  Outrage. 

May  29,  1779. 

Gent'n;  I  have  by  the  same  Conveyance  with  this,  dispatched 
an  Official  Letter  to  the  President,  covering  a  Copy  of  Letter  I 
this  moment  received  from  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of 
Cumberland  County  to  which  I  must  refer  you  for  particulars. 

I  presume  it  is  unnecessary  to  inform  you  that  the  Vermont 
Business  is  now  arrived  at  a  Crisis,  or  to  urge  any  arguments  to 
induce  your  utmost  Exertions  in  obtaining  the  Sence  of  Congress 
without  Delay. 

The  Legislature  will  meet  on  Tuesday  next,  and  in  the  mean 
time  I  shall  issue  my  orders  to  the  militia  and  make  the  necessary 
arrangements  for  marching  to  repel  this  Outrage.  I  shall  also 
conceive  it  my  Duty  to  order  the  1000  men  destined  for  the  De- 
fence of  the  Frontiers  and  to  compleat  the  Continental  Battalions, 
except  such  small  Part  as  are  already  annexed  to  those  Regi- 
ments to  march  to  Brattleborough  for  the  Protection  of  that  and 
the  adjacent  Towns  unless  the  Interposition  of  Congress  sh'd 
render  this  measure  unnecessary.  It  doubtless  will  occur  to  you 
that  the  Legislature  will  be  extremely  impatient  for  an  Answer 
from  Congress.  I  must,  therefore,  request  you  the  moment  it  is 

obtained  to  forward  it  by  a  special  messenger. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  New  York  Delegates  in  Congress.] 


[No.  2329.] 
Major  Cochran's  Land  Grant  Application. 

May  29"  1779. 

Sir,  I  have  rec'd  your  Petition  of  the  18"  May  and  as  no  Land 
Office  is  yet  established  within  the  State,  I  shall  take  the  earliest 


860  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Opportunity  of  laying  it  before  the  Legislature  at  their  next 
Meeting  (which  commences  on  Tuesday  next).  Whatever  Resolu- 
tions they  may  enter  into  in  Consequence  of  it,  I  will  immediately 
transmit  you,  not  doubting  that  they  will  pay  proper  attention 
at  all  Times  to  the  Interest  and  applications  of  the  Gentlemen  of 

the  army  &  am  &c. 

[G.  0.] 
[To  Major  Cochran.] 


[Nos.  2330-2331.*] 
MOVEMENTS  OF  THE  ENEMY. 

General  McDougall  Forwards  an  Important  Communication  from 

Major  Hat  field. 

Head-Quarters  Pecks  Kill  30th  May  1779,  12  A.  M. 
Sir,  I  received  your  favor  with  an  inclosure,  directed  to  Lieut. 
General  Jones.  Neither  time,  or  the  Service  will  permit  my  at- 
tending to  if  which  you  will  see  by  the  Inclosures.  The  Deserterf 
whose  examination  is  inclosed,  qame  in  last  night ;  the  other  In- 
telligence came  in  this  morning.  The  Commander  in  Chief  in- 
forms me,  the  Enemy  have  been  embarking  Shells  and  other  mili- 
tary Stores,  in  New-York,  for  several  Days  past.  It  is  certain  he 
is  now  at  the  Plains,  in  very  considerable  force.  Frequent  calls 
of  Alarm,  on  the  militia  may  prevent  their  turning  out  when  they 
are  wanted.  However,  in  the  present  State  of  the  Enemy,  it  is 
necessary  they  shou'd  be  provided  with  a  Week's  Provision,  and 
ready  to  march  on  the  shortest  notice.  I  fear  it  will  be  impractic- 
able to  remove,  all  the  Stores  at  Fish-Kill,  as  the  Teams  of  the 
Country  will  be  necessary  to  collect  Provision.  We  must  fight 
for  them.  There  are  two  Brigades  of  Good  Troops  at  the  Point 

'This  document  and  the  one  following  have  been  reversed  from  the  original  number- 
ing in  the  MSS.  and  consolidated  for  reasons  that  will  appear  obvious. — STATE  HIS- 
TORIAN. 

tSee  page  856. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  861 

two  here  and  Parsons  ordered  to  march  to  these  Posts.     I  am  in 

haste  Your  affectionate  humble  Servant 

Alex'r  McDougall. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton. 

MAJOR  HATFIELD'S  REPORT  TO-  GENERAL  MCDOUGALL. 

South  Salem  29th  May  1779,  12  o'clock  at  night. 
Sir,  I  this  moment  arrived  to  this  place  from  Bedford  which  I 
left  about  10  o'Clock  this  night  being  immediately  after  Intelli- 
gence came  there  of  the  Enemy's  having  got  to  the  White  Plains. 
This  news  was  told  me  by  a  man  who  came  from  near  the  Head 
of  the  Plains  who  received  his  Intelligence  from  one  Fisher  near 
that  Place  who  was  taken  Prisoner  by  the  Enemy's  Light  Horse 
a  little  before  Sun  Set  this  Day  but  made  his  escape.  This  Fisher 
informed  that  he  heard  the  Enemy's  Drums  at  that  time  a  little 
West  of  the  White  Plains  and  was  told  by  the  Light  Horse  their 
force  consisted  of  12,000  but  from  the  Intelligence  this  morning 
received  at  Bedford  of  three  Deserters  from  the  Enemy  who  has 
(I  dare  say)  informed  you  respecting  their  force  I  think  their  num- 
ber is  much  less.  As  I  have  reason  to  think  from  the  secret  move- 
ment of  the  Enemy  that  you  have  not  received  Intelligence  of 
their  arrival  at  the  White-Plains  thought  it  my  Duty  to  give  this 
Information.  An  account  of  this  is  dispatched  to  General  Par- 
sons. I  am  sir  yr.  Obd.  Serv't 

Richard  Hatfleld. 
Copy 

Major  General  McDougall. 


[No.  2332.] 

The  New  Levies  and  the  Ulster  Frontier — Major   Van   Benscoten's 
Disposition  of  His  Forces. 

Rochester,  May  29th,  1779. 

May  it  please  your  Excellency,  On  my  Journey  to  Peenpack,  I 
was  taken  with  a  great  illness,  which  obliges  me  to  keep  my  room 


862  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

ever  since  my  return.  Having  no  officers  at  this  place,  but  the 
adjutant,  makes  the  Duty  very  hard  to  me.  Lieut.  Wesbrook  at 
Laghawack  dus  not  incline  to  serve  any  longer,  then  to,  he  is 
reliev'd  by  another  officer.  Please  your  Excellency,  order  one 
Captain,  and  Subaltern  to  this  place.  Lieut.  Ostrander,  with 
fifty  five  Men,  have  march'd  to  Albany;  at  his  return  I  have 
order'd  him  to  relieve  Lieut.  McBride,  and  take  Charge  of  the 
Levies  of  Dutchess  County,  and  Lieut.  McBride  to  repair  to  this 
place.  In  pursuance  of  your  Excellencies  Orders  to  me  directed, 
I  have  taken  my  Instructions  from  Coll.  Cantine,  in  fixing  the 
men  to  Different  Posts.  They  are  as  follows;  Captain  Wood  with 
fifty  Men,  at  two  posts  in  Peenpack;  Lieut.  Pawling  with  Twenty 
five  Men,  at  Mama-Catten;  Twenty  Men  of  Coll.  Cantine's  at 
Lunen  Kill;  Twenty  Men  at  Nepenack;  Fifteen  at  Wasing;  one 
Sergant,  and  Twenty  Men  at  the  Stores  at  Brown's;  one  sergt. 
and  Twelve  Men  at  Van  Horn's  Mills;  Fifty  Men  at  Laghawack; 
Fifty  Men  at  Shan-Deaken;  I  am,  with  great  respect,  Your  Ex- 
cellencies, most  Obed't  hum'e  Serv't 

E.  V.  Benseoten. 

His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton,  Poughkeepsie. 


GOVERNOR  CLINTON'S  REPLY. 

Poukeepsie  31"  May  1779. 

Dear  Sir,  I  have  rec'd  your  Letter  of  the  29"  Inst.  &  am  ex- 
tremely sorry  for  your  Indisposition  especially  when  your  Country 
may  require  your  most  active  Exertions.  Capt.  Faulkener  has 
rec'd  his  Commission  and  is  ordered  to  join  the  Levies  under  your 
Command;  one  other  Capt.,  and  a  Lieut.,  in  Albany  County  are 
also  commissioned  and  are  to  join  Colo.  Renselaer.  These  are  the 
only  Officers  among  the  many  appointed  by  the  Council  who  have 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON.  863 

accepted.  Colo.  Renselaer  is  appointed  to  take  the  Command  of 
one  of  the  Regts.,  of  the  Levies  but  as  he  is  now  at  Albany  and  as 
those  Troops  will  be  so  distributed  along  the  Frontiers  as  to 
render  it  impossible  for  two  Field  Officers  to  pay  the  necessary 
attention  to  the  different  Passes  to  be  guarded,  and  as  the  Duty 
will  become  more  burthensome  by  Detachments  from  the  Militia, 
being  frequently  called  out,  I  have  thought  it  necessary  also  to 
issue  Major  Pawling  his  Commission  as  Lieut.  Colo.,  which  I  have 
not  the  least  Doubt  will  be  agreable  to  you. 

As  soon  as  proper  Persons  can  be  found  for  subalterns  I  will 
have  them  appointed,  and  you  will  of  Course  be  enabled  to  relieve 

Mr.  McBride  and  order  him  to  the  Frontiers. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Major  Van  Benscoten.] 


[No.  2333.] 
Captain  Stockwell  Sends  in  a  Report  from  Skeenesboro. 

Skenesborough,  May  the  30th  1779. 

Sir,  I  inclose  you  a  Return  of  what  men  I  have,  joined  my  Com- 
pany, and  a  acount  of  what  Regt.  from  the  resons  I  have  not  my 
Full  Goto  I  Cannot  tel  without  it  is  Neglect  of  the  Colonels. 
Sir,  agreable  to  my  Derection  from  General  Schuyler,  I  took  Post 
at  this  place  the  6  of  May,  but  with  very  few  men,  but  Have  had 
more  joind  sence;  my  orders  was  to  send  one  Lieut.,  and  27  men  to 
fort  Edward  which  I  sent  17  but  as  Duty  is  very  Hard  here  I 
should  be  glad  that  part  of  my  Company  Could  join  me.  Sir,  I 
should  be  glad  to  no  in  what  form  the  pay  for  my  men  Can  be 
got,  whether  by  proper  pay  roles,  or  abstracks  to  the  Pay  master; 
likwise  to  no,  who  is  my  Colonel  that  I  may  Communicate  to  him. 
I  have  wrote  General  Tenbrock  several  Times  Concerning  the 
men  from  his  breggade.  I  have  Scouts  Constantly  on  both  sides 


864  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

of  the  lake  as  fair  as  Crown  Pint  but  Can  make  no  Discoveries  as 
yet;  I  have  no  Remarable  Currences  To  inform  you  of,  but  Remain 

Your  very  humble  Ser't 

Levi  Stockwell. 

To  His  Excellency  George  Clinton,  Esq.,  Govennor  &  Commander 
of  the  State  of  New  York. 


Skenes  Borough. 

A  Return  of  Capt.  Levi  Stockwell  Company  of  New  Leavise, 
Rased  for  the  Northly  &  westly  frounttears  &  acount  From 
whome  I  have  Receivd  them. 

Cornels 

Cornels  Yats men  13 

Cornels  Vanwort  men  14 

Cornels  McCray men  17 

Cornels  Webster  .  men  13 


Total  57 

/ 

Levi  iStockwell.  Capt. 

[No.  2334.] 
Commissary  Elmendorph  Reports  Progress. 

Kingston  30th  May  1779. 

Sir,  I  Last  night  Receiv'd  yours  of  the  28th.  The  Stores  at 
Warsinck  Have  bin  Intirely  out  of  Salt  provisions,  though  I  Have 
yesterday  Receiv'd  150  Barrels  Beef  from  Albany,  part  of  which 
may  answer  your  Intended  purpose,  I  Have  this  morning,  Sent 
an  Express  to  Albany  to  forward  100  Barrels  more,  which  I  think 
will  Be  Sufficient  with  the  beef  now  on  hand,  if  no  more  Could  be 
Spared  there;  I  understand  Mr.  Read  at  Sharon  Has  a  Large 
Stock  On  Hand.  I  think  It  would  be  advisable  for  your  Excel- 
lency to  order  100  Barrels  from  there  to  Major  Redley's  Store; 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  865 

if  the  Beef  from  Albany  arrives  It  may  be  forwarded  from  there 
to  any  other  Post  on  the  River.  As  for  Hard  Bread,  I  Have  yet 
Ninety  Barrels  and  three  tierces  on  hand,  and  if  any  more  Should 
be  wanted  It  Can  Soon  be  Baked.  I  am,  Sir,  Your  most  obed't 

Humb'e  Sert 

Coenraedt  J.  Elmendorph,  A.  C.  P. 

To  His  ExcelFcy  George  Clinton. 


[No.  2335.] 
Major  Albert  Pawling  Receives  His  Commission  of  Li  ut^n  ant  Colonel. 

May  31"  1779,  Pokeepsie. 

Dear  Sir,  Altho'  Colo.  Renselaer  has  accepted  of  his  appointm't 
to  the  Command  of  one  of  the  Regt.  of  Levies,  raised  for  the 
Frontiers,  considering  the  Duties  these  Troops  will  have  to  per- 
form and  that  they,  will  be  greatly  dispersed  by  Reason  of  the 
different  Posts  to  be  occupied  by  them  to  give  Security  to  the 
Frontier  Settlem'ts,  I  have  thought  it  necessary  to  issue  your 
Commission  also  which  I  have  the  Honor  now  to  inclose  you. 
You  will  please,  therefore,  to  accept  of  it  &  for  the  present  take 
under  your  Command  the  Levies  now  on  the  Frontiers  of  Ulster 
and  Orange  Counties,  with  such  Detachm'ts  of  the  Militia  as 
may  from  Time  to-  Time  be  ordered  out  for  the  Defence  of  the 
Frontiers  of  those  Counties,  not  hav'g  a  Colo,  to  command  them. 
You  will  follow  the  Instructions  heretofore  given  to  Major  Van 
Bunschoten,  and  as  I  have  directed  Colo.  Renselaer  to  make  me 
a  Return  of  the  Levies  at  the  different  Posts,  you  will  furnish 
him  with  a  Return  of  those  under  your  more  immediate  Com- 
mand. You  will  please  to  call  upon  Colo.  Cantine  for  my  orders 
to  him,  founded  upon  Intelligence  of  the  movem'ts  of  the  Enemy 
rec'd  yesterday.  I  have  not  the  least  Doubt  but  the  most  friendly 
understanding  will  prevail  between  you  &  Major  Van  Bunscho- 
55 


866  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

ten,  and  that  proper  attention  will  be  paid  to  him  as  a  Person  in 
whose  Bravery  &  Conduct  I  have  great  Confidence.    I  am,  D'r 

Sir  &c. 

[G.  O.] 
[To  Major  Albert  Pawling.] 


[No.  2336.] 
Preparations  for  Meeting  the  Enemy. 

31st  May  1779  Pokeepsie. 

Sir;  I  have  received  your  Letter  of  yesterday  with  its  Inclo- 
sures;  in  Consequence  of  which  I  have  written  Letters  to  the 
command'g  Officers  of  the  militia  of  Ulster,  Dutchess  and  Orange 
(a  Copy  of  which  I  inclose).  The  Orders  alluded  to,  designated 
your  Signals  of  alarm,  directed  them  to  hold  their  different  Corps 
in  the  most  perfect  Keadiness  at  a  minute's  warning;  rhose  of 
Dutchess  County  to  rendezvous  at  Fishkill  and  to  join  the  Troops 
under  your  immediate  Command,  those  of  Ulster  &  Oranje  s  ich 
Companies  excepted  as  are  to  guard  the  Frontiers)  to  march  to 
West  Point.  The  militia  of  West  Chester  by  my  former  Orders 
on  such  movement  of  the  Enemy  as  sh'd  render  it  necessary,  were 
to  join  your  army  of  which,  when  you  shall  judge  it  requisite, 
you  will  please  to  remind  them  and  give  them  the  necessary 
Orders. 

You'l  please  to  continue  to  give  me  the  earliest  Intelligence  of 
the  Enemy's  Movements  that  I  may  be  able  to  direct  such  aid  as 

I  can  afford  you  to  the  proper  Points.     I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 

P.  S.    With  respect  to  the  Proposals  directed  to  Genl.  Joms  I 
have  only  to  request  that  when  you  are  at  Leisure  &  the  public 
Service  will  admit  of  it,  to  forward  them  as  I  wo'd  be  sorry  if  the 
People  concerned  sho'd  meet  with  Disappointment. 
[To  Gen.  McDougall  ] 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  867 

[No.  2337.] 
Signals  for  Alarm. 

Whenever  the  enemy  appear  in  Force  on  Hudson's  River,  the 
Commanding  Officer  at  West  Point,  will  order  three  of  the  heavi- 
est Cannon  at  that  Post,  to  be  fired,  five  Minutes  after  each  other. 
These  will  be  answered  at  New-Windsor,  by  firing  the  like  num- 
ber, at  the  above  distance.  Then  three  Cannon  will  also  be  dis- 
charged at  the  Artillery  Park  at  Fish  Kill;  at  the  like  intermis- 
sion.* 


[No.  2338.] 

Governor  Clinton  Directs  Commissary  Elmendorph  to  Rely  on  His 

Own  Resources. 

Pokeepsie  May  31"  1779. 

Sir;  I  have  rec'd  your  Letter  of  yesterday.  I  do  not  think  it 
will  be  convenient  to  order  any  Salt  Provision  from  Mr.  Keed  as 
all  that  he  is  possessed  of  will  be  wanted  for  the  Posts  in  the 
Highlands.  I  have  given  you  the  Number  of  Men  and  the  iSpace 
of  Time  for  which  they  are  to  be  provided;  you  must  make  the 
necessary  Calculations  and  lay  in  accordingly.  I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Commissary  Coenraedt  J.  Elmendorph.] 


[No.  2339.] 
FORTY  BRITISH  SAIL  REPORTED. 

And  the  Commissary  and  Quartermaster  Departments  More  or  Less 

Disconcerted. 

Fish  Kill  31  May  1779  1  P.  M. 

Sir,   Enclosed  is  the  last  intelligence  I  have  rec'd,   which  I 
thought  it  necessary  to  communicate  to  your  Excellency  by  ex- 

*  See  preceding  document. 


868  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

press.     You  shall  hear  from  me  frequently;  if  there  is  any  news 
of  consequence  arrives.     I  am  w'h  respect,  Your  Excellency's, 

most  obed.  Ser't, 

Udny  Hay. 

I  am  just  beginning  to  move  off  the  stores  from  this;  if  lost  the 
damage  cannot  be  repaird  this  Campaign;  that  makes  me  more 
carefull. 

If  I  mistake  not  much,  there  is  a  pass  about  three  miles  below 
this,  where  a  redoubt  may  be  thrown  up  in  a  short  time,  in  which 
three  hundred  men  w'h  half  a  Doz'n  pieces  of  Artillery  (which  we 
have  here)  would  be  able  to  retard  the  whole  Enemy's  army  a 

considerable  time. 

U.  Hay. 
Governour  Clinton. 


Sir,  This  moment  I  have  had  Intellegence  of  the  enemy;  there 
is  forty  Sail  of  Shipping  in  the  river  Coming  as  fast  as  the  wind 
will  drive;  its  GenL.McDougall's  Orders  the  Stores  here  are  moved 
Immediately  and  I  have  not  a  team  to  do  it  with;  if  it  is  in  your 
power  to  Send  any  relief  for  Heaven's  Sake  let  it  be  Sent  without 

the  loss  of  time.     I  can  make  Shift  to  get  away  my  public  ac- 
• 
counts  and  that  will  be  all.     While  writing  this  two  alarm  Guns 

is  fired  at  Kings  Ferry.    I  am,  Sir,  Your  H'ble  Serv't 

Danl.  Carthy,  for  John  Campbell,  A.  D.  Q.  M.  G. 
Cont'l  Village  31st  May  1779.      (a  Copy) 

Col.  Hay  D.  Q.  M.  G. 

» 

THE    GOVERNOR    ASKS    FOR    THE    EARLIEST    ACCOUNTS   OF    THE 
MOVEMENTS  OF  THE  ENEMY. 

5  P.  M.  [May  31,  1779.] 

Sir,  I  have  rec'd  your  Letter  of  Today  containing  Intelligence 
of  the  Enemy's  approach.  I  sho'd  be  glad  you  wo'd  continue  to 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  869 

give  me  the  earliest  accounts  of  their  future  Movements.     The 
Militia  have  my  Orders  to  assemble  at  the  Posts  on  the  Firing  of 

the  alarm  Guns.     I  am  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Col.  Hay.] 

[No.  2340.] 
THE  FORT  AT  KINGS  FERRY  ATTACKED. 

Colonel  Udny  Hay  Begs  for  Teams  and  Governor  Clinton  on  the 
Way  Down  with  Militia. 

Fishkill,  May  31th  1779. 

Sir;  I  have  Just  now  been  inform'd  by  Col.  Hay  that  the  Enemy 
have  ben  up  to  Kings  Ferry  and  Attacked  the  fort  and  in  all 
provibility  they  must  have  Surrendered  and  are  now  on  thare 
March  to  Peecks  Kill.  I  am,  Sir,  your  humble  Ser't 

Udny  Hay. 
4  O'Clock  Afternoon. 

Lett  me  entreat  your  influence  in  sending  us  down  Teams  imme- 
diately. 
His  Excellency  Governour  Clinton. 


GOVERNOR  CLINTON  PROMISES  ASSISTANCE. 

[May  31,  1779.] 

Sir,  I  have  been  favored  "with  your  second  Letter  of  Today,  Colo. 
Swarthout  has  my  most  positive  Orders  to  assist  you  with  all  the 
Teams  in  his  Brigade.  I  mean  to  be  down  Tomorrow  with  the 
militia  and  I  will  direct  them  to  impress  all  the  Teams  that  can  be 
obtained.  In  the  mean  Time  you  will  highly  oblige  me  by  Con- 
tinu'g  to  give  every  Intelligence  you  may  receive.  I  am  endeavor- 
ing to  get  out  the  Militia  with  all  possible  Dispatch  and  hope  to 

take  down  a  very  considerable  Force.     I  am  &c. 

[G.  €.] 
[To  Col.  Hay.] 


870        PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

[Nos.  2341-2342.] 
THE  ENEMY  REPORTED  IN  GREAT  FORCE. 

General  McDougall  Anxious  for  the  Stores — Governor  Clinton  Orders 
Out  Teams  and  the  Militia.        , 

Fish  Kill  31  May  1779  8  P.  M. 

Sir,  Matters  appear  to  remain  much  as  by  my  last  this  afternoon, 
I  suppose  the  enclosed*  contain  more  particular  accounts  than 
I  can  give;  We  have  no  Horses  to  remove  our  Ammunition  or 
Artillery.  The  Country  is  really  tardy.  You  may  depend  on 
hearing  from  me  whenever  any  thing  happens  worth  relating.  I 
wish  you  coud  take  a  view  of  the  ground  below  this.  I  am  w'h 

respect,  Your  Excellency's,  most  obed't  Ser't, 

Udny  Hay. 
Governour  Clinton. 


THE  GOVERNOR  TO  COLONEL  H!AY. 

10  Cl'k  night  May  31"  1779. 

Sir,  I  have  rec'd  yours  of  8  P.  M.  inclos'g  one  from  Genl. 
McDougal;  it  is  dated  at  5  P.  M.  it  gives  no  other  acc't  than  that 
the  Enemy  with  35  large  vessels  and  a  Number  of  Flat  Bottomed 
Boats  were  up  as  far  as  Tellar's  Point,  where  they  had  landed  ab't 
1900  men  and  a  few  at  Haverstraw;  that  they  were  in  great 
Force  and  had  not  then  passed  Kings  Ferry.  I  have  this  Evening 
issued  Orders  and  sent  them  by  Express  to  the  militia,  to  turn 
out  all  their  Teams  with  unarmed  Tories  as  Drivers,  and  to  hurry 
them  down  to  Fish  Kill  with  the  greatest  Dispatch,  but  I  imagine 
they  will  not  be  there  before  Tomorrow  afternoon ;  those  ordered 
by  Colo.  Swarthout  may  arrive  earlier.  You  may  rely  on  my  best 

Exertions  to  assist  you,  and  believe  me  &c. 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Col.  Hay.] 

*See  McDougall  to  Governor  Clinton,  page  following. 


PUBLIC  PAPERS  OP  GEORGE  CLINTON.  871 

GENERAL  McDouGALL  REPORTS  TO  THE  GOVERNOR  AND  ASKS  FOR 

His  ADVICE. 

Village  31st  May  1779  5  P.  M. 

Sir,  I  have  this  moment  received  your  favor  of  this  day.  The 
enemy  have  advanced  up  the  River  in  about  thirty  five  large 
vessels,  and  a  great  number  of  flatt  Bottomed  Boats,  as  far  as 
Tallar's  Point,  where  they  have  landed  about  1500  Men,  and  a  few 
at  Haverstraw.  They  are  in  great  force,  and  they  have  not  yet 
passed  Kings  Ferry.  Tomorrow  I  suppose,  they  will  pass,  their 
force  must  be  very  considerable.  The  Succours  of  Militia,  for 
the  Point,  should  be  expedited  without  delay.  Considering  the 
State  of  the  Stores,  and  other  Circumstances  on  this  Side,  I  am  in 
doubt  about  the  propriety  of  taking  the  Command  at  West  Point. 
The  duty  there  is  plain,  but  on  this  Side  very  complex.  If  I  am 
locked  up  there,  I  can  be  of  no  Service,  but  on  the  Spot.  I  wish 
for  your  advice  on  this  Subject,  when  you  write  again.  I  am, 

My  Dear  Sir,  your  humble  Servant 

Alex'r  McDougalL* 
His  Excellencv  Governor  Clinton. 


[No.  2343.] 

THE  MILITIA  ON  THE  WEST  BANK  ORDERED  OUT. 
Governor  Clinton  Believes  the  Objective  of  the  Enemy  is  FishMll. 

Pokeepsie,  10  Cl'  Night,  May  31"  1779. 

,Dear  Sir,  I  have  just  rec'd  your  Letter  dated  5  P.  M.  I  am 
using  every  Exertion  in  my  Power  to  get  the  militia  of  this  County 
out  to  Fish  Kill  to  which  Place  I  mean  to  repair  myself  Tomorrow. 
I  have  forwarded  Orders  this  morning  to  the  Militia  on  the  west 
Side  of  the  River  to  march  to  the  Forts  on  the  Firing  of  the  alarm 
Guns,  and  as  these  were  distinctly  heard  at  this  Place,  I  have  no 

•These  documents  have  been  consolidated  for  reasons  that  will  appear  obvious. — STATE 
HISTORIAN. 


872  PUBLIC  PAPERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 

Doubt  but  they  are  now  on  their  march.  However,  I  shall  again 
repeat  my  Orders  and  make  use  of  every  possible  means  to  ex- 
pedite their  arrival  at  those  Posts. 

It  is  clearly  my  Opinion  every  Thing  considered,  that  you  ought 
not  to  be  in  the  Fort,  if  you  have  Officers  there  in  whose  valor 

and  Prudence  you  can  place  Confidence,  for  I  conceive  it  is  prob- 
E* 
able  that  the  Destruction  of  the  public  Stores  at  Fish  Kill,  (which 

I  am  informed  are  very  valuable  and  that  their  Loss  would  be 
irreparable),  are  as  likely  to  be  their  Object;  however,  of  this  you 

are  best  judge.     I  wish  you  heartilv  success,  and  am, 

[G.  C.] 
[To  Gen.  McDougall.] 


PUBLIC  PAI-ERS  OF  GEORGE  CLINTON. 


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